Press Release

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2007--The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Human Rights Campaign today announced their first annual Healthcare Leadership Award recipient - Mark T. Bertolini, President of Aetna Inc. The Healthcare Leadership Award will be presented this year at a special luncheon at the 2007 Out & Healthy Conference and Expo in Washington, DC on Friday, November 2nd.

Mr. Bertolini's position at Aetna includes oversight and responsibility for all businesses and service operations across Aetna's broad range of health care products. Aetna received 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, which rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees, consumers and investors.

The Out & Healthy Leadership Award honors the person, persons or organization who has shown deep commitment and leadership for LGBT equality in the health care system. Mr. Bertolini has encouraged Aetna's support for LGBT-related organizations and events, and the development of policy positions, products and programs that serve the needs of the LGBT community as a part of Aetna's senior leadership team since 2003.

This support has included the packaging of health care plans and products for the LGBT community; work with the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association to improve the access to health care and quality of care for Aetna's LGBT members; expansion of domestic partner coverage; and support of federal and state policies for inclusion and fair practice. Mr. Bertolini is also the executive sponsor of the Aetna Network for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Employees.

"We know that many of the health care needs of American LGBT employees are not addressed in the current health care delivery system," said Justin G. Nelson, co-founder and president of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. "We commend Mr. Bertolini's commitment to providing affordable health care for the LGBT community, and we much appreciate his loyal support of the LGBT segment, both in and out of his work at Aetna."

"This award is both an honor, and an indication that Aetna is making positive and needed changes in our industry, for the good of the community," Mr. Bertolini said. "We at Aetna will continue to work closely with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Human Rights Campaign, as well as other organizations, to learn ways we can better address the unique needs of the LGBT community."

Bertolini has championed the work being done in many areas of Aetna, from Human Resources to Local Market Initiatives, to serve the needs of the LGBT community. These include:

    --  Assessment of important aspects of health care plans, such as
        disease and medical management, wellness and behavioral
        health, to ensure they are meeting the needs of the LGBT
        community.

    --  Alliances with important organizations such as the National
        Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; the Human Rights Campaign;
        Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; Gay and
        Lesbian Medical Associations; and others.

    --  Efforts to improve access to health care and quality of care
        for our LGBT members such as making it easier for members to
        readily find LGBT-knowledgeable providers.

    --  Support of community events such as the New York GLBT Expo,
        NYC GLBT Center Pride Month event, Philadelphia GLBT Medical
        Conference, a number of local AIDS walks and other community
        activities.

    About the Out & Healthy Conference and Expo

The Out & Healthy Conference and Expo will offer data, case studies and dialog on the future of health care delivery to, and business opportunities in, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) segments. The Conference and Expo will also provide an opportunity for companies to learn about primary health issues in the LGBT segment and solutions to fill the gaps. The NGLCC and HRC are jointly hosting the Out & Healthy Conference.

"Due to incomplete and often inadequate state laws, differing hospital policies and widely varying health care provider knowledge about LGBT health concerns, there are many challenges to guaranteeing appropriate and equal health treatment for LGBT people," said Ellen Kahn, Director of HRC's Family Project. "Our aim is to encourage the adoption of standards that promote quality and reduce discrimination in all health care delivery systems."

About the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world. The NGLCC represents the interests of more than 800,000 LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs and is committed to forming a broad-based coalition of LGBT owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and students of business for the purpose of promoting economic growth and the prosperity of its members.

About the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About Aetna

Aetna (NYSE:AET) is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 34.9 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans in both the U.S. and internationally. www.aetna.com

    CONTACT: NGLCC
             Felicia Powers, 202-419-0440
             fpowers@nglcc.org

    SOURCE: Aetna