Vital Savings by Aetna^® gives you access to savings on a wide array services including dental, pharmacy and long-term care. Some highlights of the program include:

• No claim forms
• No deductibles or maximums
• No frequency limitations
• No waiting periods
• No age restrictions
• No pre-existing condition exclusions

Within 48 hours of receiving your payment, a membership kit will be sent to your home. The kit will contain your personalized ID card and information about a wide range of resources to keep you informed and to answer your questions.

The Vital Savings by Aetna program is not insurance. There are no benefits payable to participants, nor does Aetna compensate providers for services they may render to participants. You are responsible for paying the discounted fee directly to the provider at the time you receive services.

A Vital Savings by Aetna discount program may provide discounts for services not covered by your insurance. Some examples include cosmetic dental treatments, custodial care, respite care, and more. If you or your spouse currently have insurance, it is important that you evaluate your health needs and insurance coverage to decide if a discount program makes sense for you.

No. There are no restrictions on participation - regardless of your age or medical condition.

If you sign up for "Member & Family", all members of your immediate family currently living in your household can take advantage of the Vital Savings by Aetna^® discounts. Any new family members can also be signed up. If you sign up for "Member Only" and want to sign up family members later on, you must change your selection.

Yes. You can request additional ID cards and/or replacement cards by contacting us online or calling us toll free at 1-877-MY-VITAL (1-877-698-4825).

No. However, your membership card will be mailed within 48 hours of receipt of payment. Once you receive your ID card, you can visit a participating provider, on or after your effective date and enjoy significant savings.

You can use your discount card as often as you choose. There are no limits on how often you and your family can use the Vital Savings by Aetna^® program, as long as the ID card is valid.

Yes, payment is due at the time of service, unless you have made different payment arrangements directly with the provider.

If a participating provider does not recognize your Vital Savings by Aetna^® card, simply ask the office staff to call 1-877-MY-VITAL (1-877-698-4825), and a customer service representative will supply the necessary information to your provider. If a participating Vision One provider does not recognize your Vital Savings by Aetna^® card, advise the provider that Vital Savings by Aetna^® is a discount program available through Cole Managed Vision, plan # 47196. If they still have questions, they should call their Cole Managed Vision provider helpline for clarification.

Log on to www.vitalsavings.com. From there, you can search our online directory. Or call us toll free at 1-877-MY-VITAL(1-877-698-4825) to find participating program locations near you.

There are three ways to sign up:

1. Online. Complete the online form and supply your payment information for the fastest way to join!
2. Telephone. Call one of our customer service reps toll free at 1-877-MY-VITAL (1-877-698-4825).
3. Pamphlet/Brochure. If you received a brochure from an employer group or association, a paper sign up form is included as part of the brochure. Simply cut the form off, complete the information, include your payment and mail it to the address listed on the brochure.

You may pay by credit card, bank draft or check.

• Credit Card or Bank Draft
  • You may choose annual or monthly billing
  • We will automatically charge your account for the amount specified each period (either monthly or annually based on your selection)
  • A one-time $15 processing fee (nonrefundable) will be added to your first payment.
  • For your convenience, renewal is automatic. You will remain a participant in the program until you notify us of cancellation in writing.
• Check
  • Payment by check is only an option for annual participation.
  • You should include the $15 processing fee with your payment
  • You will receive an invoice for your annual fee each year prior to your renewal date.. Simply send us the annual fee due prior to the renewal date, and participation in the program will not be interrupted.

Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with the Vital Savings by Aetna^® program for any reason within the first 30 days, you may cancel your participation and receive a full refund (minus the $15 processing fee).

Call us toll free at 1-877-MY-VITAL (1-877-698-4825) for any questions or assistance. Our dedicated team of trained service professionals will be standing by to help you. You may use this number any time during your participation in the Vital Savings by Aetna^® program for prompt assistance. You may also use the "contact us" feature on this website and receive your answers via e-mail.

• If you have chosen annual billing, you will be billed when you first sign up and then automatically 12 months later by the same method.
• If you have chosen monthly billing and use a credit card, your account will be charged on approximately the 10th of each month and your statement will read 'VITAL SAVINGS-AETNA - 877-MY-VITAL'
• If you have chosen monthly billing with a draft payment from your bank account, your payment will be deducted from your bank account on approximately the 7th of each month and your statement will read 'AETNA-VS'. These payments will automatically continue until you notify us in writing that you no longer wish to participate in the program.
• Payment by paper check is only available by annual billing. You will receive a renewal notification approximately eleven months after you join. Simply send us the annual fee due prior to the renewal date, and participation in the program will not be interrupted.

Yes, when used at participating locations for routine procedures such as cleanings, exams, x-rays and fillings, Vital Savings by Aetna^® can be a more cost efficient option for you and your family. This is illustrated in the chart below. In addition, Vital Savings by Aetna^® has no waiting periods to satisfy or pre-existing condition limitations. Savings are available immediately.
 

Dental Insurance Plan vs Vital Savings by Aetna Discount Program
	Insurance Plan A	Insurance Plan B	Vital Savings by Aetna	No Insurance or Discount Plan
Service	You Pay†	You Pay†	You Pay††	You Pay†
Cleanings(2)	$0	$10	$104	$164
Exam(2)	$0	$5	$54	$78
Bitewings(1)	$0	$6	$31	$51
Filling(1)	$38	$38	$76	$131
Deductible Annual	$50	$100	$0	$0
Fee/Premium	$556	$413	$72	$0
Total Out of Pocket	$644	$573	$337	$424

†The costs are based on the average fees for the procedures listed above in Los Angeles,Orlando,Chicago and New York City,as dispayed in the Estimate the Cost of Care tool as of January, 2005.
††Vital Savings by Aetna^® discounted fee is the average of the above referenced cities' negotiated fee for the same procedure.

Vital Savings by Aetna^® discounts are available only when visiting a participating dentist. If your current dentist participates in the Aetna Dental Access^® network, simply present your ID card to before service to receive instant discounts. If not, you may wish to select a dentist who does participate in the program so that you can take advantage of the discounts.

No, the discounted fee a dentist charges is based on many factors, including the area in which the dentist practices. Once you sign up for the Vital Savings by Aetna^® program, you can look up the negotiated fees in your area for common dental procedures. Just register for the Aetna NavigatorTM, secure, interactive website, and go to the Estimate the Cost of Care tool. Click here to register.

No. You may take your valid prescription to a Vision One location to have it filled at discounted prices.

Your cost as a Vital Savings by Aetna^® member is $38 for a basic eyeglass exam. Standard contact lens exams are $78, and you'll receive $10 off the provider's normal charge for a specialty contact lens exam.

The discount is 10 percent on disposables and 20 percent on non-disposables purchased from a participating provider.

No. Your Vision One discount may not be combined with any specials or in-store promotions. Ask the provider to compare the two so that you receive the best price.

As with any type of emergency, you need to follow the rules for your medical plan. The Vital Savings by Aetna^® program is designed to provide access to discounts for your routine eye care and eyewear needs. All medical emergencies must be handled through your medical benefits carrier.

The term extended care actually includes many types of providers and facilities. These could include a skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility or home healthcare. The first step in choosing a provider is to determine exactly the type of services needed and what providers are available to best meet these needs. A discussion between patient, physician, and family members will assist you in making this determination.

If you have decided that a nursing home is best able to deliver the services needed, you and your family members should consider the following to narrow your choices:

• Location
• Reputation
• Services Provided
• Cost

This initial information can be obtained through phone interviews with providers, physicians, friends, and community agencies.

Once you have identified several potential providers, it is suggested that you contact the Administrator or Admissions Director to obtain additional information. Some questions you will want to ask include:

• What services and levels of care are available at this facility?
• How many beds? Are they accepting new patients? Is there a waiting list and if so what is the usual waiting time?
• What are the monthly room charges? What are the charges for any additional services? Is there a down payment or deposit required? If so, how much?

After deciding on several possible providers, it will be necessary for you to visit those that you are considering. Call those providers and schedule an appointment. Let them know that you will want to tour the facility and talk with staff and other patients if possible. You will need to allow at least one and possibly several hours for this visit.

The following are suggestions of area for your consideration during your visit:

• Physical Layout: Are buildings and ground well maintained and free of obvious safety hazards? Are there outside areas for wheelchairs, walking, and activities? Are the rooms clean and neat? Are there resident's personal belongings in evidence? Is there sufficient light? Is the temperature comfortable? Is there adequate bathroom privacy?
   
• Staff: What are the number and qualifications of staff members? Home many RN's, LPN's, Nursing Assistants, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Dietician, etc.? How does the staff interact with patients? What is the turnover rate of staff? Is a physician on call 24 hours? How are emergencies handled?
   
• Food: If possible schedule your visit during a mealtime. Does the food look and smell appealing? So the portions appear to be adequate? Are considerations made for special dietary requirements? Is food served at the proper temperature? Are eating and food preparation areas clean? IS staff available to assist patients with eating, if needed?
   
• Atmosphere: What is your overall impression of the facility? Does it appear to be a friendly and caring environment? Are patients well groomed and dressed appropriately? What activities are patients engaged in? Do they appear content?Speak with staff and patients during your visit.
   
• Other: Review a sample care plan. Ask to see a copy of their latest state inspection report. Talk with others in your community who have used the facility. Talk with family members of other patients who may be visiting during your visit.

After making your final choice, you will still need to perform several important duties:

1. Discuss your plans and choice with the patient and other family members.
2. Continue to be involved in the care process for the patient.
3. Understand all aspects of your arrangement with the nursing home, ask questions.
4. Visit often and encourage others to do so as well.

There are a number of important considerations when selecting a home health agency. To begin with, it is important for the home health agency to know about the person they will be serving. This will enable them to develop a plan of care which meets the individual's needs and provide accurate cost estimates. The following information will be useful to have when first contacting or meeting with any home health agency:

1. Name and age of prospective client
    
2. Physician (s) name and phone number
    
3. Current and past health diagnosis
    
4. Medications and ability to self medicate
    
5. Special dietary needs
    
6. Mobility and range of motion
    
7. Need for assistance with the following:
   • Bathing
   • Walking
   • Dressing
   • Feeding
   • Toileting
    
8. Need for assistance with:
   • Light Housekeeping
   • Laundry
   • Meal Preparation
   • Dishes
   • Transportation
   • Shopping
    
9. Insurance Information:
   • Medicare
   • Long Term Care services Insurance
   • Other Health Insurance
    

In selecting a home health agency, there are a number of factors to consider related to service and staff availability, staff qualifications, and agency certifications/accreditations. The following questions should assist you in selecting an agency, which is appropriate for you:

1. Which service does your agency offer and what is the cost per visit/hour?
   • Nursing:
   • Homemaker and Personal Care:
   • Physical Therapy:
   • Speech Therapy:
   • Social Work:
   • Dietitian Services:
   • Dental Care:
   • Medical Supplies and Equipment:
   • Are other services available?
    
2. What days and hours are services available?
    
3. Are services available on holidays?
   • Days:
   • Hours:
   • Holidays:
    
4. What Kind of training do your homemaker home health aides receive?
    
5. Who supervises the home health aides and how often are supervision visits made to the home?
   • Who Supervises:
   • How Often:
    
6. How many RN's and LPN's does your agency have?
   • RNs:
   • LPN's:
    
7. How often are physician consultations made regarding the patient?
    
8. Is your agency certified for reimbursement in Medicare/Medicaid?
   • Medicare:
   • Medicaid:
    
9. Is the agency licensed?
    
10. Is the agency accredited by one of the national accrediting bodies?
    • Community Health Accreditation Program:
    • Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations:

No. HearPO has partnered with six of the industry leading manufacturers to offer an extensive product line. Each hearing aid purchased through our program will be labeled with our HearPO logo. This 'private labeling' is done to ensure the quality that you will come to expect from HearPO.

HearPO has partnered with Siemens, Phonak, Rexton, Unitron, Sonic Innovations, and Electone. Although your hearing aid will say "HearPO," it is manufactured by one of our partner manufactures using to the same specifications and standards. HearPO will stand behind the service of your hearing aid.

By private labeling our hearing aids, HearPO can offer them to our patients at significantly lower prices.

The specific rate of savings will depend upon the specific make and model hearing aid you are purchasing. Each hearing aid is discounted from the Manufacturer's Suggest Retail Price (MSRP). Your provider can discuss the various models available and the corresponding prices. On average, the HearPO plan will save its members over 31% off of the MSRP, with discounts on digital hearing aids upwards of 62% off.

All hearing aids can be returned to your provider within 60 days of purchase for a full refund for any reason. HearPO does not charge any restocking fees.