Health Insurer Aetna To Subsidize Apple Watch For Selected Customers
Aetna Inc the insurance giant has announced that it will be launching a new program under which the company will subsidize the cost of Apple Watches for a few participating employers and some individual customers. The remaining portion of the cost will be put in by the employee via payroll deductions offering
The insurance company has announced the program saying that it is seeking to improve people's health through the use of Apple Watches. Under this, Aetna is planning to provide its employees, numbering almost 50,000 a new Apple Watch if they are a part of Aetna's wellness reimbursement program. The company is hoping to enable its employees "to live more productive, healthy lives" by using the devices which help track health parameters and fitness measures.
"We are thrilled that Aetna will be helping their members and employees take greater control of their health using Apple Watch," said Tim Cook Apple CEO said in a statement. "Aetna's new initiatives will be a powerful force toward creating better customer experiences in health care, and we look forward to working with Aetna to make them successful."
he innovative measure from Aetna makes it the first insurance company to provide an offer of this nature. It also signals Apple first foray into the corporate market which it has largely stayed away from, preferring to focus on consumers directly.
Aetna is already collaborating with Apple to develop several iOS-based health initiatives, such as integrated health apps for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The apps are expected to be launced in 2017.
Some of the features of these app-based solutions include Care management such as guidance for a new medicine regime, medicine reminder services, and personalised health plan on-boarding, information and decision support.
"We are incredibly excited to use iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch to create simple, intuitive and personalized technology solutions that will transform the health and wellness experience for our members," said Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini.
