John Curry, Sandy Knoesel and Dave Parshall on Aetna health survey

From John Curry, January 26, 2010
Subject: Fw: ETNA phone polls.

Keep in mind, despite Sandy's comments, that CORE member Shirlee Zerkel asked 3 different people at CMS if Medicare (CMS) requires this and all 3 CMS people stated that ia survey is NOT required.

John

Click image to enlarge.

From Sandy Knoesel, January 26, 2010
Subject: RE: ETNA phone polls.

I am assuming that these individuals are enrolled in the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which regulates all Medicare Advantage Plans, requires that new enrollees be offered a health survey. By answering these questions, Aetna professionals can determine if the individual should be offered any special services due to their health status. The survey does not affect the individual’s premium and only takes about five minutes. A letter was sent in advance to let the enrollee know that Aetna would be calling. Staff reviewed the letter, script and survey in advance. I have attached the draft letter. I hope this information is helpful.

Sandy Knoesel

From David Parshall, January 26, 2010
Subject: ETNA phone polls.

Hi Sandy,

Our members are upset about phone calls they have been getting from ETNA asking personal health questions. Why are they doing this and how will they use this information? They act like they are underwriting policies which of course they can't. But they do set a rate for our group contract. This seems to me to be an unwarranted invasion of privacy. They are not telling the persons phoned what they intent to do with this information. Please look into this. I am telling our members not to answer any of these questions and until I hear from you.

Thanks,
Dave Parshall