Assistance Corporation

MEDEX Assistance Corporation (MEDEX) is a facility available to Aetna and Empire Blue Cross subscribers. The $0.20 per month per subscriber cost is built into the premium schedule for Aetna and Empire Blue Cross as set out on 2007 Schedule of Premiums.

MEDEX is a programme providing emergency medical assistance - including assistance in arranging for emergency evacuation and repatriation - and other travel assistance services when 100 or more miles from home.

Medical Assistance Services

Worldwide medical and dental referrals are provided to help the participant locate appropriate treatment or care.

Monitoring of treatment: MEDEX Assistance Coordinators will continually monitor the participant's case and its Regional Medical Advisors will provide the participant with consultative and advisory services, including the review and analysis of the quality of medical care being received.

Facilitation of hospital payment: Upon securing payment or a guarantee to reimburse, MEDEX will either wire funds or guarantee the required emergency hospital admittance deposits.

Transfer of insurance information to medical providers: MEDEX will assist the participant with hospital admission, such as relaying insurance benefit information, to help prevent delays or denials of medical care. MEDEX will also assist with discharge planning.

Medication, vaccine and blood transfers: In the event medication, vaccine or blood products are not available locally, or a prescription medication is lost or stolen, MEDEX will coordinate their transfer to the participant upon the prescribing physician's authorization, if it is legally permissible.

Replacement of corrective lenses and medical devices: MEDEX will coordinate the replacement of corrective lenses or medical devices if they are lost, stolen, or broken during travel.

Dispatch of doctors/specialists: In an emergency where the participant cannot adequately be assessed by telephone for possible evacuation, or cannot be moved, and local treatment is unavailable, MEDEX will send an appropriate medical practitioner to the participant.

Medical records transfer: Upon the participant's consent, MEDEX will assist with the transfer of medical information and records to the participant or to the treating physician.

Continuous updates to family, employer, and physician: With the participant's approval, MEDEX will provide case updates to appropriate individuals designated in order to keep family, employer and physicians informed.

Hotel arrangements for convalescence: MEDEX will assist with the arrangement of hotel stays and room requirements before and after hospitalization.