Aetna to subsidize Apple Watch for select large employers

Aetna will be offer subsidies on Apple devices, such as the Apple Watch and iPhones, for select large employers to use iOS applications to simplify the healthcare process for patient and provider.

The insurer will also offer the Apple Watch to 50,000 of its own employees who are participating in the company’s wellness program. Aetna will also be utilizing health apps on iPhones and iPads to improve the ability of caregivers to provide more effective care.

The apps that Aetna will utilize on iOS products include:

• Care management and wellness – These apps will provide guidelines in navigating the healthcare process for patients including new diagnoses and prescriptions with information by nurses and patients will similar conditions.
• Medication adherence – Reminding patients to take medication, easy-to-order refills and connecting them with doctors through their Apple devices.
• Apple Wallet – Patients can pay bills and review their deductible with the Apple Wallet app.
• Personalized health plan - Patients can message, access medical information and receive decision support to develop a medical plan that fits them best.

“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 Mark Bertolini, Aetna Chairman and CEO. “This is only the beginning—we look forward to using these tools to improve health outcomes and help more people achieve more healthy days.”