HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2007--Aetna (NYSE: AET) today issued the following statement regarding a lawsuit filed on July 30, 2007, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

    --  Aetna received this lawsuit on August 1, 2007, and is
        reviewing the complaint.

    --  The plaintiff purports to represent a class of members in
        Aetna's health plans who have utilized the services of
        providers who do not participate in the company's provider
        network.

    --  The complaint alleges that, among other things, Aetna's
        practices in connection with the payment of claims for
        services provided to its members by providers who do not
        participate in the company's provider network violate the
        federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

    --  Aetna believes this lawsuit is without merit and will defend
        this action vigorously.

    --  Reimbursement of non-participating providers is a complex
        issue, and Aetna strives to implement policies that are in the
        best interests of its members and employers who purchase
        benefits plans.

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 34.9 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. www.aetna.com

    CONTACT: Aetna
             Media Contact:
             Cynthia Michener, 860-273-8553
             michenerc@aetna.com
             or
             Investor Contact:
             Teresa Jylkka, 860-273-9231
             jylkkatb@aetna.com

    SOURCE: Aetna