When a loved one passes away, handling administrative tasks can be overwhelming. One such task is notifying health insurance providers such as Aetna Inc. This step is necessary to stop the premiums and avoid any potential issues with claims or coverage.
Who Should Be Notified
Aetna Inc., as the health insurance provider of the deceased, must be notified about the death. It is essential to stop the health insurance coverage and discontinue premium payments.
When to Notify
You should notify Aetna Inc. as soon as reasonably possible after the death of a loved one. This helps avoid any unnecessary charges and potential misunderstandings about coverage.
How to Notify
To notify Aetna Inc., you can call their customer service number provided on the deceased's insurance card or in their policy documents. You will need to provide the policy number and likely a copy of the death certificate. It's recommended to follow up the phone call with a letter, including a copy of the death certificate, sent via certified mail for your records.
What to Expect After Notification
After notifying Aetna Inc., the deceased's health insurance policy will be canceled, and any automatic premium payments will be stopped. If there are any pending claims, Aetna will handle them based on the coverage active before the policyholder's death.
Tips for Notification
Keep copies of all correspondence with Aetna, including dates and times of phone calls and a copy of the sent letter. This will be useful if there are any disputes or issues later. If there's a life insurance policy with Aetna, you'll need to notify that department separately.
Conclusion
Notifying health insurance providers like Aetna Inc. is a crucial task after the death of a loved one. Although it can be a challenging task amidst the grief, it ensures the smooth handling of their health insurance policy and any pending claims.
FAQ
Q: Can I notify Aetna online?
A: At this time, Aetna doesn't provide an online process to report a death. You must call their customer service or mail them the information.
Q: What if I don't have the policy number?
A: If you don't have the policy number, Aetna can usually locate the deceased's policy using their full name and date of birth.
Q: What if there are pending medical bills?
A: Any medical bills incurred while the policy was active will be handled based on the policy terms. You should submit these bills to Aetna as soon as possible.
