Aetna Funding Improves Healthcare Access for Domestic Violence Survivors

Aetna’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) organization, Aetna Better Health Kids, has contributed $50,000 to help increase access to trauma-informed, affordable healthcare for domestic violence survivors and their families.

The funding went to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) and will provide education and assistance to connect survivors to appropriate healthcare.

“Often, the greatest need for survivors and their children fleeing domestic violence is access to affordable healthcare, so we’re grateful to be working with PCADV to connect those impacted by abuse with healthcare benefits,” Jerold Mammano, division president of Aetna Medicaid, said in the press release.

Aetna Better Health Kids plans to work with PCADV to identify individuals and families who would benefit from better access to healthcare. In addition, the organizations will prioritize confidentiality when helping domestic violence survivors with health plan enrollment.

The collaboration will also provide ongoing training and support to domestic violence advocates regarding enrolling survivors and their children in CHIP or other health plans.

“Many barriers exist for domestic violence survivors who are trying to leave abusive situations. Access to safe and affordable healthcare is one of the most significant needs for fleeing survivors and their children,” Jennifer Q. Beittel, chief philanthropic officer of PCADV, said.

“Our work with Aetna Better Health Kids will be key to connecting domestic violence advocates with insurance providers to safely help survivors and their children enroll with ease in CHIP or other health plan options at a time when they need it most. We’re grateful for Aetna’s investment to support Pennsylvania’s families.”

Aetna Better Health Kids has also donated nearly $100,000 to five community-based organizations in Pennsylvania to support youth in under-resourced communities.

The Salvation Army Western PA Division will direct the funds toward its Camp Allegheny initiative that provides mental, emotional, and physical support to children attending the camp. Another recipient, Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania, plans to host parent engagement events, while the Pocono Mountains United Way will use the funding to continue operating its childhood screening program.

Crispus Attucks York also received part of the donation and will use the money to increase access to mental health providers in Aetna’s network and facilitate CHIP enrollment for students and families attending the Crispus Attucks Charter School and Rising Stars program.

Lastly, part of the funding went toward the American Lung Association to support its free online program to help teens stop vaping and using other tobacco products.

Aetna Better Health Kids has invested a total of $320,000 to help strengthen community-based organizations in Pennsylvania.

Recently, Aetna’s Medicaid plan in West Virginia granted $9.3 million to community-based organizations to increase behavioral healthcare access for foster care children. The funding recipients will prioritize addressing foster children’s social determinants of health, social care needs, and mental health needs.