Critical Illness Plan

Here's what you need to know

What it does for you
Why it's important
When you can enroll
Forms & resources

The Aetna Critical Illness Plan helps provide financial support if you’re diagnosed with a covered critical illness.

If you’re diagnosed with a critical illness like a heart attack or stroke, your life can change quickly. In addition to the emotional and physical toll, there may be strain on your personal finances. That’s because while a major medical plan may pay for some of the costs associated with treatment, out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles can still put a strain on your savings.

However, once you’re enrolled in the Critical Illness Plan, you’ll have additional financial protection if you are diagnosed with a covered critical illness. With this policy, you receive cash benefits paid directly to you to use however you choose.

The Critical Illness Plan:

Pays a lump-sum cash benefit if you’re diagnosed with a covered serious illness
Helps cover out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with a serious diagnosis
Pays benefits directly to you, letting you decide how to use the money

This payment is in addition to Iron Mountain's major medical plan – and in addition to any other type of medical coverage, disability insurance, or other benefits you may be eligible for or collect. However, it is NOT a substitute for these coverages and does not meet minimum essential coverage as defined by federal law.

Dealing with a critical illness can be costly to you in 2 ways:

Medical Bills. It’s not unusual for a critical illness to result in out-of-pocket expenses. It starts with the usual, deductibles and copays, but it doesn’t end there. You might decide to go to a doctor or facility that’s “out of network.” You might decide to get a second opinion or type of treatment that isn’t covered at all. When your health is at stake, it's important to feel like you have control and choices.
Lost Income. Treatment and focus on recovery may require extra time away from work. That can impact the paycheck your family may rely on to keep everything on track. Or you might discover you have added expenses because you need more help around the house, extra childcare, or additional lodging near treatment. These costs can subtract from your wages or savings.

The advantage of this plan is simple: you can use your critical illness benefit any way you choose. You can use it to help pay for medical expenses like deductibles and copays, as well as any non-medical expenses. You can also use this money to help pay daily living expenses such as grocery bills, mortgage payments, childcare, and transportation – all of which can be an added worry if you lose income while you’re out of work.

Access to this benefit provides you with more control over your finances and ultimately your health care options, too. Less stress about money and added peace of mind are both great ways to support your recovery.

These are the periods when you are eligible to enroll in the Critical Illness Plan:

Within your new hire enrollment period
If you have a qualifying life event (you get married, have a baby, etc.)
During Iron Mountain's annual enrollment

Keep in mind: If you enroll during these timeframes, you have what is called "guaranteed issue," which means you may qualify for Critical Illness Plan without answering health questions. You must have insurance in place before a covered critical illness occurs in order to be eligible to collect the benefit when you need it.

After you become a member, you’ll enjoy an Aetna Simplified Claims Experience™ on MyAetnaSupplemental.com or on the My Aetna Supplemental app.

If you have questions or need a paper claim form call Aetna Member Services at 1-800-607-3366 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.

2024 Critical Illness Benefit Summary

2024 Spanish Critical Illness Benefit Summary

2025 Critical Illness Benefit Summary

2025 Spanish Critical Illness Benefit Summary

These form(s) are in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) format and are available for downloading and printing.

Who is the provider?

Aetna

With over 150 years of experience, Aetna is a leading innovator and a recognized leader in protection planning and retirement & savings solutions.

When is a benefit paid under the policy?

This plan pays you cash benefits for an in-patient hospital stay for an accident, surgery, illness — or even to deliver a baby. Your hospital admission or daily stay(s) must occur on or after the plan’s effective date to file a claim. See your plan summary for complete details.

Who in my family is eligible for this insurance?
Members of your family who are considered eligible to enroll for plan include:
- You – if you are an active employee working 20+ hours per week
- Your spouse – age 16 and older
- Your child(ren) – under age 26
- Family
You must be enrolled in the Critical Illness Plan for members of your family to also enroll.

How much does this insurance cost?

This group plan is offered at low group rates. There are no doctor exams to take or medical questions to answer. You cannot be denied coverage based on your health. And the plan pays you even if you have other insurance coverage—this means it pairs well with your major medical plan. Visit your enrollment site to see rates and the plan summary.

How do I file a claim?

Go to myaetnasupplemental.com and either “Log In” or “Register”, depending on if you’ve set up your account. Click the “Create a new claim” button and answer a few quick questions. You can even save your claim to finish later. You can also print/mail in form(s) to: Aetna Voluntary Plans, PO Box 14079, Lexington, KY 40512- 4079, or you can ask us to mail you a printed form.

If you require language assistance, please call Member Services at 1-800-607-3366 and an Aetna representative will connect you with an interpreter. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use your TTY and dial 711 for the Telecommunications Relay Service. Once connected, please enter or provide the Aetna telephone number you’re calling.

Si usted necesita asistencia lingüística, por favor llame al Servicios al Miembro a 1-800-607-3366, y un representante de Aetna le conectará con un intérprete. Si usted es sordo o tiene problemas de audición, use su TTY y marcar 711 para el Servicio de Retransmisión de Telecomunicaciones (TRS). Una vez conectado, por favor entrar o proporcionar el número de teléfono de Aetna que está llamando.

Do I have to answer health questions or take a medical exam?

No, you don’t. If you enroll during your eligible enrollment periods, you have "guaranteed issue," which means you may qualify for insurance without answering health questions.

What if my employment status changes?

Good news! If you leave or retire from Iron Mountain, you can continue your Accident Insurance without interruption (subject to applicable law and the policy’s terms and conditions). Although payroll deduction will no longer be available, you can opt for other payment methods such as credit card billing or home billing.

Portability forms are available at www.myaetnasupplemental.com or call Member Services at 1-800-607-3366 for assistance.

When would my coverage start?

Coverage becomes effective for new members on the coverage effective date.

Am I really free to use the payment any way I choose?

Yes, you are! There are no restrictions or requirements about how you can use your critical illness cash benefit. When you’re facing a critical illness, you want to be able to focus your time and energy on treatment and recovery. This policy can help you do just that. You’re free to use your benefit on medical expenses and/or non-medical expenses. Having that kind of flexibility can help you feel more in control over your care and your finances at a very stressful time.

Critical Illness Plan | Aetna

Critical Illness Insurance

Helps you alleviate the expenses that come with a covered critical illness diagnosis.

Here's what you need to know

How It Works

Doctor's test results indicate a heart attack diagnosis.

That’s when Critical Illness Plan comes in.

Frequently Asked Questions

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