HARTFORD, CT – Aetna is initiating a program designed to encourage members to buy medications that are proven to be effective in managing high-risk clinical conditions.

The Hartford, Conn-based insurer announced the incentive program, called Aetna Healthy Actions Rx-Savings to encourage individuals with chronic conditions to get prescriptions fulfilled to manage their conditions.

Aetna says the program co-pays for medications for individuals enrolled in self-funded benefit plans who have high-risk clinical profiles and are taking medications for chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Under the program, medications are paid in whole or in part by participants' employers. Marriott International Inc., a pilot customer for the program, has reported positive results.

"Reduced co-pays resulted in increased adherence rates, which we believe may lower the number of costly medical emergencies and hospitalizations in our workforce, and ultimately help alleviate our healthcare costs over time," said Jill Berger, vice president of health and welfare for Marriott.

Aetna's program enables self-funded employers to offer a drug class co-pay discount to employers based on a member's clinical risk profile and relevant evidence-based standards.