Apple Watch News: Health Insurance Aetna to Subsidize Wearable Smartwatch for Customers [DETAILS]
Aetna to Subsidize Apple Watch to Customers
The wearable Apple Watch can be yours for a cheaper price if you enroll in Aetna's health insurance program.
Aetna and Apple have announced their partnership where health insurance customers can get the Apple Watch for a cheaper price through subsidy and monthly payroll deductions. The Apple Watch is marketed as a fitness wearable that tracks the user's various health information including physical activity, taken steps, calories burned, exercise minutes and more.
Apple Watch from Aetna Insurance Details
Aetna announced on their website that they will be partnering with Apple to initiate a health program involving iOS products like the Apple watch, iPhone and iPad. These devices will be paired with Aetna's wellness programs beginning this fall's enrollment season.
Aetna said in their statement that they are the first company to subsidize the costs of the Apple Watch in their program. In addition, they are also offering monthly deductions for the remaining cost of smartwatch. It is their aim to improve the health outcomes of their clients by offering this option to make their clients more health-conscious.
Aetna Insurance Apple Watch Qualifications, Apps
According to CNN Money, there is no health qualifications needed for anyone who wishes to get the smartwatch among Aetna's customers. The Apple Watch Series 1 wearable currently costs at $270 and the new series 2 costs at $370 for the aluminum body and $550 for stainless steel body.
It is currently not known how much Aetna will be slashing off of the Apple Watches in their wellness program. In addition to subsidizing the smartwatch wearable, Aetna will also be creating numerous health apps for the Apple Watch and other iOS devices including the iPhone and iPad.
The Apple Watch program is available for Aetna's own 50,000 employees, employers and customers. The company's wellness program will allow clients to get an Apple Watch at a fraction of its price while the remaining costs will be made through monthly deductions.
Aetna Insurance Joins Other Companies Integrating Wearables Program
Aetna is not the first one to integrate wearable smartwatches like the Apple Watch in their wellness programs. The Verge reports that Vitality has announced a program this year where they can give an Apple Watch to a worker for only $25 if certain exercise goals are met. Oscar Health also offers the smartwatch wearable or Qantas points if customers buy a health insurance policy. Fitbit has also offered a similar scheme among their employees.