2.) Keeping track of prescriptions and doctors' visits keeps people on track for better health. The more information that is available, the more likely people are to follow their physicians ™ advice, such as finishing antibiotics or sticking to a recommended diet. Plus, people who regularly use a PHR may also save money. If doctors know about previous tests and lab results, they can avoid unnecessary or duplicate tests. More importantly, they can provide better care, since information like past medications and allergies is available through the PHR.

3) Access to personal health information anywhere, anytime. A PHR can be helpful to people when they are away from home “ whether they are traveling around the globe or displaced from home after a natural disaster. With a PHR, patients ™ health information is available online for them and their doctors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AETNA ™S FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

Millions of Americans enroll in health care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to put aside pretax dollars to pay for eligible out of pocket health care expenses. But a surprising amount of people don ™t spend all of the money by the end of the year. If the money isn ™t used, employers can ™t give it back.

But there is good news “ the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows employers to give employees a grace period of up to two and a half months from the end of the FSA plan year “ for plans ending December 31, 2009, they may have until March 15, 2010 “ to spend unused money in their FSAs. In addition, most employers allow employees 90 days after the end of the plan year to submit receipts for costs incurred in the previous year.

Health care FSAs can be used for copays and deductibles, dental work, hearing aids, laboratory fees and prescription drugs. In addition, the IRS allows FSA funds to be used for:

1. Orthodontia

2. Chiropractic treatments

3. Acupuncture and physical therapy

4. Mental health counseling sessions

5. Over-the-counter items like pain relievers, antacids and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

6. Vaporizers and thermometers

7. Prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, contact lenses and contact lens solution

8. Mileage and travel expenses for a doctors visit or hospital stay

9. Fertility treatments

10. Childbirth classes

SOURCE Aetna