This is the page for workers covered by the Aetna insurance plan. For employed international workers not covered on Aetna's insurance, you now have access (effective 1/1/21) to another Aetna EAP - see Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Resources for Living.
In addition to the ongoing stresses of cross-cultural ministry, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused people around the world to experience the additional stress of making regular adaptations in uncertain circumstances. Reliant is committed to proactively supporting wellness among our staff during the pandemic and beyond. Therefore, in 2021 we are highlighting a service included in the Aetna International Medical Plan: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are employee benefit programs offered by businesses and organizations to help employees deal with personal and work-related issues that may have a negative impact on their work performance, health and general well-being. These initiatives usually include an initial professional assessment of the issue, immediate counseling, and referral to long term counseling (if needed) for employees and their families.
The EAP program is designed to be used as needed, and in conjunction with, the existing avenues of support international workers receive through their churches, communities, and leadership. Here are some examples of the additional support an EAP could provide:
- Short-term counseling for mental/emotional health issues. The Aetna EAP program offers 5 free counseling sessions, per issue, per year, for each family member. AETNA members will have a designated toll-free phone number for an initial assessment from a licensed professional. They will then be paired with a counselor whose credentials best align with the caller’s problem and preferences. Those who call the EAP can request a counselor based on gender, area of expertise and Christian beliefs. The Aetna EAP has over 5,000 Christian counselors within their network.
- Daily life assistance and referrals. The Aetna EAP also provides international workers access to services for dealing with the daily difficulties of life. This service provides free 30-minute consultations with professionals specializing in financial and legal problems, including identity theft, among other things. The EAP also assists callers in finding referrals for dealing with typical family needs, such as childcare, eldercare, and educational resources.
- Education and information. The Aetna EAP provides the Resources for Living website that contains articles, information, and tools to assist international workers to learn more about mental/emotional health and work/life balance.
Reliant encourages all staff to proactively attend to their physical, mental, and emotional health as we work within our God-given assignment to advance God’s kingdom. The Aetna member website is designed to serve a wide variety of industries with varying worldviews. Many of its vendors share our perspective. Thus, they welcome requests for consideration of specific needs and values. As with all information provided by outside vendors, we encourage employees and workers to use biblical discernment and filter all information through the truth of God's word as found in the scriptures.
5 Comments
Barb Seckler
user-1a794 This is the Aetna Intl EAP page I have drafted. Feel free to edit as you see fit. Then we can publish it anytime. FYI user-075f6.
Matt Elkins
Sarah Swann, Barb Seckler, I have made edits and this page is ready to go.
Barb Seckler
user-1a794 Matt Elkins
I did get confirmation from Aetna about the people that ARE covered by the Aetna medical plan that the EAP they have with their medical plan will also cover all dependents in their household, not just those covered by the medical plan. That was a change in what Aetna previously told us but is good clarification and I believe meets a need you expressed. I was sorting through this page and wondered if you think this page is OK "as is" or if we should insert "employees and members of their household" anywhere?
Matt Elkins
Barb Seckler, this page looks good considering the change. We made clear that it is 5 sessions per issue per family member per year.
Barb Seckler
user-1a794 This is the page for Aetna members covered by the Aetna insurance plan. For International employees not covered on Aetna's insurance, they now have access (effective 1/1/21) to the other Aetna EAP - see Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Resources for Living. We are working on building out pages on both EAPs but are more than happy to collaborate on wording and how you want to handle informing these two sets of Intl employees which EAP is applicable to them - FYI user-2ce9f