Aetna was the first insurer to announce its plan to help shield patients with COVID-19 from high medical bills. But out-of-network charges and other surprise bills remain a risk, say advocates for patients. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption
Ronda Goldfein, attorney and executive director of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, holds an envelope that revealed a person's HIV status through the clear window. Elana Gordon/WHYY hide caption
CVS Health has struck a deal to buy Aetna, the insurance giant. The combined companies would have more clout with drugmakers and would aim to bring more health care to consumers in retail clinics. Gene J. Puskar/AP hide caption
A CVS store is pictured in 2015 in San Francisco. CVS Health is reportedly preparing to purchase Aetna for $69 billion. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption
A photo provided by the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania shows an Aetna mailer in which a reference to HIV medication is partly visible though the envelope window. AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania hide caption
Aetna announced it has called off a proposed deal to buy its rival Humana after a court blocked the merger on the grounds it would hurt competition in the health insurance market. Jessica Hill/AP hide caption
A federal judge has ruled against Aetna's proposed merger with its rival, Humana. Jessica Hill/AP hide caption
Mark Bertolini, CEO of Aetna, told the Justice Department in July that the insurer would walk away from many health exchanges if the government opposed the company's proposed deal for Humana. On Tuesday, Aetna followed through. Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption
Aetna is the latest big health insurer to retreat from the exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act. Jessica Hill/AP hide caption
People with diabetes who sign up for an Aetna insurance plan focused on diabetes care can get blood sugar meters and test strips free of charge. iStockphoto hide caption
Aetna announced one of its largest pay hikes recently. CEO Mark Bertolini says he believes it largely could pay for itself by making workers more productive. Courtesy of Aetna hide caption
Aetna made big changes to its pharmacy networks for 2015. Jessica Hill/AP hide caption
Evidently, an old insurer can learn new tricks. Bob Child/AP hide caption