Aetna Sued for Discrimination of HIV Patients

A consumer advocacy group has filed a class-action lawsuit against Aetna Inc. saying a new policy violates the privacy of people with HIV and AIDS by requiring them to get their medications from its mail-order pharmacy.

Consumer Watchdog filed the lawsuit Friday in federal court in San Diego. It says sending the drugs through the mail puts privacy at risk.

The group alleges the policy also violates the federal health care law because it discourages people with HIV and AIDS from signing up for the company's insurance.

Aetna says the policy is part of its ongoing strategy to keep health plans affordable and help with medication adherence. It says the plan is optional.

The plaintiff is a San Diego man who is anonymous in court documents. He says opting out would cost him.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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