ASHINGTON (AP) -- Health insurance provider Aetna Inc. spent more than $575,000 in the first quarter to lobby on Medicare and pharmaceutical issues, according to a disclosure report.

Aetna also lobbied the federal government on legislation involving Medicare reimbursements to doctors, government negotiation of Medicare drug prices, Medicare benefits for low income seniors, extension of the children's health insurance program, approval of generic drugs, universal health coverage, genetic discrimination, consumer data privacy, medical malpractice reform, and tax-free health savings accounts.

The Senate passed legislation last week barring health insurers from denying coverage or setting premiums based on genetic information. The bill, which also bars employers from using genetic test results in hiring, firing, or promotion decisions, has broad support in the House and is also supported by the White House.

In the January-to-March period, Aetna lobbied Congress, the White House, Food and Drug Administration, and the departments of Treasury and Health and Human Services, according to a form filed April 18.

Lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches, under a federal law enacted in 1995.

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