CVS Medicare Advantage Plans
Seeking Medicare coverage that fits your needs? CVS Medicare Advantage Plans, in partnership with Aetna, offer personalized healthcare with a focus on convenient prescription services and integrated care. This article provides insights into plan options and benefits, giving you the guidance needed to make a choice with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- CVS Health offers Medicare Advantage plans via its Aetna subsidiary, providing comprehensive coverage including hospital, medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and hearing care, aimed at simplifying healthcare and improving outcomes.
- The partnership between CVS Health and Aetna offers an integrated model that combines health insurance services with in-store health services like A1C blood testing at MinuteClinic locations, creating convenience and enhancing care coordination.
- Enrollment into CVS Medicare plans can be done via the Medicare Support Center with extended support hours during the annual enrollment period, offering telephonic and online enrollment options and personalized assistance from licensed agents.
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CVS Health's Medicare Offerings
Even in the complex landscape of health insurance, some collaborations stand out, creating ripples that change the industry’s face. One such influential partnership is the one between CVS Health and Aetna, which has reshaped the healthcare experience for millions.
By integrating health insurance, care delivery, and management, this collaboration has consolidated medical benefits and prescriptions into a personalized, real-time healthcare strategy. Now, isn’t that a refreshing approach to healthcare?
CVS Health, through its Aetna division, offers Medicare plans that focus on delivering comprehensive care, along with diverse resources and support for its members. With 3.5 million people enrolled in CVS Health’s Medicare Advantage plans via its Aetna subsidiary, it’s clear that this integrated healthcare model has found resonance among many.
CVS Health and Aetna Collaboration
When two industry giants join hands, it’s bound to create a significant impact. CVS Health and Aetna have done just that, aiming to transform the healthcare experience through their merger. This collaboration integrates care delivery and management with health insurance, creating a more streamlined healthcare service experience.
This partnership is not merely about merging services; it brings together the best of both worlds – the extensive pharmacy services of CVS Health and the broad range of health insurance services from Aetna. This combined expertise offers customers the following:
- a unique blend of clinical services and insurance coverage
- a comprehensive healthcare solution
- convenience and accessibility to healthcare services
- improved coordination of care
- enhanced health outcomes
This partnership truly stands out in the healthcare landscape.
Types of Medicare Plans Offered
In catering to diverse healthcare needs, CVS Health offers Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans, both with unique features designed for a wide range of requirements. The Medicare Advantage plans, offered via Aetna, combine health and wellness benefits into one convenient plan. This integrated approach is designed to simplify healthcare, making it more accessible and easy to navigate.
In addition to the Advantage plans, CVS Health also provides prescription drug plans. These include features like a tiered formulary system designed to lower the cost of medications for plan members. This two-pronged approach ensures that CVS Health delivers comprehensive coverage to cater to a wide range of healthcare needs.
Benefits of Choosing CVS Medicare Advantage Plans
Choosing a healthcare plan is a significant decision, one that impacts not just your health but also your peace of mind. With CVS Medicare Advantage plans, members get more than just coverage; they gain access to an array of supports, resources, and care options designed to foster a holistic healthcare experience.
As part of the CVS Health family, Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer a blend of benefits, including:
- Hospital coverage
- Medical coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Supplemental benefits like dental, vision, and hearing
This all-inclusive approach to health and well-being represents a comprehensive care strategy that adds immense value to members.
Comprehensive Coverage
The essence of a good healthcare plan lies in its coverage. CVS Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer an all-in-one package that covers:
- Hospital and medical care
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hearing care
This comprehensive coverage ensures that your healthcare needs are met across multiple dimensions, offering a truly holistic approach.
The collaboration between CVS Health and Aetna goes a step further, providing seamless and holistic care that includes programs to enhance overall health. This includes mental health screenings, oral health kits for surgical patients, and at-home colorectal cancer screening kits. This approach underscores the commitment to providing exhaustive healthcare coverage to members.
Access to CVS Pharmacy Services
When it comes to healthcare, convenience is a significant factor. Aetna and CVS Health have created an integrated care model that facilitates easy access to health services for plan enrollees. As part of this model, enrollees have access to A1C blood testing at MinuteClinic locations within CVS Pharmacy.
In addition, personalized medication advice from pharmacists is available as part of CVS Pharmacy services. By incorporating services like A1C blood tests and medication advice, CVS Pharmacy provides valuable benefits to Medicare Advantage plan enrollees. It’s about more than just providing coverage; it’s about ensuring that the coverage is easy to utilize and truly beneficial.
Support Resources
CVS Aetna Medicare Advantage plan members have the benefit of licensed agents who can assist in choosing the right plan through specific telephone numbers with dedicated hours. This support is not just about providing information; it’s about providing personalized support tailored to each member’s unique healthcare needs.
Members also have access to a member services line that supports enrollment inquiries, billing issues, and pharmacy-related questions, aiding with various administrative aspects. In addition, an online portal allows members a thorough look into plan benefits, bill payments, and communication with Member Services.
This robust support system ensures that members are never left in the dark and always have a helping hand ready.
Navigating Prescription Drug Plans with CVS Health
Prescription drug coverage is a crucial aspect of any healthcare plan. Aetna’s prescription drug plans offered by CVS Health provide coverage for a broad spectrum of medications, outpatient drugs, vaccines, and certain medical supplies. But how do you make the most of these plans? Let’s break it down.
Medication Coverage
Aetna Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover both generic and brand drugs, which are listed in the plan’s formulary. But the coverage doesn’t stop there. Certain Aetna plans, like SilverScript® Plus (PDP) and some MAPD plans, include coverage for some excluded drugs not normally covered by Medicare Part D, like a variety of prescription vitamins and generic erectile dysfunction drugs.
Other plans, such as SilverScript® SmartSaver (PDP), offer $0 copays and a $0 deductible on Tier 1 drugs, including nearly 600 drugs on Tiers 1 and 2 with costs no more than $5 on the lowest premium plan. This extensive coverage ensures that members have access to the medications they need at affordable prices.
Cost Savings Opportunities
While medication coverage is vital, it’s equally important to consider cost-saving opportunities. Aetna Medicare Part D plans offer mail-order service options for prescriptions, which can potentially lower costs for plan members while providing convenient access to medications.
This service not only makes it easier for members to access their medications but also presents an opportunity for savings. By leveraging this feature, members can manage their healthcare costs more effectively.
Easy Prescription Management
Managing prescriptions can often be a daunting task, but not with CVS Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. Members can manage their prescriptions through the CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy.
Members also have the convenience of managing mail-order prescriptions via the secure online Aetna Pharmacy section. The service includes free standard shipping as part of the pharmacy benefits, and members can select alternative shipping addresses for their deliveries. This easy prescription management system is designed to make healthcare more accessible and less stressful for members.
Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans offered by Aetna are designed to cover healthcare costs not included in original Medicare Parts A and B. This can include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. But what do these plans cover, how many options are available, and how do you choose the right one?
Let’s delve deeper.
What They Cover
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are not meant to work as standalone coverage. Instead, they fill gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Aetna’s Medicare Supplement plans cover:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
They also include coverage for Medicare Part A deductible and Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments, as well as Medicare Part B excess charges. Some plans, like Plan N, have specific copayment requirements, further enhancing the coverage.
Plan Options
Aetna offers a variety of Medicare Supplement plans, including Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, and N, as well as specific options like high-deductible Plan F and Plan G. Plan K, for instance, is a lower-cost option compared to Plan G, but it does not provide coverage for healthcare abroad.
It’s essential to note that Medicare Supplement plans are standardized across providers by law, ensuring that each plan’s benefits are consistent, regardless of the insurance company. This standardization ensures that members get the same benefits, regardless of the plan they choose.
Choosing the Right Plan
When choosing a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, it’s important to consider:
- The monthly premium costs
- Potential out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copayments
- Your average annual healthcare costs
- The frequency of doctor visits
- Any expected medical procedures
By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision about which plan is best for you.
The Medicare Supplement Outline of Coverage for your state can provide insights into the options and availability of different plans. By comparing the coverage details and premiums of each Aetna Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, you can find the one that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.
Enrolling in a CVS Medicare Plan
Let’s explore the enrollment periods and how to sign up.
Enrollment Periods
The Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare is a 7-month period that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and continues for 3 months after that month. Additionally, Medicare’s annual open enrollment period occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing beneficiaries to make changes to their plans for the upcoming year.
During the Open Enrollment period, extended hours for member service support are offered to provide assistance when it’s needed the most. Understanding these enrollment periods can help you plan your healthcare journey effectively.
How to Sign Up
Individuals can enroll in a CVS Medicare plan over the phone. To sign up, callers can contact the Licensed Insurance Agent or schedule a callback for assistance between 9 AM and 6 PM ET. If you prefer to sign up online, you can visit the designated website and follow the enrollment steps.
This process is designed to be as convenient as possible, making it easy for individuals to enroll in a plan that suits their healthcare needs. Whether you prefer to sign up over the phone or online, CVS Health has made the process straightforward and user-friendly.
Contact Information
For those needing assistance with enrollment, please call 1-833-641-4938 (TTY: 711). For a personalized experience, individuals can schedule a callback with a licensed insurance agent between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM ET Monday-Friday.
If you prefer to send an enrollment query and wait for a response, email support is available. Email inquiries can be sent directly to the Medicare Support Center at CVS, and their team will provide a timely response.
Regardless of your preferred contact method, CVS Health is committed to providing you with the support you need.
Summary
Navigating health insurance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With CVS Health’s comprehensive Medicare offerings, you can find a plan that not only meets your healthcare needs but also provides support, resources, and accessibility.
Whether you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, a Prescription Drug plan, or a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, CVS Health’s enriched healthcare strategy, powered by their collaboration with Aetna, ensures that you’re in good hands. So why wait? Dive in and discover the world of comprehensive healthcare today!
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I use my Healthy Benefit card at CVS?
To use your Healthy Benefit card at CVS, inform the cashier about your OTC benefit and present your member ID card before they start scanning products. Your insurance card will be used to verify your eligibility, not for payment. You can also present the QR code at the register to facilitate the transaction.
→ Is Aetna Medicare owned by CVS?
Yes, Aetna is owned by CVS, with the two companies forming a combined entity under the CVS brand.
→ Does CVS Caremark cover Medicare?
Yes, CVS Caremark does cover Medicare through its partnership with Aetna Medicare, providing quality prescription drug coverage and benefit management services.
→ What does Medicare Part B cover CVS?
Medicare Part B does not typically cover the types of prescription drugs you get at a retail pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens. Instead, Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, physicians, preventive services, and medical supplies.
→ What are the benefits of choosing a CVS Medicare Advantage Plan?
Choosing a CVS Medicare Advantage Plan provides comprehensive coverage, including hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage, along with supplemental benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. It also offers access to CVS Pharmacy services and personalized consultations.
ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.