Aetna is extending its Medicare Advantage plans to cover 115 new counties in 2021, reaching an extra 1.9 million beneficiaries. Their offerings will span 1,793 counties across 46 states and DC, catering to 54.7 million Medicare beneficiaries. Aetna is prioritizing telehealth services in response to COVID-19, providing virtual primary, urgent care, mental health visits, and more. Complimentary home assessments, Papa’s services, and collaboration with CVS Health for benefits are part of the expanded offerings. Over 81% of Medicare beneficiaries are expected to access Aetna’s $0 premium plans.
Aetna is broadening its range of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to include 115 additional counties in 2021, extending coverage to an extra 1.9 million Medicare beneficiaries.
In total, Aetna’s MA plans will be accessible in 1,793 counties across 46 states and the District of Columbia, making their offerings available to 54.7 million Medicare beneficiaries nationwide.
Following the industry trend, Aetna is placing a special emphasis on telehealth in its upcoming MA plans due to the heightened interest in virtual care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The insurer has announced its intention to provide virtual primary and urgent care visits, covering sick visits, prescription refills, and after-hours or weekend appointments across all of its MA plans.
Some of the selected MA plans will also include coverage for virtual mental and behavioral health consultations, according to Aetna.
Christopher Ciano, the President of Aetna Medicare, stated, “Now more than ever, older adults need to focus on their overall health—body, mind, and spirit. To assist our members in enhancing their well-being, we have expanded our Aetna Medicare Solutions portfolio to introduce new plans and benefits aimed at increasing the affordability and convenience of care.”
Ciano continued, “As part of CVS Health, we are making healthcare more accessible and forging deeper connections that aid our members in aging actively as they pursue improved health.”
The enrollment window for MA plans will commence on October 15.
Aetna’s MA members will have the option to receive complimentary home assessments, during which a clinician will conduct physical examinations and risk assessments, including fall risk evaluations.
To facilitate members’ ability to stay in their residences as much as possible, Aetna will also provide Papa’s services in six states. These services involve college-age volunteers called Papa Pals, who engage with seniors, assist with light housekeeping, and offer technology guidance.
Additionally, Aetna is highlighting collaborative benefits with its parent company, CVS Health, including MinuteClinic visits at the same copayment rate as primary care physician visits. CVS pharmacists will continue to furnish personalized medication guidance, including insights about potentially high-risk medications.
Aetna will persist in providing an over-the-counter allowance benefit to its members, which can be utilized for a selection of products through OTC Health Solutions—a subsidiary of CVS—or in person at CVS pharmacies and Navarro Discount Pharmacy stores.
The expansion of Aetna’s $0 premium plans for 2021 is underway, with an estimated 81% of Medicare beneficiaries gaining access to an Aetna MA plan with a $0 premium.
