Aetna Medicare plans offer a range of benefits designed to support the health and well-being of their members. Understanding the specifics of these benefits, especially regarding access to essential services like food delivery, is crucial for making the most of your plan. This article delves into whether your Aetna benefit card allows for food delivery services, providing clarity and helpful information.
Aetna, a CVS Health company, provides Medicare Advantage (MA) plans with valuable features such as $0 monthly premiums, $0 primary care copays, and coverage for dental, vision, hearing, and SilverSneakers®. These plans aim to offer value, choice, and affordability, ensuring members have access to reliable healthcare.
“For 2025, our continued focus is ensuring members have the peace of mind that comes with access to reliable, affordable health care when and where they need it,” said Anand Shukla, president of Aetna Medicare. Aetna serves approximately 10.5 million Medicare members nationwide.
Understanding the Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card
Many Aetna Medicare plans include an Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card, which can be used for over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness products. These products, available through OTC Health Solutions®, a CVS Health company, can be purchased in-store, online, or by phone. New for 2025, members on certain plans can use their Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card in-store at all stand-alone CVS Pharmacy or Navarro Discount Pharmacy® locations across 47 states and D.C. Some plans also allow the card to be used at other participating retailers.
Alt: Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card displaying a variety of over-the-counter health and wellness products.
Food Delivery and the Aetna Benefit Card
While the Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card provides access to OTC products, the primary purpose is not for standard food delivery services. However, certain Aetna plans may offer benefits that indirectly support access to nutritious food through other means:
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OTC Benefits: The OTC benefit can be used to purchase certain shelf-stable food items or nutritional supplements available at CVS Pharmacy and other participating retailers.
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Special Needs Plans (SNPs): Aetna offers Special Needs Plans (SNPs) designed for individuals with specific health conditions. Some SNPs may include benefits that support access to healthy food or meal delivery services, especially for those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure.
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Healthy Home Visits: Aetna MA plans offer an annual Healthy Home Visit from a licensed Signify Health® clinician at no additional cost. During these visits, clinicians evaluate the home environment and identify social support needs, which may include food insecurity. This can lead to referrals to local resources that provide meal assistance or food delivery services.
It’s important to note that direct food delivery services using the Aetna Benefit Card are not typically a standard benefit.
Other Supportive Benefits
Aetna Medicare plans include a range of benefits that promote overall health and well-being, which can indirectly impact access to food and nutrition:
- Dental: All plans include a dental benefit, with some offering an annual allowance for services like dentures and crowns.
- Hearing: All plans offer a $0 routine hearing exam and hearing aid benefits.
- Vision: All plans offer a $0 routine eye exam, with some including an eyewear benefit.
- High-Value Primary Care Providers: Eligible members who choose a high-value PCP may receive extra bonus dollars on their Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card and reduced cost-sharing on certain services.
These benefits contribute to the overall health of members, ensuring they can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Alt: Aetna Medicare Member Services team members assisting customers with their healthcare plan inquiries.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Aetna continues to refine its MAPD drug lists and benefit designs to increase transparency and reduce costs. Highlights for 2025 include:
- $2,000 Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The maximum amount all MAPD members will pay for covered drugs is $2,000 per calendar year.
- $0 Deductibles: All MAPD members will enjoy a $0 deductible on all Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs.
- $0 Copays at Preferred Network Pharmacies: All MAPD plans will offer $0 copays on Tier 1 drugs.
These improvements in prescription drug coverage help members manage their health conditions more effectively.
How to Verify Your Specific Plan Benefits
To determine whether your specific Aetna plan offers any benefits related to food delivery or access to nutritious food, follow these steps:
- Review Your Plan Documents: Carefully read your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and Summary of Benefits documents. These documents provide detailed information about the benefits included in your plan.
- Contact Aetna Member Services: Call the Aetna Member Services team using the number on your Aetna member ID card. A representative can provide specific information about your plan’s benefits and any available resources.
- Visit the Aetna Medicare Website: Log in to your Aetna Medicare account on the Aetna website to access plan details and resources.
Conclusion
While the Aetna Benefit Card may not directly cover traditional food delivery services, Aetna Medicare plans offer a variety of benefits designed to support the overall health and well-being of their members. These benefits include OTC allowances, potential meal assistance through Special Needs Plans, and Healthy Home Visits that can identify and address food insecurity.
By understanding the specifics of your Aetna plan and utilizing the resources available, you can maximize your benefits and ensure access to the support you need. Visit AetnaMedicare.com or call 1-844-588-0041 (TTY: 711) for more information.
