CVS Health Aetna combines the strengths of CVS Health’s pharmacies and Aetna’s insurance expertise to deliver seamless healthcare. Serving millions, this partnership offers insurance plans, pharmacy services, and innovative care options.
This article explores how CVS Health Aetna works, its benefits, and what’s new in 2025.
What Is CVS Health Aetna?
CVS Health acquired Aetna in 2018 for $69 billion, creating a healthcare powerhouse. Aetna, a leading insurer, provides Medicare, individual, and employer plans.
CVS Health operates pharmacies, MinuteClinics, and HealthHUBs across the U.S.
Together, they aim to simplify healthcare by integrating insurance, pharmacy, and clinical services. CVS Health Aetna serves over 36 million insurance members and fills billions of prescriptions annually. Their mission is to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.
How the Partnership Benefits Customers
The merger connects insurance with pharmacy and retail care. Aetna members get preferred pricing at CVS pharmacies, saving on prescriptions. MinuteClinics in CVS stores offer low-cost care for minor issues, often covered by Aetna plans.
HealthHUBs provide chronic disease management and wellness services. Members can access telehealth, preventive screenings, and personalized care plans. This integration reduces costs and improves health outcomes.
Aetna Insurance Plans Offered
Aetna, under CVS Health Aetna, provides a range of insurance options. These include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans. Individual and family plans are available through Health Insurance Marketplaces.
Employer-sponsored plans cover businesses of all sizes. Special Needs Plans (SNPs) support those with chronic conditions or dual Medicare-Medicaid eligibility. Plans vary by state, offering flexibility to meet diverse needs.
Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plans
In 2025, Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans cover 59 million eligible people across 44 states. Many plans feature $0 premiums, $0 primary care copays, and extras like dental, vision, and hearing. Eighty-eight percent of members are in plans rated 4 stars or higher by CMS.
Medigap plans, like Plans G and N, cover Original Medicare gaps, such as deductibles and coinsurance. These plans offer nationwide provider access without networks. Part D plans provide affordable drug coverage, often with $0 copays for Tier 1 drugs at CVS.
Prescription Drug Services
CVS Health Aetna excels in pharmacy benefits. Aetna’s Part D plans and employer plans use CVS Caremark for prescription management. Members benefit from mail-order delivery, saving time and money.
CVS pharmacies offer 90-day refills and medication counseling. The Rx Savings Finder tool helps find lower-cost drug options. In 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act caps out-of-pocket drug costs, enhancing savings.
MinuteClinic and HealthHUB Services
MinuteClinics, located in over 1,100 CVS stores, provide walk-in care for minor illnesses, vaccinations, and screenings. Aetna members often pay $0 or low copays for these visits. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants deliver care seven days a week.
HealthHUBs, in select CVS locations, focus on chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. They offer wellness rooms, dietitian consultations, and sleep apnea screenings. These services align with Aetna’s preventive care focus.
Key Services Overview
Here’s a table summarizing CVS Health Aetna’s core offerings in 2025:
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance Plans | Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, individual, and employer plans. |
| Pharmacy Services | CVS Caremark mail-order, 90-day refills, Rx Savings Finder tool. |
| MinuteClinic | Walk-in care for minor illnesses, vaccinations, $0 copays for many Aetna plans. |
| HealthHUBs | Chronic disease management, wellness screenings, dietitian support. |
| Telehealth | Virtual doctor visits via Aetna plans or CVS Health apps. |
This table highlights the integrated care model.
Telehealth and Digital Tools
CVS Health Aetna prioritizes digital healthcare. Aetna members access telehealth through the Aetna Health app, connecting with doctors virtually. CVS’s mobile app lets you manage prescriptions, schedule MinuteClinic visits, and track health goals.
The Aetna member portal allows you to view claims, check coverage, and find providers. These tools save time and make healthcare more convenient. In 2025, app updates improve user experience with faster navigation.
Enrollment in Aetna Plans
Enrolling in Aetna plans depends on the plan type. Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment occurs during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15 to December 7, 2024, for 2025 coverage. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) apply for life events like moving.
Individual and employer plans are available through Health Insurance Marketplaces or directly via Aetna. Use Aetna’s website or call (800) 891-6309 to compare plans. Ensure you’re enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B for Medicare plans.
Cost Savings with CVS Health Aetna
Aetna plans often feature low or $0 premiums, especially for Medicare Advantage. Preferred pricing at CVS pharmacies reduces drug costs. MinuteClinic visits are cheaper than urgent care or ER trips, saving members money.
HealthHUBs’ preventive services help avoid costly hospital stays. Tools like Rx Savings Finder identify generics or discounts. These savings make CVS Health Aetna a cost-effective choice.
Community and Wellness Programs
CVS Health Aetna invests in community health. The CVS Health Foundation supports local nonprofits, focusing on mental health and chronic disease prevention. In 2024, it donated $10 million to community programs.
Aetna’s Resources For Living connects members to services like transportation or meal delivery. Wellness programs, like SilverSneakers for Medicare members, promote fitness. These efforts enhance overall well-being.
2025 Updates and Innovations
In 2025, Aetna expanded Medicare Advantage plans to 76 new counties, covering 662,000 more people. New benefits include $0 copays for labs and colonoscopies. CVS Health opened 50 additional HealthHUBs, increasing access to wellness services.
Digital tools now integrate AI-driven health reminders for screenings and refills. CVS’s CostVantage model, launched in 2024, ensures transparent drug pricing. These updates strengthen the CVS Health Aetna experience.
Comparing Aetna to Other Insurers
Aetna competes with insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Humana. Its integration with CVS pharmacies and clinics sets it apart. While Humana emphasizes wellness programs, Aetna’s MinuteClinics offer unmatched convenience.
Compare plans based on premiums, networks, and benefits. Aetna’s high CMS star ratings (4+ for 88% of members) reflect quality. Use Medicare.gov or Aetna’s site for side-by-side comparisons.
Avoiding Common Enrollment Mistakes
Enrollment errors can disrupt coverage. Missing AEP deadlines delays Medicare plan changes until 2026. Not verifying provider networks for individual plans can limit doctor access.
Double-check your application and coverage details. Ensure Medicare eligibility for Advantage or Medigap plans. Contact Aetna’s support for guidance to avoid pitfalls.
Why Choose CVS Health Aetna?
The CVS Health Aetna partnership offers a unique blend of insurance and healthcare services. Low-cost plans, preferred pharmacy pricing, and MinuteClinic access save money. High-quality Medicare plans and digital tools enhance convenience.
Community programs and preventive care focus on long-term health. Aetna’s history since 1853 and CVS’s retail reach build trust. This makes CVS Health Aetna a top choice for 2025.
Summary
CVS Health Aetna integrates Aetna’s insurance expertise with CVS Health’s pharmacy and clinic services, serving millions in 2025.
Offering Medicare, individual, and employer plans, Aetna provides low-cost options with extras like dental and telehealth. CVS’s MinuteClinics, HealthHUBs, and digital tools simplify care.
New benefits, expanded coverage, and transparent pricing strengthen its value. Compare plans, enroll during AEP, and use CVS Health Aetna’s resources for seamless healthcare.
FAQ
What is CVS Health Aetna?
It’s the partnership between CVS Health and Aetna, combining insurance, pharmacy, and clinic services. Aetna offers Medicare, individual, and employer plans. CVS provides pharmacies, MinuteClinics, and HealthHUBs.
How do I enroll in an Aetna plan?
Enroll during AEP (October 15 to December 7, 2024) for Medicare plans or via Health Insurance Marketplaces for individual plans. Use Aetna’s website or call (800) 891-6309. Verify Medicare eligibility for Advantage plans.
What benefits do Aetna plans offer?
Plans include hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage. Extras like dental, vision, hearing, and SilverSneakers are common. Benefits vary by plan and location.
How does CVS help Aetna members?
CVS offers preferred drug pricing, mail-order delivery, and MinuteClinic care. HealthHUBs provide chronic disease management. Digital apps manage prescriptions and appointments.
Are MinuteClinic visits covered by Aetna?
Yes, many Aetna plans cover MinuteClinic visits with $0 or low copays. Services include vaccinations, minor illness treatment, and screenings. Check your plan for details.
What’s new for CVS Health Aetna in 2025?
Aetna expanded Medicare plans to 76 new counties. New benefits include $0 lab copays. CVS added 50 HealthHUBs and improved digital tools for health management.
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