Managing prescriptions can be time-consuming, but Aetna mail order pharmacy simplifies the process. Through CVS Caremark, Aetna members get medications delivered to their door.
This service saves time and ensures you never run out of drugs. This article explains how it works, who can use it, and how to get started in clear, simple language.
What Is Aetna Mail Order Pharmacy?
Aetna mail order pharmacy is a service for members to receive prescriptions at home. It’s managed by CVS Caremark, part of the CVS Health family. You can order up to a 90- or 100-day supply of maintenance drugs.
The service is ideal for long-term medications, like those for high blood pressure. It offers free standard shipping and pharmacist support. Orders typically arrive within 10 days.
Why Use Mail Order Pharmacy?
Mail order saves trips to the pharmacy. It’s convenient for people with busy schedules or mobility issues. You get a larger supply, reducing refill frequency.
Aetna mail order pharmacy checks each order for safety. Pharmacists are available 24/7 to answer questions. It may also lower costs for some plans.
Who Can Use the Service?
Most Aetna members with prescription drug coverage can use this service. It’s available for Medicare, employer-sponsored, and individual plans. Check your plan details to confirm eligibility.
Some drugs, like controlled substances, may have restrictions. Your plan’s formulary lists eligible medications. Call Member Services to verify.
How to Sign Up for Aetna Mail Order Pharmacy
Signing up is easy and flexible. You have four ways to enroll:
- E-Prescribe: Ask your doctor to send a prescription to CVS Caremark (NCPDP ID: 0322038).
- Online: Log in to your Aetna member portal or Caremark.com.
- Phone: Call the number on your Aetna ID card.
- Mail: Download a form from Caremark.com and mail it to CVS Caremark.
Provide payment details to avoid delays. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.
What Medications Are Available?
The service covers most maintenance drugs. These treat chronic conditions like diabetes or cholesterol. Your plan’s formulary shows what’s eligible.
Some specialty drugs, like those for cancer, are available through CVS Specialty. Controlled substances may require special approval. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Costs and Savings
Standard shipping is free for mail order. Some plans offer lower copays for 90- or 100-day supplies. Costs depend on your plan’s drug tier and coverage.
Expedited shipping may cost extra. Compare mail order costs with retail pharmacies using Aetna’s drug pricing tool. It’s available on Caremark.com.
Aetna Mail Order Pharmacy Cost Comparison
Here’s how costs might compare for a 90-day supply of a common drug:
| Option | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Pharmacy (30-day) | $30 x 3 = $90 | Three trips, higher copay possible |
| Mail Order (90-day) | $60 | One delivery, often lower copay |
| Retail (90-day) | $75 | Fewer trips, varies by pharmacy |
Note: Costs vary by plan and drug. Check your plan for exact prices.
How to Order Refills
Refills are simple with Aetna mail order pharmacy. Log in to Caremark.com and select “Order Refills.” You can also use the CVS Caremark mobile app.
Set up auto-refills for convenience. Order when you have a 22-day supply left for 90-day prescriptions. You’ll get text or email reminders if enrolled.
Delivery and Packaging
Medications arrive in secure, tamper-proof packaging. Standard delivery takes 7–10 days after processing. You can choose your home, workplace, or another address.
Some drugs require special handling, like refrigeration. CVS Caremark ensures proper storage during shipping. Call if your order doesn’t arrive on time.
Managing Your Account
Caremark.com is your hub for prescription management. Log in to track orders, view costs, and update payment methods. The CVS Caremark app offers the same features on the go.
Create an account using your Aetna member ID. It’s password-protected for privacy. You can opt out of mail order anytime by calling Member Services.
Benefits of Using Aetna Mail Order Pharmacy
This service offers several advantages. It reduces pharmacy visits, saving time and effort. Larger supplies mean fewer refills, helping you stay on track.
Pharmacists check every order for accuracy. Free shipping and potential cost savings make it appealing. It’s especially helpful for rural or homebound members.
Potential Limitations
Not all drugs are available via mail order. Controlled substances or short-term medications may require retail pickup. Some plans exclude certain specialty drugs.
You can’t return most mail-order drugs. Plan refills carefully to avoid waste. Call Member Services for exceptions or issues.
Specialty Medications
For conditions like multiple sclerosis, CVS Specialty handles complex drugs. These require special storage or training. Free delivery and injection supplies are included.
Your doctor can fax prescriptions to 1-800-323-2445 or call 1-800-237-2767. CVS Specialty contacts you for order details. Check your plan for coverage.
How to Avoid Delays
To ensure timely delivery, follow these steps:
- Ask your doctor to e-prescribe for faster processing.
- Update payment info on Caremark.com.
- Order refills early, when you have about 22 days left.
- Respond to any pharmacy calls or emails promptly.
Delays may occur if your doctor doesn’t respond. Call your doctor to confirm prescriptions.
Talking to Your Doctor
Discuss mail order with your doctor. They’ll confirm if your drugs are eligible. Ask for a 90- or 100-day prescription to maximize savings.
Your doctor can e-prescribe to CVS Caremark for speed. Provide the pharmacy’s NPI (1881952851). This reduces paperwork and wait times.
What If You Need Help?
CVS Caremark offers 24/7 support. Call 1-866-235-5660 (TTY: 711) for order issues or questions. Pharmacists can explain medications or side effects.
Log in to Aetna’s member portal for plan details. Member Services, listed on your ID card, can assist with coverage or enrollment.
User Experiences
Many Aetna members praise mail order for convenience. One user saved $50 monthly on a 90-day supply versus retail. Another appreciated auto-refills for staying consistent.
Some report delays with new prescriptions. E-prescribing and early refills help avoid issues. Overall, users value the time savings.
Comparing Mail Order to Retail
Mail order is best for long-term drugs. Retail pharmacies suit short-term or urgent needs. Mail order offers free shipping and fewer trips.
Retail allows face-to-face pharmacist chats. Check your plan to see which option saves more. Aetna’s cost tool helps compare prices.
Summary
Aetna mail order pharmacy, through CVS Caremark, delivers medications to your door with free standard shipping. It’s ideal for maintenance drugs, offering 90- or 100-day supplies. Sign up online, by phone, or via e-prescription for convenience.
The service saves time, may reduce costs, and includes pharmacist support. Check your plan’s formulary and use Caremark.com to manage orders. Talk to your doctor to start using this hassle-free option.
FAQ
How do I start using Aetna mail order pharmacy?
Ask your doctor to e-prescribe to CVS Caremark (NCPDP ID: 0322038). Or sign up on Caremark.com, call Member Services, or mail a form. Provide payment info to avoid delays.
What drugs can I get through mail order?
Most maintenance drugs for chronic conditions are eligible. Check your plan’s formulary on Caremark.com. Controlled substances or specialty drugs may have restrictions.
Is shipping free with Aetna mail order pharmacy?
Standard shipping is free and takes 7–10 days. Expedited shipping may cost extra. Contact Member Services for details.
Can I return medications ordered by mail?
Generally, returns aren’t allowed, but exceptions may apply. Call the number on your Aetna ID card to discuss options. Plan refills carefully to avoid waste.
What if my order is delayed?
Ensure your doctor e-prescribes and payment info is updated. Call 1-866-235-5660 (TTY: 711) if your order doesn’t arrive within 10 days. Respond to pharmacy outreach promptly.
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