CVS Health releases COVID-19 resources for Aetna members

In the wake of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, CVS Health is taking efforts to help its Aetna members with the medical issue.

“Supporting the health and well-being of our members and removing barriers to care are among our key areas of focus as we navigate the spread of COVID-19,” Karen S. Lynch, president, Aetna and executive vice president, CVS Health said. “That's why we're providing COVID-19 diagnostic testing and telemedicine visits with no out-of-pocket costs or cost sharing for Aetna members, along with a number of other programs and offerings that reinforce our commitment to delivering timely and seamless access to care.”

By engaging with such public health experts and organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Woonsocket, R.I.-based company said it is sharing precautions consumers should take in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and when to seek medical attention.

Resources Aetna members will have access to include the waiving of co-pays for all diagnostic testing relating to COVID-19. The policy will cover the test kit of patients who meet the CDC’s guidelines for testing, which can be done in an approved laboratory setting. Self-insured plan sponsors are able to opt-out of this program at their own discretion.

In addition, for the next 90 days, Aetna will offer a zero co-pay on telemedicine for any reason. The company recommends using telemedicine as a first line of defense to help limit potential exposure in physician offices, and cost-sharing will be waived for all video visits conducted through the CVS MinuteClinic app.

Through the Healing Better program, members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package that contains CVS over-the-counter medications that aim to aid in relieving symptoms and also include personal and household cleaning supplies to aid in keeping others in the same vicinity protected from possible exposure.

For members who are most at-risk for COVID-19, Aetna will be reaching out to them and have care managers walk them through steps to protect themselves, further information on the virus and where to go to get tested.

Medicare Advantage’s virtual evaluation and monitoring visit benefit also will be extended for Aetna Commercial members as a fully-covered benefit.

Other steps CVS Health is implementing to educate about the virus include:

• A crisis response line for all Aetna members experiencing anxiety related to COVID19;
• Expanding access to the Aetna Nurse Medical Line; and
• Providing Aetna plan sponsors with a Resources for Living toolkit that aims to help those experiencing COVID-19 anxiety.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 should reach out to their health care provider immediately, the company added.