Aetna And Cvs Health Accessing Over-The-Counter Benefits For Wellness

The Aetna and CVS Health partnership offers a valuable resource for Aetna members seeking affordable over-the-counter (OTC) health products. Through the CVS OTC Aetna program, eligible members can purchase a range of OTC health items using a quarterly allowance. This benefit is primarily available to individuals enrolled in Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, with some employer-sponsored plans also offering the option. The program is designed to promote wellness and provide cost-effective access to essential health products without requiring a prescription.

This article provides a detailed overview of the CVS OTC Aetna program, including eligibility requirements, available products, shopping options, and tips for maximizing the benefit. For Aetna members seeking to take advantage of this program, understanding how it works is essential to ensuring the benefit is used effectively.

Understanding the CVS OTC Aetna Program

The CVS OTC Aetna program provides members with a quarterly allowance to purchase OTC health products. This benefit is intended to support everyday wellness and manage minor health needs. It includes a wide selection of products such as vitamins, pain relievers, cold and allergy medications, first-aid supplies, and more. The program is part of Aetna’s broader efforts to enhance member health through accessible and affordable health solutions.

The program partners with CVS Health, a well-established pharmacy chain with a national presence. Members can use their benefit at standalone CVS pharmacies, as well as through online and phone ordering. This flexibility makes it easy for members to access the products they need, whether they prefer in-store, online, or by phone.

Eligibility for the CVS OTC Aetna Benefit

Not all Aetna members are eligible for the CVS OTC Aetna program. The benefit is primarily available to individuals enrolled in Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. Some employer-sponsored health plans may also include this benefit, but this is not guaranteed.

To confirm eligibility, members should:

1. Review the Summary of Benefits document for their plan.
2. Log into the Aetna member portal to check if the benefit is listed.
3. Contact Aetna customer service at 1-844-428-8147 for direct confirmation.

Each plan may offer a different allowance amount, which is typically provided quarterly. Members should review their plan details to understand the allowance amount, renewal schedule, and any restrictions.

Shopping Options for the CVS OTC Aetna Program

The CVS OTC Aetna program offers multiple shopping options to accommodate different preferences and lifestyles. These include:

In-Store Shopping

Members can use their benefit at standalone CVS pharmacies located in 47 states and Washington, D.C. To use the benefit in-store, members must present their Aetna member ID card at checkout. It is important to note that CVS pharmacies located inside other stores, such as Target, may not participate in the program. To ensure a smooth shopping experience, members should consult the CVS OTC Aetna website to confirm which locations are eligible.

Online Shopping

The CVS OTC Health Solutions website provides a convenient online shopping experience. Members can log in using their Aetna member ID to browse eligible products. The site features a user-friendly interface that allows members to compare prices and check product eligibility before making a purchase. Once items are selected, they are shipped directly to the member’s home at no additional cost.

This option is especially useful for members who prefer the convenience of shopping from home or who may have mobility issues that make in-store shopping difficult.

Phone Orders

For members who prefer to place orders verbally, the CVS OTC Aetna program offers a phone order option. Members can call 1-844-428-8147 during business hours (8 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week, excluding federal holidays) to place an order. An automated system is also available 24/7 for members who wish to place orders outside of standard business hours.

To place an order, members must provide their Aetna member ID and date of birth. The ordered products will then be mailed to the member’s address at no extra cost.

Covered Products and Allowance Management

The CVS OTC Aetna program covers a broad range of health products, including:

• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Cold and allergy medications
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• First-aid supplies like bandages, antiseptics, and thermometers
• Toothpaste and sunscreen, in some plans

Members should consult the CVS OTC catalog regularly to stay updated on the full list of eligible products, as this can change from time to time. Some plans may also offer pre-curated OTC kits, which are mailed directly to members’ homes to support specific health needs.

It is important for members to track their allowance usage to avoid overspending. The Aetna member portal allows members to view their remaining balance and monitor their spending. Unused allowances typically do not carry over to the next quarter, so members should plan their purchases accordingly.

Comparing the CVS OTC Aetna Program to Other OTC Programs

While the CVS OTC Aetna program is a highly regarded option, other OTC programs may also be available through Aetna. These programs may partner with retailers like Walmart or Walgreens, and while they operate similarly, there are some key differences to consider. These include:

Members should review their plan details to compare the benefits, product selections, and shopping options of different OTC programs. This will help them choose the option that best meets their needs.

Tips for Maximizing the CVS OTC Aetna Benefit

To get the most out of the CVS OTC Aetna program, members should consider the following tips:

• Plan purchases in advance to ensure that the allowance is used effectively each quarter.
• Review the catalog regularly to discover new eligible products and potential savings.
• Shop online to compare prices and check product eligibility before purchasing.
• Track allowance usage through the Aetna member portal to avoid overspending.
• Stock up on essential items like vitamins or first-aid supplies to ensure preparedness for minor health needs.
• Avoid purchasing non-eligible items, as this can result in unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

By following these tips, members can maximize the value of their OTC allowance and ensure that they are making the most cost-effective choices for their health needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes members make when using the CVS OTC Aetna program is purchasing non-eligible items. Always consult the CVS OTC catalog to verify that a product is covered under the program. This will help avoid issues at checkout and ensure that the purchase is fully covered by the benefit.

Another common mistake is overspending the quarterly allowance. Members should carefully monitor their balance and plan their purchases to ensure that they do not exceed their limit. Unused allowances typically do not carry over, so it is important to use the full amount each quarter.

Members should also be aware that not all CVS locations accept the OTC benefit. Specifically, CVS pharmacies located inside other stores, such as Target, may not participate in the program. To avoid any inconvenience, members should confirm store eligibility before visiting in person.

Conclusion

The CVS OTC Aetna program offers Aetna members a convenient and cost-effective way to access essential over-the-counter health products. By providing a quarterly allowance, the program supports wellness and helps members manage minor health needs without requiring a prescription. The program is primarily available to those enrolled in Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, with some employer-sponsored plans also offering the benefit.

With multiple shopping options—including in-store, online, and phone orders—members can choose the method that best suits their preferences. The program’s partnership with CVS Health ensures access to a wide range of health products, including vitamins, pain relievers, first-aid supplies, and more.

To maximize the benefit, members should review their plan details, track their allowance, and avoid common mistakes such as purchasing non-eligible items or overspending. By doing so, they can make the most of their OTC allowance and maintain their health in a cost-effective manner.

Sources

1. CVS OTC Aetna Program Overview
2. Aetna ACA Plan Benefits