Aetna offers various Medicare Advantage plans that provide additional benefits to their members. Among these benefits are flex cards, OTC benefits, and Extra Benefits Cards, each designed to help members manage healthcare and everyday expenses. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of these benefits, focusing on where and how they can be used, particularly concerning healthy food purchases.
Understanding Aetna Medicare Flex Cards
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a benefit called a flex card. Medicare flex cards are prepaid cards that work like debit cards. Each month or quarter (depending on your plan), your flex card will be loaded with your allowance, but this card can only be used to pay for eligible goods and services. Many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include OTC (over-the-counter) benefits, which come in the form of a preloaded Aetna Payment card provided by PayFlex. This card allows members to purchase over-the-counter health and wellness products.
What the Aetna Medicare Flex Card Covers
With the Aetna Payment card, you can buy certain over-the-counter items listed in your OTC catalog. This includes a range of items such as:
- Pain relief medication
- First aid items
- Cold, flu, and allergy medicine
- Oral hygiene tools
The specifics of what you can buy and the amount of money you receive vary between plans. It's essential to check your summary of benefits to understand your allowance and the OTC catalog for a list of covered products.
When and Where to Use the Aetna Payment Card
Your OTC benefits are reloaded onto the Aetna Payment card every quarter on the first of the month, specifically on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
Read also: How to Measure for Weight Loss
You can use your Aetna Payment card and OTC benefits at any CVS Pharmacy nationwide. To find the nearest CVS, use the store locator. Additionally, you can use Chapter's OTC app to purchase eligible items with your credits and have them shipped to you. Note that CVS Pharmacy locations inside other stores like Target or grocery stores are not eligible for the benefit.
Exploring the Aetna Extra Benefits Card
For Aetna beneficiaries enrolled in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), there's access to an Extra Benefits Card. These plans cater to individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing additional support for various needs.
Features of the Aetna Extra Benefits Card
The Aetna Extra Benefits Card is a prepaid Mastercard that comes with a monthly allowance. This allowance can be used for various everyday expenses, including:
- Approved groceries
- OTC items
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Personal care items
- Pet supplies
- Rent or mortgage assistance
The specific items and services covered can vary, so it’s important to check your summary of benefits to understand what you can pay for with your Aetna Extra Benefits card. You’ll receive the benefit amount on the first day of each month, and any unused amount from the previous month rolls over, allowing you to accumulate savings.
Where to Shop with the Aetna Extra Benefits Card
You can use the Aetna Extra Benefits card to buy groceries, household, and OTC items at eligible retail stores, like Kroger and Walmart. For transportation, utilities, and rent assistance, you can pay for the service directly with the card. The best way to shop for eligible items is online by logging onto aetna.nationsbenefits.com and browsing through approved products.
Read also: Their Weight Loss Journeys After the Show
Maximizing the Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card
The Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card is a valuable tool designed to help Medicare members manage their healthcare and wellness expenses. This card provides financial assistance for a range of approved items and services, including over-the-counter (OTC) products, healthy food, fitness memberships, and even transportation to medical appointments. By simplifying access to these essentials, the card empowers individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle while reducing out-of-pocket costs. Understanding how and where to use this card is crucial for maximizing its benefits.
Eligible Expenses
The Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card offers a range of financial support for health-related expenses, making it a valuable resource for cardholders. One of the primary uses is for over-the-counter (OTC) products, including essential items like vitamins, pain relievers, bandages, and other personal health supplies. The card also helps with purchasing groceries and healthy food, providing access to fresh produce, whole grains, and other nutritious items that support a balanced diet. Some plans include coverage for fitness memberships or equipment, encouraging an active lifestyle. Additionally, transportation for medical appointments, such as rides to clinics or hospitals, may be covered, reducing barriers to accessing necessary healthcare services. This broad range of eligible expenses ensures that cardholders can prioritize their health and well-being conveniently and affordably.
Participating Retailers
The Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card is widely accepted at numerous national and local retailers, making it easy for members to access the items and services they need. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are popular choices, offering a wide selection of eligible OTC products like medications, skincare items, and wellness supplies. Grocery chains also participate, allowing cardholders to shop for fresh, healthy foods to support better nutrition. In some cases, the card can be used with online retailers, providing added convenience for those who prefer home delivery or cannot easily visit a physical store. With this extensive network of participating retailers, the card ensures accessibility and flexibility, helping members make the most of their benefits while improving their overall health.
Healthcare Services Coverage
The Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card can also be used to cover certain healthcare services at clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. These services may include co-pays for routine medical appointments, ensuring members have affordable access to primary care or specialist consultations. The card may also help with the cost of prescription medications, offering relief for individuals managing chronic conditions or recovering from illness. In some cases, specific treatments or services, such as physical therapy or diagnostic tests, may be eligible for coverage. By supporting these essential healthcare expenses, the card provides added financial security, enabling members to prioritize their health without the burden of excessive costs.
Finding Approved Locations
Finding locations where you can use your Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card is straightforward and ensures that you make the most of its benefits. These tools often include search features, allowing you to filter results by location or category. If you prefer personalized assistance, contacting Aetna’s customer service is an excellent option. Representatives can guide you through the process, clarify eligibility rules, and help you identify nearby participating locations to maximize your card’s benefits.
Read also: Aetna Healthy Foods Card: A Guide
Restrictions and Limitations
While the Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card offers valuable assistance, it is important to be aware of its restrictions and limitations. Certain items, such as alcohol, tobacco products, and non-eligible goods, are typically excluded from coverage. This ensures the card is used strictly for health-related purposes, aligning with its intended benefits. Additionally, the card’s balance and terms may vary depending on your plan, so it’s essential to regularly check your available funds and review any updates to the program’s guidelines. Familiarizing yourself with these details helps prevent declined transactions and ensures you can make the most of your benefits without confusion or inconvenience.
Additional Benefits for Aetna D-SNP Members
Aetna D-SNP plans offer a range of additional benefits designed to support members with complex medical needs. These benefits aim to improve overall health and well-being by providing access to essential resources and services.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowance
Aetna D-SNP members have a regular allowance to use for certain Medicare-approved over-the-counter (OTC) products. When you enroll in your plan, you should receive an OTC catalog. The catalog has hundreds of items, including health and wellness products like pain relievers and cold and flu remedies.
Nurse Hotline
If you have a medical question or concern, you can call a special hotline to speak to a trained nurse and get an answer within minutes. This service is available to all Aetna D-SNP members at all hours of the day or night. The information from your call will be sent to your case manager.
Telehealth Services
If you struggle with mobility issues, telehealth can be a valuable option. You can see your doctor by phone or secure video from the comfort of home. It can also be a good way to do follow-up visits and quick medication checks.
Healthy Foods Card
Many Aetna D-SNP members get a benefit card with an allowance for approved foods like produce, dairy products, meat, pantry staples and more. This pre-paid debit card can help you stock up on approved foods at the grocery store, including fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats and other nutritious fare. The amount varies depending on where you live and becomes available monthly.
Post-Hospital Meal Delivery
The Aetna D-SNP program provides up to 14 days of ready-made, individually packaged meals over a seven-day period to many members after a hospital stay. This helps ease the transition back home and ensures proper nutrition during recovery.
Fitness Programs
Aetna D-SNP members can gain access to a fitness center, such as your local YMCA, at no added cost through the SilverSneakers® fitness program. There are more than 16,000 participating SilverSneakers locations across the country. If it’s too hard for you to get to the gym, you can exercise at home instead with online videos for yoga, strength training and more.
Transportation Assistance
Many Aetna D-SNP members can get a ride to and from plan-approved medical locations like doctor offices and hospitals.
Papa Program
The “Papa” program pairs eligible Aetna® D-SNP members with an adult companion for up to 10 hours each month. The companion can help you run errands, drive you places and keep you company.
Healthy Home Visits and Fall Prevention
Aetna D-SNP members may help stop falls from happening by requesting a healthy home visit from their care team. Certain members also get a $150 annual allowance from CVS that can be used to fall-proof your home.
Maximizing Your Benefits
Flex card benefits can be confusing to navigate. Many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries don’t use this extra money because they either don’t know it exists or it’s too much of a hassle to use it. To make the most of your Aetna benefits:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check your summary of benefits and OTC catalog to understand what is covered and how much you have available.
- Use Available Resources: Utilize tools like Chapter's free OTC app to track your benefits and find eligible items.
- Plan Your Purchases: Make a list of essential items before you shop to ensure you’re using your benefits effectively.
- Take Advantage of Rollover: If you have an Extra Benefits Card, remember that unused amounts often roll over to the next month, so you don’t lose out on savings.