Aetna Medicare Advantage: COVID-19 FAQs and resources

Telehealth

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is the term Medicare uses for telemedicine. Telemedicine refers to real-time virtual care. This can include:

• Live-video conferencing with providers

• Telephone-only consultations with providers

• Services provided by vendors like Teladoc®

Medicare Advantage members should use telemedicine as their first line of defense to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 in physician offices.

How is Aetna covering telehealth services for their Medicare members?

Through December 31, 2020, Aetna is waiving cost shares for all Medicare Advantage plan members for in-network primary care and specialist telehealth visits, including outpatient behavioral and mental health counseling services.

Aetna is also waiving member out-of-pocket costs for all in-network primary care visits, whether done in-office and via telehealth, for any reason, and encourages members to continue seeking essential preventive and primary care during the crisis. This is effective May 13, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Medicare Advantage members should use telemedicine as their first line of defense for appropriate symptoms or conditions to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 in physician offices.

Medicare Advantage members may use telemedicine for any reason, not just COVID-19 diagnosis. This means members can continue to receive clinical care from their providers, for example, discuss their diabetes care plan or schedule a sick visit, without having to leave their home and risk exposure to COVID-19.Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members varies by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards.

How can our Medicare Advantage members access telehealth services?

Members should contact their doctor to see which telehealth services they may be able to offer their patients and how to schedule them.

Can our Medicare Advantage members use Teladoc?

Yes, we have temporarily made Teladoc available to all of our Medicare Advantage members for general medical care only, at no cost, through December 31, 2020. However, we encourage members to seek virtual care from their own doctors first when possible to maintain care continuity.

To access Teladoc, members can call 1-855-TELADOC (855-835-2362) or visit https://member.teladoc.com/aetna for help. It’s available 24/7 to help.Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members varies by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards.

Can Teladoc provide the same telemedicine services as Medicare Advantage members’ own doctors?

No, Teladoc can be used by Medicare Advantage members for general medical care only. Members should seek other telehealth care, such as dermatology and behavioral health services, from their own doctors.

For Group Medicare Advantage members with the Teladoc benefit, is the copay waived?

Yes, along with all telehealth services, we have waived copays through December 31, 2020.Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members varies by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards. Members may see Teladoc providers for general medical care; however, they should consult their providers for virtual dermatology and behavioral health services.

For Aetna Group Medicare Advantage members without the Teladoc benefit, will members be able to access Teladoc?

Yes, we have temporarily made Teladoc® available to all of our Medicare Advantage members at no cost. However, we encourage members to seek virtual care from their own doctors when possible to maintain care continuity.Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna. Members should consult their providers for virtual dermatology and behavioral health services.

Does CVS MinuteClinic offer virtual visits to Medicare members?

Yes, MinuteClinic offers two telemedicine options: MinuteClinic Video Visits and E-Clinic visits.

Are CVS MinuteClinic Video Visits covered for Medicare Advantage members?

Yes. MinuteClinic Video Visits are now covered by most Aetna Medicare Advantage plans and copays are waived through December 31, 2020. At this time, MinuteClinic Video Visits are not covered by these plans: Aetna Better Health of Virginia (HMO SNP), Aetna Better Health of Ohio, a MyCare Ohio plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), Aetna Better Health of Michigan Premier Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), and Aetna Better Health of Illinois Premier Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan).

To access MinuteClinic Video Visits, members can visit the MinuteClinic website or download the CVS mobile application. It’s available 24/7.

Are CVS MinuteClinic E-Clinic visits covered under the telemedicine cost-sharing waiver for Medicare members?

Yes, E-Clinic visits are part of the no-cost telemedicine waiver for most Medicare members. There is no cost to Medicare Advantage members for this service through December 31, 2020. E-Clinic visits are available for most Medicare Advantage plans, including Aetna Better Health of Ohio, a MyCare Ohio plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), Aetna Better Health of Michigan Premier Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) and Aetna Better Health of Illinois Premier Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan). E-Clinic visits are not covered by Aetna Better Health of Virginia (HMO SNP).

To access MinuteClinic Video Visits, members can schedule a MinuteClinic virtual visit  or download the CVS mobile application. It’s available 24/7.

What type of services are available via an E-Clinic visit?

E-Clinics offer many of the same services as the retail MinuteClinics. They can evaluate, diagnose and treat common injuries, illnesses and skin conditions. They can also help manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure for established patients. Providers can also assess a patient’s symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19 and provide guidance on how to access testing or treatment if infection with the virus is suspected. For more information, members can visit MinuteClinic.com.

What’s the difference between a MinuteClinic Video Visit and E-Clinic visit?