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5 Tips for Seniors Navigating Aetna Prescription Rules

Written By: Nathan Justice
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: August 1, 2024
Last updated: October 9, 2024

Exploring Aetna's prescription prior authorization process can be challenging for seniors, but we've got some tips to simplify it. First, visit your doctor. They will submit the necessary requests and keep us updated. Next, regularly track the status of our authorization through the doctor or Aetna Member Services. It's essential to understand which medications need prior authorization to prevent delays. Utilize Aetna's online resources to check coverage and find in-network pharmacies. Finally, don't hesitate to seek Aetna's customer support for personalized help with medication management and coverage issues. Stick with us, and we'll guide you to mastering this process.

Key Takeaways

  • Regularly check the authorization status through your doctor's office or Aetna Member Services to stay updated.
  • Utilize Aetna's online resources to streamline the prior authorization process and find in-network pharmacies.
  • Be proactive in understanding which medications require prior approval to avoid delays.
  • Contact Aetna's customer support for personalized assistance with medication management, refills, and cost-saving options.

Visit Your Doctor

Visit Your Doctor

When we visit our physicians, they can submit requests for procedures, tests, or prescriptions that require prior approval from Aetna. Our doctor considers our overall health and any chronic conditions we might've while determining the necessity for these requests. This guarantees that the recommended procedures or medications are tailored to our specific health needs.

Once our doctor decides on the appropriate course of action, they share the request with Aetna to initiate the review process. Aetna then reviews the request to verify that the procedure or prescription is medically necessary and covered under our plan. If the request is approved, Aetna will also assist us in finding an in-network provider, ensuring we receive care from a trusted and covered source.

If we've any questions about the prior approval process, our doctor is a valuable resource. They can help us understand the status of our request and provide clarification on any concerns we might have.

Track Authorization Status

To stay on top of our prior authorization request, we should regularly check its status through our doctor's office or Aetna Member Services. By doing so, we can guarantee that our prescription medication approval is on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

Our care provider is kept informed throughout the review process, and they can give us updates whenever we need them.

Aetna aims to make a decision within 14 days, so it's important to stay proactive. We can contact Aetna Member Services at 1-844-362-0934 (TTY: 711) to get the latest information about our prior authorization status. This support line is a valuable resource that helps us understand where we stand in the approval process.

Our doctor is another valuable resource. They can provide timely updates and clarify any next steps, making sure that we remain informed and prepared.

Staying engaged with both Aetna and our care provider helps us navigate any potential issues and guarantees that we receive our necessary medication without undue delay.

Understand Prior Authorization Needs

Why is it important for us to understand which medications require prior approval?

Knowing this helps us avoid unnecessary delays in receiving our prescriptions and guarantees we're getting medications that meet clinical guidelines and are cost-effective. When we're aware of the prior approval process, we can better navigate any challenges that come our way.

To make sure we're prepared, let's look at the key steps:

  1. Identify Medications: Understand which of our medications require prior approval. This usually includes high-cost or specialty drugs.
  2. Work with Healthcare Providers: Our healthcare provider plays a pivotal role in submitting the necessary information to Aetna. We need to keep open communication with them.
  3. Know the Clinical Guidelines: Aetna reviews prior approval requests to guarantee medications are medically necessary and appropriate. Familiarizing ourselves with these guidelines can help us understand why certain medications need approval.
  4. Prepare for Delays: Sometimes, the prior approval process can take time. Being proactive helps us anticipate and manage these delays.

Utilize Online Resources

Utilize Online Resources

By utilizing Aetna's online resources, we can streamline the prescription prior authorization process and stay informed about our medication coverage. Navigating the complexities of prescription management can be challenging, but Aetna's website provides valuable tools to simplify this task.

We can search for in-network pharmacies within their pharmacy network, guaranteeing we get our refills without unnecessary delays. The online resources also offer detailed information about medication coverage and prior authorization requirements. By accessing our prescription drug list online, we can check which medications are covered and comprehend any restrictions that might apply. This helps us avoid surprises at the pharmacy and plan accordingly.

Additionally, Aetna's website guides us through the request process for any needed exceptions to coverage rules. This feature is particularly beneficial for seniors, as it allows us to manage our prescriptions effectively and ensure we get the medications we need. The step-by-step instructions for requesting prior authorization or exceptions make the process less intimidating.

Seek Customer Support

When online resources aren't enough, reaching out to Aetna's customer support can provide the personalized assistance we need. By calling Member Services at 1-844-362-0934 (TTY: 711), we can receive expert guidance to help us navigate the prior authorization process. The customer support team is equipped to assist with a variety of concerns related to our prescriptions.

Here are some key areas where customer support can help:

  1. Medication management: They can explain how to properly manage our medications, ensuring we're taking the right doses at the right times.
  2. Refill processes: Customer support can guide us through the steps for refilling our prescriptions, including enrolling in automatic refill programs.
  3. Cost concerns: They can address any questions we've about the costs associated with our prescriptions and help us explore cost-saving options.
  4. Coverage denials and medication exceptions: If we've experienced coverage denials or need to request medication exceptions, customer support can assist in resolving these issues.

Additionally, they can provide support with prescription claims and help us understand our coverage for specific medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Prior Authorization Work With Aetna?

We need our doctor to submit detailed medical info to Aetna for certain drugs. Aetna reviews this to verify the medication is necessary and aligns with our plan's criteria before they approve coverage. It controls costs and guarantees safety.

How Can I Speed Up My Prior Authorization?

To expedite our prior authorization, we should regularly check the request's status, verify all medical records are provided, and follow up with our doctor to confirm they've submitted everything promptly. Utilizing Aetna's support services also helps.

What Are the Most Common Ways That Prior Authorization Can Be Performed?

We can perform prior authorization through Aetna's member portal, by phone, or electronically via the provider portal. Faxed forms and mailing documentation to Aetna are also common methods. Let's choose the easiest option for us.

Which Procedure Is Most Likely to Need a Prior Authorization?

When considering which procedure is most likely to need prior authorization, we should focus on major surgeries. Hip and knee replacements, as well as cardiac procedures, most commonly require prior authorization to guarantee coverage and approval.

Conclusion

To sum up, we can confidently navigate Aetna's prescription prior authorization by following these steps:

  • Visit our doctor for necessary documentation.
  • Track the authorization status online.

Let's make the most of our online resources, and don't hesitate to seek customer support when needed.

By taking these proactive steps, we guarantee we get the medications we need with minimal hassle, keeping our health a top priority.

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Nathan Justice manages community outreach programs and forums that help many senior citizens. He completed a counseling program at the University of Maryland’s Department of Psychology.

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