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What Pharmacies Does Aetna Use?

Written By: Charlotte Senger
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: January 28, 2024
Last updated: September 30, 2024
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Aetna offers a range of pharmacies, including retail, specialty, mail-order, long-term care, home infusion, and Indian Health Service/Tribal/Urban Indian Health Program pharmacies.[1]

Aetna members can locate in-network pharmacies using the updated 'find a pharmacy' tool on Aetna's website.

Utilizing preferred pharmacies in Aetna's network can lead to cost savings for members compared to standard network pharmacies.[2]

Through CVS Caremark® Mail Service Pharmacy, Aetna provides mail-order services that deliver medications directly to members' homes, often with cost and time-saving benefits.

Aetna accommodates members who prefer physical copies of the pharmacy directory, which can be requested through their website.

The pharmacy network information on Aetna's website is updated every two weeks to ensure members have access to the most current details.

Navigating your health insurance's pharmacy network can be a crucial aspect of managing your healthcare effectively. Aetna, a prominent health insurance provider, offers a diverse range of pharmacy options to cater to the varied needs of its members. Understanding these options can help Aetna members maximize their benefits and access their medications conveniently. 

This guide provides an in-depth look at what pharmacies does Aetna use and what each offers.

What Pharmacies Does Aetna Use?

One of the key features of Aetna's pharmacy services is its Home Delivery option, provided through CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy. This service is especially beneficial for those requiring long-term medication for chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and more. Members can receive up to a 90-day supply of these maintenance medicines, offering convenience and, often, cost savings.

Fast Facts

Aetna's network includes pharmacies that are open 24/7, ensuring members have access to urgent medication needs at any time, day or night.

Understanding Aetna's Pharmacy Network

Aetna's pharmacy network is designed to provide members with flexible options for their medication needs. The network encompasses thousands of pharmacies nationwide, including major chains and independent local pharmacies.[1] Aetna continuously evaluates its network to maintain a balance of accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality service.

Specialty Pharmacy

Aetna Specialty Pharmacy focuses on providing medications for more complex and chronic conditions, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. These medications often require special handling and administration, such as injections or infusions. Aetna's specialty pharmacy ensures that members receive comprehensive support, including medication counseling and management of side effects.

Retail Pharmacy

For immediate and short-term medication needs, Aetna members have access to a network of retail pharmacies. These include well-known national chains as well as local drugstores. Retail pharmacies are ideal for filling prescriptions for acute conditions, or when a small amount of medication is needed, such as a 10-day antibiotic course.

Preferred Pharmacy Network

Aetna’s preferred pharmacy network includes a variety of national chains and local options. Some of the notable pharmacies in this network are CVS Pharmacy®, Costco® Pharmacy, Walmart, Albertsons®, Publix Super Markets, Kroger®, and Safeway. Using these preferred pharmacies can lead to significant cost savings.[2]

24/7 Pharmacies

Recognizing the need for round-the-clock access to medications, Aetna's network also includes 24/7 pharmacies. These pharmacies are essential for urgent medication needs that occur outside of regular business hours.

Fast Facts

Aetna provides pharmacy information and services in multiple languages, catering to a diverse member base and ensuring accessibility for all.

Finding A Pharmacy Near You

Aetna's Medicare Part D plans include a network of pharmacies, and it's typically necessary to use a network pharmacy for the plan to cover your prescription. Members can use Aetna's 'find a pharmacy' tool, updated every two weeks, to locate network pharmacies in their area. This tool is easily accessible online and provides the most up-to-date pharmacy network information.

  • Using the Preferred Pharmacy Network: Aetna's pharmacy network includes both national chains and local options, offering flexibility and convenience for prescription drug needs. Members might find additional savings at preferred network pharmacies compared to standard network pharmacies. Some of the pharmacies in Aetna's preferred network include CVS Pharmacy®, Costco® Pharmacy, Walmart, Albertsons®, Publix Super Markets, Kroger®, and Safeway.

  • Requesting a Printed Copy of the Pharmacy Directory: For members who prefer a physical copy of the pharmacy directory, Aetna accommodates this need. You can request a printed copy of participating pharmacies near you from Aetna's website. This printed directory is a convenient reference for those who might not have regular access to the internet or prefer a hard copy for quick reference.

  • Home Delivery and Mail-Order Pharmacies: Aetna's partnership with CVS Caremark® Mail Service Pharmacy offers a mail-order service that delivers medications directly to your home or other chosen locations. This service is ideal for maintenance drugs used for chronic or long-term conditions, and it offers the convenience of standard shipping at no extra cost and automatic refills. Typically, mail-order drugs arrive within 10 days of placing an order.

  • Long-Term Care and Home Infusion Pharmacies: Aetna Medicare covers infusion therapy drugs under certain conditions and offers options for members who are residents of long-term care facilities. These facilities may have their own long-term care pharmacy or use another network long-term care pharmacy.

  • Indian Health Service/Tribal/Urban Indian Health Program Pharmacies: Aetna's network also includes pharmacies under the Indian Health Service/Tribal/Urban Indian Health Program, primarily accessible to Native Americans and Alaska Natives. In some emergency situations, other members might also access these pharmacies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cost benefits to using a preferred pharmacy in Aetna's network?

Yes, using a preferred pharmacy in Aetna's network can lead to cost savings compared to using standard network pharmacies. Aetna's preferred pharmacies are marked with a purple tag on their list.

Can I get my medications delivered to my home with Aetna?

Aetna partners with CVS Caremark® Mail Service Pharmacy to offer a mail-order service, delivering medications directly to your home, with standard shipping at no extra cost and automatic refills.

What types of pharmacies are included in Aetna's network?

Aetna's network includes retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, mail-order options, long-term care pharmacies, home infusion pharmacies, and Indian Health Service/Tribal/Urban Indian Health Program pharmacies.

How often is the Aetna pharmacy network information updated?

Aetna updates its pharmacy network information every two weeks to ensure the most current information is available to its members.

Can I request a printed copy of Aetna's pharmacy directory?

Yes, members can request a printed copy of the participating pharmacies near them via Aetna's website, which typically arrives 7 to 10 days after the request is processed.

Finding Pharmacies That Aetna Uses

So, what pharmacies does Aetna use? Aetna has a comprehensive pharmacy network that provides its members with various convenient options to meet their medication needs. From the ease of finding in-network pharmacies and the savings offered by preferred pharmacies to the convenience of mail-order services, Aetna's pharmacy network is designed with the member's health and convenience in mind. For any further information or specific queries, Aetna members are encouraged to utilize the resources available on the Aetna website or contact customer support for personalized assistance. Remember, managing your health is easier when you have the right resources, and Aetna is committed to providing just that.

Find out how to use Aetna Flex Card in 2024. Learn more by visiting Senior Strong and exploring our comprehensive resources.

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Charlotte Senger is a senior discount expert who handles all financial concerns and ensures that seniors are able to save money. She got her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas.
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