CVS Health : Aetna Medicare waives out-of-pocket costs for telehealth services

Aetna, a CVS Health company, will waive out-of-pocket costs for in-network primary care and specialist telehealth visits for all Individual and Group Medicare Advantage plan members through September 30, 2020.

'While seniors are encouraged to stay home to limit their exposure to COVID-19, that doesn't mean they have to forego medical care during the pandemic,' said Christopher Ciano, President of Aetna Medicare. 'It's important our Medicare members continue getting essential preventive and primary care to keep small problems from becoming big ones. To help with this, Aetna Medicare is continuing to take steps to remove barriers to care and make care more affordable for our members.'

This action is in addition to the cost-share waivers we announced on May 13:

• Waiving member out-of-pocket costs for all in-network primary care visits, whether done in-office or via telehealth, for any reason, for all Medicare Advantage plan members through September 30, 2020.

• Extending all member cost-sharing waivers for in-network telehealth visits for outpatient behavioral and mental health counseling services for all Medicare Advantage plan members through September 30, 2020.

We are closely monitoring the progress of the pandemic, federal and state policies and the associated impact on our members, customers and providers. We'll continue to adjust our policies, as appropriate, to ensure access to care.

About CVS Health

CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings - from HealthHUB® locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions - are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming health at www.cvshealth.com.

Aetna, a CVS Health company, will waive out-of-pocket costs for in-network primary care and specialist telehealth visits for all Individual and Group Medicare Advantage plan members through September 30, 2020.

'While seniors are encouraged to stay home to limit their exposure to COVID-19, that doesn't mean they have to forego medical care during the pandemic,' said Christopher Ciano, President of Aetna Medicare. 'It's important our Medicare members continue getting essential preventive and primary care to keep small problems from becoming big ones. To help with this, Aetna Medicare is continuing to take steps to remove barriers to care and make care more affordable for our members.'

This action is in addition to the cost-share waivers we announced on May 13:

• Waiving member out-of-pocket costs for all in-network primary care visits, whether done in-office or via telehealth, for any reason, for all Medicare Advantage plan members through September 30, 2020.

• Extending all member cost-sharing waivers for in-network telehealth visits for outpatient behavioral and mental health counseling services for all Medicare Advantage plan members through September 30, 2020.

We are closely monitoring the progress of the pandemic, federal and state policies and the associated impact on our members, customers and providers. We'll continue to adjust our policies, as appropriate, to ensure access to care.

About CVS Health

CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings - from HealthHUB® locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions - are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming health at www.cvshealth.com.