CVS Waives Testing, Telemedicine Fees For Aetna Members

WOONSOCKET, RI — CVS is waiving copays for treatment relating to the new coronavirus for Aetna members. Testing for the virus as well as telemedicine visits will be offered, free of charges to members.

The Rhode Island-based pharmacy giant has owned the insurance company since a $69 billion-dollar merger in 2018. Karen Lynch, the president of Aetna and executive vice president at CVS Health, said the company has worked with public health experts and organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to stay up-to-date and spread awareness.

"Supporting the health and well-being of our members and removing barriers to care are among our key areas of focus as we navigate the spread of COVID-19," Lynch said. "That's why we're providing COVID-19 diagnostic testing and telemedicine visits with no out-of-pocket costs or cost sharing for Aetna members, along with a number of other programs and offerings that reinforce our commitment to delivering timely and seamless access to care."

Effective immediately, the new policy covers test kits for COVID-19, as well as the diagnostic tests costs. In addition, Aetna members can utilize telemedicine visits for any reason, with no copay. All costs associated with the CVS MinuteClinic app, Aetna-covered teledocservices and video conferencing with in-network providers will be waived for commercial plans, CVS said on Friday.

Any Aetna members diagnosed with the virus will receive a care package with over-the-counter medications from CVS to help with symptoms, as well as cleaning supplies to help prevent the spread of illness within homes.

Care managers with Aetna will reach out to those deemed most at-risk for contracting the virus, and discuss preventive steps. CVS Health is also taking the following steps, the company said:

1. Opening Crisis Response Lines for all Aetna (Commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and Caremark members who may be experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19.
2. Expanding 24/7 access to the Aetna Nurse Medical Line for all Aetna and Caremark members.
3. Providing Aetna plan sponsors with a Resources for Living toolkit with materials specifically developed for members experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19.