Aetna Medicare Part D Drug Plan Review for 2020 | Eligibility (2024)

December 11, 2019

With prescription drug plans offered in all 50 states plus DC, Aetna has a broad reach for Original Medicare enrollees needing drug benefits. Aetna’s prescription drug plans (PDPs) come in three flavors with differences in premiums and coverage, which we’ll discuss in detail below.

NOTE: As a contingency for the Aetna/CVS merger to continue, Aetna was required to sell its Part D program, which WellCare purchased. For 2019, Aetna has promised not to change its Part D “benefits, networks, formularies, or premiums.”² But starting in 2020, all of Aetna’s plans will officially be under WellCare—be sure to check WellCare’s Part D review for updates.

Who might want an Aetna Part D plan?

• People who mostly take generic drugs: The most anyone pays for a generic drug is $2 (or $3 for home delivery) under any Aetna plan.³
• CVS customers: Every CVS pharmacy in the country is in Aetna’s preferred network.
• Home delivery fans: Aetna offers home delivery in some of its plans, so you may not have to go to a physical pharmacy to get your medications.

Aetna Part D sample plans

Aetna Medicare Rx® Select (PDP)

Aetna Medicare Rx® Saver (PDP)

For typically higher premiums than the Rx Select plan, the Aetna Medicare Rx Saver plan offers the best coverage for Tier 3 (preferred brand) drugs out of all three plans—in our sample, that is; your mileage may vary. It also gives slightly better coverage than the Rx Select plan for Tier 5 (specialty) drugs.

This plan could work for people who need generic drugs, but also a few brand name drugs that are on the preferred tier on Aetna’s formulary—although you must meet the deductible before coverage kicks in for anything Tier 3 (preferred brand drugs) and below.

Aetna Medicare Rx® Value Plus (PDP)

Although Aetna's Medicare Rx Value Plus plan typically has the highest monthly deductible, it provides the best coverage of all three plans for a wider range of drugs. This coverage is especially evident in Tiers 4 and 5, covering a more significant percentage of the medication's cost.

The Value Plus plan might be viable for those who need any drug that’s not on Aetna’s preferred list or someone who relies on specialty drugs.

Bottom Line: Nationwide coverage and plenty of options

Regardless of where you are in the country, Aetna's vast network provides accessible Part D benefits for enrollees in Original Medicare. Whether you take a few generic prescriptions or expensive specialty medications, one of Aetna’s plans could help reduce your drug costs—even with its mail order option.

Is an Aetna Part D plan right for you? Call a licensed agent to get a quote.

Want to learn more?

Aetna’s policies go far beyond Part D; they also sell Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, another way to get Medicare benefits and drug coverage bundled into one package. Or, if you’re set on Original Medicare, Aetna offers Medicare Supplement (Medigap)plans to boost coverage for your medical costs.

• Read our Aetna Medicare Advantage plans review.
• Learn more about Medicare Part D.

Content on this site has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the United States Government, any state Medicare agency, or any private insurance agency (collectively "Medicare System Providers"). Eligibility.com is a DBA of Clear Link Technologies, LLC and is not affiliated with any Medicare System Providers.