Aetna offers several types of Medicare plans, including Part D. These plans provide coverage for prescription drugs.
People who qualify for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) may choose to get a Part D plan through private insurance companies such as Aetna.
Glossary of Medicare terms
We may use a few terms in this article that can be helpful to understand when selecting the best insurance plan:
- Out-of-pocket costs: An out-of-pocket cost is the amount a person must pay for medical care when Medicare does not pay the total cost or offer coverage. These costs can include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and premiums.
- Deductible: This is an annual amount a person must spend out of pocket within a certain period before an insurer starts to fund their treatments.
- Coinsurance: This is the percentage of treatment costs that a person must self-fund. For Medicare Part B, this is 20%.
- Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount a person with insurance pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.
Aetna is a healthcare company that administers various types of health insurance plans through employer-paid plans and Medicare.
The company began in Hartford, CT, in 1853. They are now a subsidiary of CVS Health.
Aetna offers various Medicare plans, including:
- Medicare Advantage plans: Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They may include additional benefits such as hearing, vision, and dental care.
- Medicare supplement plans: Supplemental plans (Medigap) provide coverage for healthcare costs that original Medicare does not cover in full. These plans may help with the cost of deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- Medicare Part D plans: Part D plans cover the cost of prescription drugs.
Learn about Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage.
Aetna offers the Silver Script Choice as a prescription drug plan.
This plan is available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Covered drugs
Aetna offers coverage for more than 1,400 prescription drugs.
According to Medicare guidelines, each Aetna plan must offer at least two medications in each class of drug. However, the complete list of covered drugs may vary by plan.
All Part D plans must cover certain classes of medications, including:
- anticonvulsants to treat or prevent seizures
- antidepressants to treat depression
- antineoplastics to limit tumor growth
- antipsychotics to treat mental health conditions
- antiretrovirals for HIV treatment
- immunosuppressants to prevent organ transplant rejection
The Aetna Part D plan provides coverage for generic and some brand-name medications. The Aetna website and the SilverScript Choice plan offer a list of covered drugs, usually arranged in tiers that determine the cost. Drugs in the higher tiers typically cost more than those in the lower tiers.
Learn about Medicare drug lists (formulary).
The costs for the Aetna Part D plans may change annually. The costs for the SilverScript Choice PDP plan for 2025 include:
- no more than $5 copay for tier 1 drugs at in-network pharmacies
- $590 deductible on all drug tiers
Medicare Part D plans involve tiers of drugs. Tier 1 drugs typically have the lowest copayments and involve most generic drugs.
SilverScript Choice PDPs may also include a monthly premium. For example, plans in the Washington D.C. area may include a $47.40 monthly premium.
Individuals can find plans in their area on the Aetna website.
Anyone eligible for Medicare Part D plans may get an Aetna plan. For an individual to qualify for a Part D plan, they must meet one of the criteria below:
- be 65 years of age or above
- be entitled to Medicare parts A and B or have already enrolled
- be younger than 65 years of age but have certain disabilities and be in receipt of at least 24 months of financial support from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board
- have end stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Learn more about Medicare Part D eligibility.
Similar to other plans, Aetna Medicare Part D plans have certain coverage conditions that vary among plans. These conditions may include:
- Prior authorizations: Aetna plans may require an individual to get prior authorization for certain medications. This means that the doctor must get approval from Aetna before filling the prescription.
- Quality limits: Plans may also limit the amount of covered medication, such as providing coverage for a certain number of pills per month.
- Step therapy: Some plans may require a person to try a certain drug to treat a medical condition before the company covers a different medication for it. For example, if two drugs are available that treat the same condition, the company may require an individual to try a specific drug first. If that does not work, however, they will cover the other medication.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
Aetna is a private insurance company that administers different types of Medicare plans, including Part D plans that cover many prescription medications.
Aetna offers the SilverScript Choice PDP. It is available in all 50 states and Washington D.C. Monthly premiums vary by area. However, other costs include no more than $5 copayment for tier 1 drugs and a $590 deductible for all drug tiers.