CVS Health is actively monitoring the global COVID-19 pandemic including guidance from trusted sources of clinical information such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). Below is information about policies and procedures that CVS Health has implemented that focus on the health and safety of our colleagues, customers, members and patients. For more information about the virus, please visit the CDC and/or WHO websites dedicated to this issue.
*The content below is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
For Commercial plans, the cost share waiver for any in-network covered telemedicine visit – regardless of diagnosis – began on the day of the CVS Health press release, March 6, 2020, and ended on June 4, 2020.1 Aetna extended all member cost-sharing waivers for covered in-network telemedicine visits for outpatient behavioral and mental health counseling services through January 31, 2021. Aetna self-insured plan sponsors offer this waiver at their discretion.
Cost share waivers for any in-network covered medical and behavioral health services telemedicine visit for Aetna Student Health plans, are extended until January 31, 2021.
For Medicare Advantage plans, Aetna is waiving cost shares for in-network primary care and specialist telehealth visits, including outpatient behavioral and mental health counseling services, through January 31, 2021.
Yes, the no-cost benefit applies to telemedicine visits for behavioral health.2
No, this no-cost benefit only applies to real-time virtual care delivered by an in-network provider. Non-participating provider coverage is based on the member’s benefit/plan design for out-of-network benefits.3
Yes. Providers can temporarily use non-public facing synchronous video chat platforms, such as Skype® and FaceTime®, to complete telemedicine visits as long as these platforms are allowed in their states and they are able to meet the standard of care via a telehealth encounter. Health care providers should not, however, use public-facing video applications, such as Facebook Live®, Twitch® or TikTok®. For more information, refer to the temporary Federal guidelines concerning use of these platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.4
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, indicates that a plan shall not fail to be treated as a high-deductible health plan for failing to have a deductible for telehealth and other remote care services.5
No. Due to HIPAA restrictions, adult members can only register dependents who are minors (below the age of 18). Adult dependents must register themselves for Teladoc®.6
E-Clinics offer many of the same services as the retail MinuteClinic locations. They can evaluate, diagnose and treat common injuries, illnesses and skin conditions. They can also help manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure for established patients. Providers can also assess a patient’s symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19 and provide guidance on how to access testing or treatment if infection with the virus is suspected. For more information, members can visit www.minuteclinic.com.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these services:
| E-Clinic | Video Visits |
|---|---|
| Provides support for over 150 services, similar to services provided in retail clinic setting | Cover smaller subset of services related to minor illnesses and conditions |
| Staffed by MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants | Staffed mainly by Teladoc® physicians |
| Available in Washington, D.C., and the 33 states where MinuteClinic operates (see list here) | Available in 43 states and Washington, D.C., including states where there is not a physical MinuteClinic presence. (see list here) |
| Available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time. | Available on-demand or by appointment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Offers patients the opportunity to connect with a local MinuteClinic provider via video conferencing. | Uses Teladoc's technology platform and is initiated through the patient’s computer or mobile device, at MinuteClinic.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app. |
1 Or as specified by state or federal regulation.
2 Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members vary by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards.
3 Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members vary by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards.
4 Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members vary by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards.
5 Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members vary by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards.
6 Disclaimer: Regulations regarding telehealth services and care package availability for Aetna Medicaid members vary by state and, in some cases, are changing in light of the current situation. Aetna Medicaid members with questions about their benefits are encouraged to call the member services phone number on the back of their ID cards.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).
Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.
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Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
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