10 surprising benefits of being an Aetna D-SNP member

You probably already know that your health insurance covers regular doctor visits, the cost of some prescription drugs and routine vaccinations and screenings. But if you’re an Aetna® D-SNP member, you may have several other benefits and services that too often go unused.

“It’s really important to know what these are. They’re all designed to make reaching your health goals even easier,” says Nicole Wolf, RN, CCM. Wolf is manager of clinical health services at Aetna D-SNP. Keep reading to learn what’s included in our D-SNP plans.

An entire care team on your side

Trying to figure out your health care can be tricky. That’s especially true if you’re dealing with more than one complex medical condition. Aetna D-SNPs take the pressure off by pairing each member with a team of health care professionals. They can help you:

• Create an overall care plan. They work with you and your doctor to determine the best benefits and services for reaching your health goals.
• Understand your state Medicaid benefits and help you get the ones you need.
• Schedule doctor and dental appointments and possibly even arrange transportation to approved medical appointments.
• Connect you with local and state programs to help you with meals, local transportation, rent, utilities and more.

An allowance for health and wellness products

Aetna D-SNP members have a regular allowance to use for certain Medicare-approved over-the-counter (OTC) products. When you enroll in your plan, you should receive an OTC catalog. (If you didn’t get yours, you can always find it online or ask your care team for one.) The catalog has hundreds of items. Pain relievers, cold and flu medications, first aid products and more are included, says Wolf.

Need to stock up on health and wellness products like pain relievers and cold and flu remedies? Aetna D-SNP members get a regular allowance for these and other OTC items. Learn more about D-SNP plans at AetnaMedicare.com/DSNPInfo.

A 24/7 nurse line

If you have a medical question or concern, you can call a special hotline to speak to a trained nurse and get an answer within minutes. “It’s available to all Aetna® D-SNP members at all hours of the day or night. Which is important if a patient isn’t sure that they have an emergency,” says Wolf.

A quick discussion with a nurse can tell you whether it’s better to stay in bed and rest — or whether you should make a trip to an urgent care center or the emergency room. Even better, the next day the information from your call will be sent to your case manager. That way your case manager can follow up with you as needed.

Telehealth visits

If you struggle with mobility issues, it can be too hard to get to the doctor in person. In these cases, you can opt for telehealth. This is where you see your doctor by phone or secure video from the comfort of home. It can also be a good way to do follow-up visits and quick medication checks. Many medical providers offer it, says Wolf. It’s included in the Aetna D-SNP plan.

Healthy foods card

Buying fresh, healthy foods can sometimes be pricey. That’s why Aetna D-SNP provides this pre-paid debit card to many members. It can help you stock up on approved foods at the grocery store. Approved items include fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats and other nutritious fare, says Wolf. The amount varies depending on where you live. It becomes available monthly. Be sure to use it — allowances don’t roll over.

Many Aetna D-SNP members get a benefit card with an allowance for approved foods like produce, dairy products, meat, pantry staples and more. Learn more about D-SNP plans at AetnaMedicare.com/DSNPInfo.

Meal delivery after a hospital stay

The last thing you want to deal with after you’re discharged from the hospital is cooking. That’s why the Aetna D-SNP program provides up to 14 days of ready-made, individually packaged meals over a seven-day period to many members after a hospital stay. They’re easy to heat in the oven or microwave, so you can focus on resting and getting well.

“When someone gets out of the hospital, there are a lot of things they’re trying to manage,” says Wolf. “We ensure they can eat healthfully and get enough nutrition so they can optimally heal.”
 

A gym membership

A fitness center is more than just a place to exercise. It’s also a great place to socialize and make friends, says Wolf. Aetna D-SNP members can gain access to one, such as your local YMCA, at no added cost through the SilverSneakers® fitness program. There are more than 16,000 participating SilverSneakers locations across the country. If it’s too hard for you to get to the gym, you can exercise at home instead. SilverSneakers also has online videos for yoga, strength training and more.

With the SilverSneakers fitness program benefit, Aetna D-SNP members have access to more than 16,000 participating SilverSneakers locations nationwide, plus online videos for yoga, strength training and more. Learn more about D-SNP plans at AetnaMedicare.com/DSNPInfo.

Transportation

Many Aetna D-SNP members can get a ride to and from plan-approved medical locations like doctor offices and hospitals. You may also be able to get a lift to pharmacies, senior centers, adult day cares and even your SilverSneakers fitness center.
 

An adult companion

The “Papa” program pairs eligible Aetna® D-SNP members with an adult companion for up to 10 hours each month. The companion can help you run errands, drive you places and keep you company. “It’s so important to connect our members with caring, energetic people who can lift their spirits,” says Wolf. Ask your Aetna care team about getting connected.
 

Healthy home visits

More than 1 in 4 older adults have a fall each year. And 3 million older adults end up in the ER with fall-related injuries.¹ Aetna D-SNP members may help stop falls from happening by requesting a healthy home visit from their care team. Certain members also get a $150 annual allowance from CVS that can be used to fall-proof your home. Use it to purchase appropriate home and bathroom safety devices like no-slip bathmats and grab bars.

All these benefits can do your body and mind a lot of good — but only if you use them. If you’re an Aetna D-SNP member and you need help putting your benefits to work for you, simply reach out to your care team today.

 ¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important facts about falls. February 10, 2017. Accessed July 14, 2021.