What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that makes your bones weak. This happens when your body loses bone structure faster than it can rebuild it. As you age, your bones can get thinner. This can raise your risk of breaks, most often in the hip, spine or wrist.
Some people have a higher chance of getting osteoporosis. Your risk may be higher if you:
- Are over age 50
- Do not get enough calcium or vitamin D
- Are not very active
- Smoke or drink a lot of alcohol
- Have family members with weak bones
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints. Joints are where your bones meet, like your knees, hands and hips. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and trouble moving. You may feel worse in the morning or after sitting still. Arthritis can make it harder to move and do everyday tasks.
You can get arthritis in different ways. It can happen due to:
- Your joints wearing down over time
- Injury to a joint
- Your immune system attacking your joints
- Extra weight putting pressure on joints
- Getting older
Your doctor can help you find out if you have arthritis. They will ask about your pain and check your joints. They may take an X-ray or run other tests. Getting care early can help you feel better and protect your joints.
How are osteoporosis and arthritis different?
These conditions are not the same. You can have one or both. Each condition may need different care.
Osteoporosis: This disease affects your bones. It makes your bones weak and more likely to break.
Arthritis: This disease affects your joints. Joints are where your bones meet.
Do Aetna® Medicare plans cover doctors and specialists for bone and joint health?
Yes. Aetna Medicare plans include medical and hospital coverage. Also known as Parts A and B of Original Medicare. Many plans also include prescription drug coverage.
These plans may help pay for doctor visits and treatment. This can include:
- A check up for arthritis pain
- A visit to see a specialist
- Joint injections for pain
- Bone density tests (also called a DEXA scan)
- Physical therapy to help you move better
- Chiropractic care
Is my doctor, specialist or medication covered by an Aetna Medicare plan?
Before you enroll in a plan, make sure your doctors like rheumatologists, chiropractors or orthopedic specialists are in the plan’s network. This means the plan works with them. Staying in network can help you save money. You can also check to make sure your medications are covered.
Step 1: Find plans in your area
- Enter your ZIP code to see plans near you. Compare plans and enroll
Step 2: Check your doctors and medications
- Check the provider list to see if your doctors (like rheumatologists or orthopedic specialists) are in the network. Find providers
- Check the drug list (formulary) to see if your medications are covered. Search for a drug
If you are not sure:
- Call your doctor’s office and ask which plans they accept
- Call your pharmacy to ask about covered medications
What coverage choices do I have for Aetna Medicare Advantage plans?
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans come in a few different types. Each plan works a little differently when you get care.
- HMO: You use the plan’s doctors and hospitals. This is called staying in network.
- HMO-POS: You usually use the plan’s doctors and care locations. You may be able to go outside the network for some services, but it can cost more.
- PPO: You can use any doctors or care locations. If you stay in network, you will pay less. If you go out of network, you will pay more.
Do Aetna Medicare plans cover arthritis treatments like shots and medication?
Yes. Aetna Medicare plans with drug coverage have a large list of covered medications. Many of these medications are used to treat bone and joint conditions.
There are two main ways to get drug coverage:
Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans: These plans combine your medical and drug coverage in one plan.
Prescription Drug Plans (PDP): These are stand-alone plans that only cover prescription drugs. You may add them to Original Medicare.
Both types of plans include a list of covered medications. This can include drugs used to treat pain, swelling and bone health. Some common types of drugs include arthritis medications like Otezla (apremilast), NSAIDs or duloxetine. And bone health medications like bisphosphonates or Prolia (denosumab).
Do Aetna Medicare plans cover treatments like chiropractic visits?
Yes. Some Aetna Medicare plans cover chiropractic care. This may include spinal adjustments when they are medically needed. You may pay part of the cost after you meet your deductible. Check the plan details to see what is covered and what you may pay.
Learn more about how Aetna Medicare covers chiropractic care
What resources do Aetna Medicare plans provide for managing bone and joint conditions?
24-Hour Nurse Line
Get quick answers to your medical questions by using our 24-Hour Nurse Line.* They can help with symptom and pain management. Learn more about our 24-Hour Nurse Line
Transportation
Some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include the Resources For Living® program.* This is a program that helps you find services and resources in your community. They may be able to help you arrange transportation to appointments. Learn more about Resources For Living
Extra Benefits Card
Some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include a monthly benefit amount (allowance) that can be used to buy approved over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness products. This can include pain relief and joint support products.
Durable medical equipment (DME)
Your plan may also cover supplies through the DME benefit. This can include things like mobility devices and home safety equipment.
Ready to shop Aetna Medicare plans?
Enter your ZIP code to find Aetna Medicare plans in your area. Compare benefits, costs and drug coverage and see if your providers are in our network.
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Already a member?
If you already have a plan:
- Log in to your secure member website
- Check your plan details to see what help is included.
- Contact Member Services if you have questions about your benefits.
Find more helpful information
Resources For Living® is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies.