Making open enrollment easier
Choose a health plan with confidence. We’ve covered all you need to know, from tips on how to save money, explanation of plan types, and member stories. Because the more you know about health care, the more prepared you’ll be.
5 ways to save with Aetna
An Aetna® health benefits and insurance plan isn’t just easy to use — it can help you save money, too. Check out some simple things you can do to make the most of your plan every time you need care.
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Stay in the network
Network providers charge lower, negotiated rates. Your coinsurance is lower, too.
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Get preventive care
Preventive care helps you stay ahead of potential issues. And when you use in‑network providers, you’ll pay nothing out of pocket.
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Pay less for prescriptions
Try generics, which cost less than name-brand drugs and can be just as effective. And use your plan’s home delivery service for regular prescriptions.
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Compare costs
Use your cost-of-care tools to compare costs before you go to the doctor.
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Use the ER only for emergencies
Visit an urgent care center or walk-in clinic for non-life-threatening medical issues.
Tips to pick a plan
Check out our plan enrollment checklist and other resources to help you prepare.
Get enrollment tips
Understanding your healthcare costs
How costs are shared over the year
You pay a deductible
Each year, you pay 100% of your covered expenses until you meet your deductible.
You and your plan share the costs
Once you meet your deductible, you share the cost with your plan through:
- Coinsurance, where you pay a fixed percent of the charges for covered services, like 20% of $100
- Copayments, which are flat dollar amounts, like $25 for an office visit
Your plan pays after you reach your out-of-pocket max
Each year, there’s a max amount you pay for covered expenses. Once you hit that amount, your plan pays 100% of covered expenses for the rest of the year.
Paying for in-network care
Getting care in network has many advantages, like predictable costs and a smooth experience.
Look how easy it is:
- Visit your doctor and show your ID card.
- Pay nothing at your visit, unless you have a copay.
- Your doctor files your claims for you.
- Your plan pays your doctor based on the negotiated rate.
- Your doctor bills you for any amount you owe.
When you go out of network, you may need to pay the full amount of your visit and file your own claims.
Tune in to your health
Check out these articles and videos that break down complex insurance concepts and help you make the most of your plan — and your health.
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HMOs, PPOs and more
Learn about the different health plans, from lower-cost HMOs to more flexible PPOs, to find the one that fits you.
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Insurance terms explained
Get help navigating your plan with simple explanations for terms like premium, deductible, coinsurance and copay.
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HRAs, FSAs and HSAs
See how a health reimbursement account (HRA), flexible spending account (FSA) and other health expense accounts can help you save.
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Urgent care, ER or walk-in clinic
Is it urgent or is it an emergency? Save time and money with guidance on where to go when you need care today.
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Living healthy
Take small steps to break bad habits and create good ones. Explore expert tips that empower you to care for your mind, body and spirit.
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One member’s story
See how the plan choices you make during open enrollment can help you meet your health goals.
Legal notices
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).
This material is for information only. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change.
Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services.
Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.