Aetna Medicare Plans in Florida

As we age, the need for proper healthcare becomes increasingly important. A well-chosen Medicare plan can make life simpler for seniors by providing peace of mind, but choosing a plan can feel overwhelming initially, given the many options available. This is where Aetna Medicare plans come in.

Aetna is one of the leading health insurance companies in the United States, serving over 39 million people nationwide. Their plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage for seniors in Florida, covering everything from routine doctor visits to hospital stays and medications.

Aetna offers a range of Medicare plans in Florida, including:

• Medicare Advantage plans
• Medicare Supplement plans
• Prescription drug (Part D) plans

‍Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans, or Part C, are popular among seniors for their convenience and comprehensive coverage. Advantage plans are purchased as an alternative to Original Medicare and offer the same level of coverage as Parts A and B combined while also including additional benefits such as hearing, vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.

Aetna offers several types of Medicare Advantage plans in Florida:

• ‍HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans. HMOs require you to choose a primary provider within the plan's network who can refer you to approved specialists. Care is only covered within the network, except in emergencies.‍
• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans. PPOs allow more freedom in choosing healthcare providers. They cover both in and out-of-network care, but out-of-network services are more expensive.‍
• SNP (Special Needs Plans). SNPs are designed for individuals with certain chronic conditions, institutionalized individuals, or those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.‍
• HMO-POS (Health Maintenance Organization - Point of Service) plans. These HMO plans offer more flexibility in visiting out-of-network healthcare providers for certain services.

Each plan type has pros and cons; the best choice depends on individual healthcare needs and budget. Consider network restrictions, out-of-pocket costs, and prescription drug coverage when choosing a plan.

Benefits Offered With Aetna Advantage Plans

Aetna Advantage plans offer many additional benefits to promote overall health and well-being. These include:

• Resources for living concierge. This concierge service helps members quickly access local services, ensuring they can find and utilize beneficial resources in their community.
• SilverSneakers fitness membership. Aetna members can gain access to the SilverSneakers fitness program, which includes nationwide access to over 15,000 fitness locations, promoting physical wellness and social interaction.
• 24-hour nurse phone line. This line provides immediate professional medical advice to members, bringing peace of mind at any hour.
• Prescription home delivery. Aetna's convenient delivery service allows members to receive their medications at home, eliminating frequent pharmacy trips.
• Routine dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Most Aetna Advantage plans also cover routine check-ups and services for dental health, vision, and hearing, encouraging comprehensive health maintenance.

These benefits help create a holistic approach to senior healthcare, addressing immediate medical needs and lifestyle factors contributing to overall health and happiness.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are purchased in addition to Original Medicare. They are designed to cover out-of-pocket costs left over after Original Medicare pays its share, such as deductibles, co-payments, and foreign travel emergency healthcare.

Aetna's Supplement plans have no network restrictions (meaning you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare) and can be kept even when beneficiaries move out of state, as long as premiums are paid on time. However, it is worth noting that Aetna's Plan F does not rank amongst the top 10 best rates in the state, suggesting other Medigap carriers in Florida may offer lower rates.

Three popular Medigap plans offered by Aetna in Florida are Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F. Plan F is only available to those who turned 65 before January 1, 2020.

1. Medigap Plan G

Medigap Plan G is a popular choice among Medicare beneficiaries because it covers all Medicare-related costs except for the Medicare Part B deductible. This includes Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayment, blood (first 3 pints), Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, Part A and Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergency care.

2. Medigap Plan N

Medigap Plan N is a low-cost option that requires up to a $20 copayment for office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits. Besides these small copayments, Plan N offers coverage similar to Plan G's. However, unlike Plan G, it doesn't cover Part B excess charges, which are additional charges (up to 15% over Medicare's standard approved amount) that a healthcare provider may legally bill on a covered service.

‍3. Medigap Plan F

Plan F offers the same benefits as Plan G but also covers the Part B deductible, making it the most comprehensive and expensive Medigap plan available. Although Plan F provides the most coverage, it is only available to those who turned 65 before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before this date, you can still enroll in Plan F as long as you first enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). You can also still enroll if you are under 65 and enrolled in Part A before January 1, 2020.

Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Medicare Part D plans are purchased in addition to Original Medicare and are designed to help cover the cost of prescription drugs. In most counties of Florida, Aetna offers five or more types of prescription drug plans, each of a different coverage level.

Aetna's Part D plans feature a formulary or a list of covered drugs. These formularies are divided into tiers based on the cost of the medication. Low-tier drugs, including generic drugs, have lower co-pays, while high-tier drugs, such as brand-name and specialty medications, come with higher co-pays.

Why Choose Aetna?

Aetna is a trusted name in health insurance, known for its quality coverage, network of providers, and excellent customer service. Aetna Medicare plans in Florida are no exception, offering competitive rates, comprehensive coverage, and flexible options.

As of 2024, Aetna's Supplement plans have a Financial Strength Rating of A ("Excellent") from A.M. Best. In addition, the Better Business Bureau gave Aetna an A+ rating, which is the highest possible.

From our comprehensive review, Aetna's Medigap plans scored 3.5 out of 5. This score, derived from our robust scoring method, reflects the carrier's decade-long experience servicing Medicare Supplements and its solid financial rating from A.M. Best.

Pros

• Aetna's financial stability is well-rated, ensuring reliability for beneficiaries.
• With over 15 years in the Medicare Supplement business, Aetna's experience is commendable.
• Aetna does not charge additional fees to write a policy.

Cons

• Although comprehensive, Aetna's Plan F pricing does not fall within the top 10 best rates in the state.
• Aetna does not offer Medicare SELECT plans.
• Aetna falls short in offering the five most popular Medigap plans.

While Aetna is a reliable carrier for Medicare Supplement plans, choosing a suitable plan should be based on individual healthcare needs and financial considerations.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right Medicare plan can be challenging, but Aetna Medicare plans in Florida offer various options to meet your needs. Whether you're looking for comprehensive coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, prescription drug coverage through a Part D plan, or additional protection through a Medigap plan, Aetna has you covered. With its strong reputation for quality coverage and customer service, choosing Aetna Medicare plans can give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your golden years.

FAQs

How do I know which Aetna Medicare plan is best for me?

Choosing the right Aetna Medicare plan depends on individual healthcare needs and budget. Consider network restrictions, out-of-pocket costs, and prescription drug coverage when deciding.

What type of Aetna Medicare plans are available in Florida?

Aetna offers a variety of Medicare plans in Florida, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplement insurance plans.

How can I enroll in an Aetna Medicare plan?

You can enroll in an Aetna Medicare plan by contacting their sales team or visiting their website. While you can enroll in a Medigap plan anytime after enrolling in Original Medicare, the best time to enroll is your Open Enrollment Period (OEP). The OEP begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your 65th birthday. You cannot be denied coverage during this period, even if you have pre-existing health conditions. Enrolling at any other time may result in higher prices or denial.

How do I know if my doctor is in-network with Aetna Medicare Advantage plans?  

You can verify if your healthcare provider is in-network by using the provider search tool available on Aetna's website or by contacting Aetna customer service directly for assistance.

Are prescription drugs covered in all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans?  

Most Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. However, it's essential to review the specifics of your plan's benefits or consult with Aetna to ensure your medications are covered.

Florida Medicare Resources

Medicare.gov - The official U.S. government site for Medicare, where one can find information about coverage options and compare plans in Florida.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs - Provides resources and assistance for seniors in Florida, including long-term care options and financial assistance programs.

Florida SHINE Program - A volunteer-based program that provides free, unbiased health insurance counseling for Florida Medicare beneficiaries.

MyBenefitsFlorida - A website that provides information and resources for Florida residents on Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.