Your Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits card works at pharmacies, retail clinics, and some fitness centers

Your Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits card is a separate card from your Medicare card. It gives you access to benefits that Original Medicare does not cover — things like over-the-counter health items, fitness programs, and sometimes dental or vision services. Where you can use it depends on which specific benefits your plan includes and which retailers or providers have partnered with Aetna.

The card itself is not a payment card. When you present it at a participating location, the retailer or provider checks your coverage and processes the benefit. You do not pay out of pocket for covered items or services — the benefit is deducted from your plan's allowance.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits card works at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and other national pharmacies and drugstores for over-the-counter items like pain relievers, cough medicine, and first-aid supplies.
  • Fitness benefits on your card may be redeemed at SilverSneakers or Renew Active partner gyms and studios, depending on which plan you have.
  • Some Aetna plans include dental or vision benefits that you use by finding a dentist or eye doctor in Aetna's network and showing your card at the appointment.
  • Your plan documents and the Aetna member website or app show the exact retailers and providers where your specific benefits are accepted.
  • If a retailer says they do not accept your card, call the customer service number on the back of your card to confirm coverage or find an alternative location.

Over-the-counter items at major pharmacy chains

Most Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits plans include an over-the-counter benefit that you can use at large pharmacy chains. CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are the most common locations. You can purchase items like pain relievers, cold and flu medicine, antacids, first-aid supplies, and sometimes topical creams or ointments.

When you check out, tell the cashier you are using your Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits card. They will scan or swipe the card, and the system will show whether the item is covered under your plan. Some items may have limits — for example, your plan might allow a certain dollar amount per month or per year for over-the-counter purchases. The cashier will tell you if you have reached your limit.

Not every item in the store is covered. Cosmetics, toiletries, and vitamins are usually not included, though some plans do cover certain vitamins or supplements. Check your plan documents or call Aetna customer service to confirm what counts as a covered over-the-counter item before you shop.

Fitness and wellness programs through SilverSneakers or Renew Active

If your Aetna plan includes a fitness benefit, you will use your card to join a gym or fitness studio through either SilverSneakers or Renew Active, depending on your plan. Both programs offer access to thousands of gyms, studios, and community fitness centers nationwide.

To use your fitness benefit, visit the SilverSneakers or Renew Active website (whichever program your plan uses) and search for participating locations near you. When you visit a gym or studio for the first time, bring your Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits card and your Medicare card. The staff will verify your coverage and set up your membership. There is no cost to you — the benefit covers your membership.

Both programs also offer online fitness classes, so you can work out at home if you prefer. You can access these through the program's app or website using your member login.

Dental and vision services through Aetna's network

Some Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits plans include dental or vision coverage. If yours does, you will use your card by visiting a dentist or eye doctor who is in Aetna's network. Your plan documents will list whether dental and vision are included and what services are covered — for example, cleanings and exams, or glasses and contact lenses.

To find a dentist or eye doctor, use the Aetna member website or app and search the provider directory by your zip code. When you make an appointment, tell the office you have Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits coverage. At your visit, bring your Aetna card and your Medicare card. The office will verify your coverage and process the benefit. You should not be charged for covered services.

If you see a provider who is not in Aetna's network, you may have to pay out of pocket, and Aetna may not reimburse you. Always check the directory first or call Aetna customer service to confirm a provider is in-network before you schedule.

How to find participating retailers and providers

The easiest way to find where you can use your card is through the Aetna member website or mobile app. Log in with your member ID (on your Aetna card), and you will see a list of your benefits and a search tool for participating retailers and providers. You can search by benefit type — over-the-counter, fitness, dental, vision — and by location.

Your plan documents, which came with your card, also list major participating retailers and programs. If you do not have your documents, you can request them by calling the customer service number on the back of your Aetna card.

You can also call Aetna customer service directly. A representative can tell you whether a specific retailer or provider is in your plan's network and help you find alternatives if your preferred location does not participate.

What to do if a retailer says they do not accept your card

If you try to use your card at a retailer or provider and they say they do not accept it, first confirm that the location is actually a participating one. Ask the staff to check their system again, or call Aetna customer service while you are still at the location. Sometimes a retailer's system is not updated, or the staff member may not be familiar with the Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits program.

If the location truly does not participate, ask the staff for the name and phone number of another nearby location that does. Aetna customer service can also help you find an alternative retailer or provider in your area. Do not pay out of pocket for a benefit you believe is covered — call Aetna first to sort it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits card at any pharmacy?

No. Your card works at participating pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, but not at all pharmacies. Use the Aetna member website or app to search for participating locations near you, or call customer service to confirm a specific pharmacy accepts your card.

Do I have to pay anything when I use my card?

No. When you present your card for a covered benefit at a participating location, the benefit is processed at no cost to you. If a retailer or provider asks you to pay, confirm that the item or service is covered under your plan and that the location is participating.

What happens if I use my card at a non-participating location?

You will likely have to pay out of pocket, and Aetna will not reimburse you. Always check the provider directory or call Aetna customer service before you shop or schedule an appointment to make sure the location participates in your plan.

Can I use my Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits card for prescription medications?

No. Your Extra Benefits card covers over-the-counter items and other non-prescription benefits. For prescription medications, you use your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) with your Medicare card or a separate prescription drug card, depending on your plan.

How do I know which benefits are included in my plan?

Your plan documents list all covered benefits. You can also log into the Aetna member website or app to see your benefits summary, or call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask a representative to review your coverage with you.