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Medicare Advantage takes the confusion out of managing chronic conditions

(BPT) - Do you or a loved one have a chronic health condition like diabetes or heart disease? Managing these conditions can be overwhelming and expensive. You shouldn't have to do it alone. If you're eligible for Medicare and have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, you may be able to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan called a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan, or C-SNP, with tailored benefits to support your health.

In 2026, Aetna® is expanding its C-SNPs and will have plans available in 18 states.

Senior talking with a doctor in her office aout a dienosis.


Unique benefits to support chronic health conditions

Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNPs are for people who are eligible for Medicare and have a qualifying chronic condition. They provide extra support and resources to help C-SNP members live healthier, more empowered lives. Benefits include:

  • A personal care team to help members manage their care and improve their quality of life
  • $0 copays for in-network primary care and certain in-network specialty care related to the qualifying chronic conditions, including cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology and pulmonology
  • An Extra Benefits Card with a monthly allowance for certain everyday expenses including over-the-counter (OTC) products, healthy foods, transportation, utilities and personal care products
  • $0 or low-cost prescription drugs at in-network pharmacies to help with your chronic condition
  • Dental care, eyewear and hearing aid benefits

"Having a comprehensive medical plan like an Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNP provides additional benefits. These include a care team that will call you every couple of days to check on your health," said Ali Khan, MD, MPP, FACP. He's a practicing general internist and chief medical officer, Medicare, at Aetna, a CVS Health® company. "When living with a chronic health condition, that kind of care isn't just nice to have - it makes a real difference for your health."

Additional support to help members stay proactive about their health

Exercise and staying active are crucial for supporting health as people age, and this is particularly important for those with chronic conditions. Aetna C-SNPs include a popular SilverSneakers® basic fitness membership with access to thousands of participating locations. Plus, exercise classes outside of traditional gyms, such as recreation centers and parks. SilverSneakers also offers resources to help improve brain health and memory, like on-demand classes for meditation and yoga.

"Exercise benefits the body in so many ways - strengthening the heart, building bone strength and balance and improving mood. That's why I encourage my patients to stay active," added Dr. Khan. "Having a fitness benefit in your Medicare Advantage plan provides a variety of options to help with this."

C-SNP members will also have access to the CVS Health Resources for Living (RFL)® program.* RFL helps address basic needs by connecting members with community services and resources like transportation, housing, food programs, and caregiver support based on individual member needs. RFL also offers support and resources that address many issues affecting members' physical and mental health, such as loneliness.

Who is eligible for an Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNP?

You may qualify to enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage C-SNP plan if you have certain chronic conditions. The full list of eligible chronic conditions includes:

  • Diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar)
  • Chronic heart failure (CHF) (heart is unable to pump blood as it should)
  • Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
  • Coronary artery disease (blocked blood vessels in the heart)
  • Peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the arms and legs)
  • Valvular heart disease (damage of flaps in the heart that control blood flow)

Unsure if you qualify? The easiest way to find out is by talking to a licensed Aetna agent. They can confirm your eligibility and answer your questions at no cost. Just call 1-844-588-0041 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 7 days/week. They can also help you complete the eligibility form and work with your provider to verify your condition.

When you can enroll

The Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is currently open and runs through Dec. 7. If you're eligible for Medicare, or caring for a loved one who is, it's an important time to review your health needs and which health plans can best support your health care needs. However, you can also enroll in a C-SNP throughout the year if you're newly diagnosed with a chronic condition covered by a C-SNP.

A older couple taking a walk in their neighborhood.


Medicare plans change every year. So, even if you're already enrolled in a plan, it's a good idea to review your explanation of benefits, or annual notice of change to decide if your plan still fits your needs. Remember, choosing the right plan based on your specific needs is one of the most important decisions you can make for total health and well-being.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans to help support your health or the health of a loved one at AetnaMedicare.com.

A senior couple looking over their options online using a tablet while sitting on wicker furniture outdoors.


*FOR RFL PROGRAM COST: There's no extra cost to contact Resources For Living. Members only pay for the costs (if any apply) for services they use.

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our DSNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

The Aetna C-SNP is available to Medicare members who have at least one of the qualifying chronic conditions. To ensure a successful enrollment process, we'll confirm with your healthcare provider that you have one of these eligible conditions. If verification of eligible condition is not received, involuntary disenrollment will occur.

Resources For Living is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies.

Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change.

To send a complaint to Aetna, call the Plan or the number on your member ID card. To send a complaint to Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the person when filing your grievance.

SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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