4 ways to make your medication plan easier to follow
Find out how staying on track supports your health — and explore simple ways to make taking medications part of your routine
Taking your medications as prescribed isn’t always easy, even when you know they’re important for your health. You may wonder about the best time to take them, the right dose or whether you should take them with food. These details matter. Following your medication instructions correctly helps make sure they work as planned.
But sometimes, it can be hard to remember every dose or to get your prescriptions refilled. Here are four reasons why sticking to your treatment plan matters, plus some tips to make it easier every day.
1. You have the ability to avoid side effects
Some medications can cause side effects if you take them incorrectly. These may include headaches, nausea and tiredness. And if taking your medication makes you feel bad, you may be less likely to take it in the future.
If you take your pills as prescribed and still have side effects, talk to a pharmacist or the provider who ordered them. They may be able to change the dose or type of medicine.
2. You may avoid an unplanned hospital stay
Following your medication schedule means you’re more likely to make a full recovery at home. Taking your medication as directed can help prevent health problems from getting worse and a need for more treatment.
Your care team is here to help you manage your health and find local support
Your care team adds an extra layer of support to your plan. They can help you set up medical appointments and connect with community services. Simply put, they can make your day a little easier.
3. You may feel better faster
All medications have a specific purpose. They might work to ease pain, reduce swelling or kill bacteria that cause infection. Take them as prescribed so they can work like they’re supposed to, and you can feel better sooner.
4. You can keep your independence
If your health gets worse because you’re not taking your medicine, you might need more help from others. Stick to your treatment plan, and you can keep doing the things you love and stay in control of your life.
Let us help you stay on track
Did you know you have benefits and resources designed to help you manage chronic health conditions? It’s all part of your Aetna® plan, which works to support your health needs. Keep reading to learn how to use your plan to stay well.
Have your prescriptions delivered to you. As an Aetna member, you have access to mail-order delivery. You can have your medication delivered to you— all at no added cost for standard shipping. It’s convenient and may save you a trip to the pharmacy. Learn more about mail order drugs here.
Find a preferred pharmacy.You may be able to save money on your prescriptions at a preferred pharmacy, or get up to a 100-day supply of your medication. That could mean fewer trips to the pharmacy. Here are some of the preferred pharmacies in our network:
Albertsons®
Costco® Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy®
Kroger®
Publix Super Markets
Safeway
Walmart
Check the “Find Your Pharmacy” tool to discover more in-network options near you.
Pick up a pill organizer. Some organizers have sections for multiple doses at different times of day (such as morning or evening). Or they may have a built-in timer function. You’ll get a reminder when it’s time to take a dose.
Reach out to your care team. Your personal, dedicated care team can help you start and stick with treatments that are best for you.
They can also:
Help when you have more than one medical condition
Make sure your primary care provider and specialists work together
Share more resources to help you manage your prescriptions with ease
Use your Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card. Through your card, you can access your Extra Supports Wallet. It has a monthly benefit amount (allowance) to help pay for approved products and services, such as over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness products. You can buy approved OTC products in store at participating locations including CVS® retail locations (excluding locations inside other stores), Walmart and Kroger. You can also use your Extra Benefits Card online at CVS.com/Aetna or through the CVS OTC Health Solutions® app.
Remember: Unused allowances do not roll over into the next benefit period or next plan year. If you have questions about your Extra Benefits Card, call a CVS OTC Health Solutions representative at 1-844-428-8147 (TTY: 711) 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week, excluding federal holidays.
Check your formulary. This drug list tells you what prescriptions your plan covers. Go to AetnaMedicare.com/Formulary to search for your medication. The formulary will tell you which tier your medicine is in. In general, the lower the tier, the less you pay. Once you know the tier, talk to your provider or pharmacist about the best, lowest-cost prescriptions for you. There may be a cheaper option in a different tier.
Sticking to your treatment plan for your prescriptions is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can help you manage your conditions and feel better.
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.
Due to legislation in Arkansas, effective January 1, 2026, you may not be able to utilize the following services within the state of Arkansas, unless a court takes action: CVS Retail, CVS Caremark Mail Service, CVS Specialty, and OMNI Care long term pharmacies.
The formulary and/or pharmacy network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.
For mail order, you can get prescription drugs shipped to your home through the network mail-order delivery program. Typically, mail-order drugs arrive within 10 days. You can call 1-844-619-5664 (TTY: 711) if you do not receive your mail-order drugs within this time frame. Members may have the option to sign-up for automated mail-order delivery.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to our website.
The benefit(s) mentioned are part of special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill (SSBCI). SSBCI conditions include certain cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Eligibility is determined by whether you have a chronic condition associated with the benefit(s). Standards and conditions vary for each benefit. Contact us to confirm the specific SSBCI condition requirements for the benefit(s) for this plan and determine your eligibility.
Other Pharmacies are available in our network.
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