Aetna preventive care

What Aetna actually covers at $0.

Aetna is one of the largest US health insurers, owned by CVS Health, with strong PPO and HMO offerings nationwide.

Under the Affordable Care Act, every Aetna plan covers dozens of preventive services at no cost when you use an in-network provider. Most members claim less than half of what they're entitled to — leaving roughly $600–$1500+ on the table every year.

Plan types

Which Aetna plan are you on?

Aetna offers PPO (most flexible — see any doctor), HMO (in-network only, requires PCP referrals), EPO, and HDHP plans. Whichever you have, ACA preventive care is covered at $0 in-network.

$0 services

Free preventive services on your Aetna plan

These services are mandated by the ACA and covered in-network at $0 — no copay, no deductible — on every Aetnaplan we've seen. Approximate retail values shown so you can see what you're paying for through your premiums.

Annual wellness visit

~$200 retail

A yearly physical with your primary care doctor. Covered at 100% in-network.

Mental health screening

~$200

Depression and anxiety screening — covered as preventive care.

STI / HIV screening

~$150

Routine sexual health screenings, no copay.

Annual flu vaccine

~$40

Available at any in-network pharmacy or doctor.

Birth control & contraceptive counselling

~$120

Most FDA-approved methods covered without copay.

Cholesterol screening

~$120

Lipid panel as part of your wellness visit.

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Want the personalised list? Scan your Aetna card in benefit and we'll tailor the recommendations to your age, gender, plan type, and life stage — and surface anything that's typical for your specific Aetna plan but missing from a generic list.

FAQ

Aetna preventive care, answered

Why doesn't Aetna tell me directly which services are free?

Aetna's app shows you your deductible and recent claims, but doesn't translate your plan into a personal preventive care to-do list — the company is structurally disincentivised from driving more service usage. The ACA mandates the coverage; you have to know to ask for it.

Do Aetna HMO plans require a referral for preventive care?

For ACA-covered preventive services with an in-network primary care doctor, no referral is needed. Specialist preventive screenings (e.g. dermatology) on an HMO usually require a PCP referral first — call Aetna member services or check the Aetna app to confirm.

How do I make sure my visit is billed as preventive (and stays $0)?

When you book, tell the office it's an Annual Wellness Visit or Preventive Care visit. If you bring up a new health concern during the same appointment, the office may bill it as both preventive AND diagnostic — the diagnostic part can carry a copay. Ask before you start.

Built for Aetnamembers who deserve to know what they're paying for

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Aetna by city

See Aetna coverage in your metro

Localised guides for major US metros where Aetnaoperates — what's covered, in-network density, and how to book a preventive visit in your city.

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