Carrier Review · 2026 · Part D

SilverScript (Aetna Medicare Rx) Part D Review 2026

CVS Health subsidiary; ~5M Part D enrollees. Strong formulary depth for brand-name and specialty drugs; CVS Pharmacy preferred network is broad in most metros. Best for enrollees on multiple brand or specialty medications where formulary breadth matters more than the lowest possible monthly premium.

Parent: CVS Health / Aetna · Plans: SmartSaver PDP, Choice PDP, Plus PDP · States: All 50 + DC · Reviewed: April 2026

Quick verdict

Best for: Medicare enrollees on multiple brand-name medications, specialty drugs (oncology, MS, hepatitis C, autoimmune, GLP-1), or complex polypharmacy regimens. SilverScript's formulary depth typically produces lower total annual cost than cheaper-premium competitors when brand drugs are involved.

Not for: generic-heavy enrollees who could get equivalent coverage on Wellcare Value Script at a lower premium. Always compare via Medicare.gov Plan Finder with your actual prescription list.

Strengths

  • Comprehensive formulary — strongest brand and specialty drug coverage among major standalone Part D carriers.
  • Broad CVS preferred pharmacy network.
  • CVS Specialty Pharmacy for specialty drug fulfillment.
  • Integration with Aetna MA for coordinated benefits.
  • Three plan tiers let enrollees pick the right premium/coverage trade-off.

Watchouts

  • Higher monthly premiums than Wellcare's value plans — rarely $0.
  • CVS-direct steering on the SmartSaver plan may inconvenience non-CVS users.
  • Prior authorization on some specialty drug categories.
  • Plan tier confusion — three plans with different formularies can complicate comparison.

Compare SilverScript against your ZIP Part D options

Same-day analysis of total annual cost across all available Part D plans using your actual prescription list.

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Related Reading

Other Part D & carriers
2026 reference
Glossary