Aetna: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

Aetna's history page says the company was formed in 1853 and kept the Aetna name as a nod to the original Aetna Life Insurance Company, a name inspired by Mt. Etna in Sicily. The same page says Aetna joined the CVS Health family in 2018, and Aetna's About page now describes the company as a proud CVS Health company.

Aetna's homepage organizes its offerings around several audiences: Medicare plans, individuals and families, medical providers, agents and brokers, employers, and dental providers. Its About page highlights a network of more than 1.5 million care professionals, along with mental health support, a 24/7 nurse line, and virtual care.

The About page invites visitors to join the team and links to a careers search, and that search runs through the CVS Health Career Center. Aetna candidates therefore typically apply through the same portal as other CVS Health businesses. The CVS Health careers site says the broader company has more than 300,000 colleagues, a figure that covers CVS Health as a whole rather than Aetna alone.

Company culture and employee programs:

CVS Health's career pages describe a hiring process built around searching jobs by career area, title, or location, applying online, and following updates through a candidate account. The company also points to benefits information and candidate resources such as resume and interview guidance. Roles at a health insurer typically include member service, clinical, sales, and technology positions, and benefits and schedules may vary by role, level, and location.

Yes. Employers in the health insurance industry, including Aetna, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks, provided they follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state and local laws. Because health insurers handle sensitive member information and operate in many states, screening rules may vary by role and location.

Aetna is generally reported to conduct background checks as part of its hiring process, though the specific checks may vary by role. CVS Health's hiring FAQ, which covers its businesses, refers to a background check step and to a support team for candidates who have questions about their check. Because health insurance employees may handle protected health information, screening is consistent with industry practice.

The Aetna hiring process typically follows CVS Health's steps: search jobs, apply online, application review, interviews, and an offer. Some roles may require a virtual job tryout as part of the application, and interviews may be by phone or video. Candidates can check their application status by signing in to their candidate account. Those who receive an offer are typically asked to complete a background check and other pre-employment requirements before starting, and steps may vary by role and location.

An Aetna background check often comes back within a few business days, though the time varies by the searches ordered. Turnaround depends on the searches ordered, how quickly courts and agencies respond, and how many places a candidate has lived or worked. Searches that cover several counties or states, or that require contacting past employers, can take longer than a single-county search. Candidates who want more detail on typical timelines can review background check turnaround times.

The employer decides which searches to run. For a role at a health insurer like Aetna, a background check may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review any disclosure and consent forms provided during the hiring process to understand which searches will be conducted for their specific role.

Aetna may require a drug test for certain roles, but the CVS Health hiring FAQ reviewed for this page does not describe a company-wide drug testing policy. Requirements may vary by position and location. Candidates should read the disclosure paperwork provided during hiring and ask the recruiter what applies to the specific job.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of search and the laws of the state or country where the candidate lives or worked. In the United States, the FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, with certain exceptions for higher-salary positions and specific record types such as convictions. Some states have stricter limits. Candidates with records in multiple jurisdictions may see different lookback windows applied to different searches within the same report.

Aetna does not publish a detailed policy on hiring people with felony records, and decisions are typically made case by case. Health care and insurance roles can involve access to sensitive member data or patient settings, so the type of offense, how much time has passed, and the duties of the role may all matter. Some roles may also be affected by federal or state rules about individuals excluded from health care programs. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history.

Candidates will typically be asked for written consent before a background check begins, usually through a disclosure form provided during the hiring process. Applicants should be ready to supply accurate personal information, including full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history, because accurate details help searches run in the right places and avoid delays. Candidates for licensed roles may also be asked for license numbers and issuing states.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before running a background check, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, and allow the candidate an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information before a final decision is made. For a detailed overview of how the FCRA applies to background checks, visit Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

You apply through the CVS Health Career Center, which lists Aetna openings alongside other CVS Health businesses. Search by career area, job title, or location, select Apply Now, and follow the prompts, according to CVS Health's hiring page. The company also offers a talent community that sends alerts about new openings, and candidates can check their status in their candidate account.

Licensed clinical roles at Aetna may include professional license verification in addition to criminal and identity checks. A license check confirms that a nurse, therapist, or other clinician holds a valid license and that it is in good standing, and it is often paired with a search of exclusion lists used in health care. Candidates can learn more about professional license verification. Exact requirements vary by role and state.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Aetna may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.