Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Introduces Virtual-First Health Plans, Helping Members Access Convenient, Affordable Care Options

Rhea-AI Summary

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia has launched Virtual-First health plans, providing eligible members with affordable access to virtual care options. The plans include an AI-driven symptom checker and support for chronic condition management. Starting from July 2023, these plans aim to improve healthcare experiences by seamlessly connecting virtual and in-person care through the Sydney Health app, available 24/7. Members benefit from various cost-share options, potentially including no coinsurance for virtual care. These services will also cater to national account ASO clients beginning January 1, 2024.

Positive

• Launch of Virtual-First health plans improves access to affordable healthcare.
• Integration of virtual and in-person care enhances the healthcare experience.
• AI-driven symptom checker provides members with immediate assistance.
• Cost-share options could include no coinsurance for virtual visits.

Negative

• None.

Members can choose virtual care, allowing for high-quality care at a lower cost

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia today announced its Virtual-First health plans to eligible members in select commercial health plans. Virtual-First plans give individuals affordable access to virtual care options, including access to a symptom checker driven by artificial intelligence, routine wellness care, and chronic condition management, along with behavioral healthcare.

“Our Virtual-First plans highlight our digital capabilities helping our members determine the best first step for their healthcare on their terms through a wide range of virtual and in-person options – improving their whole health experience,” said Robert Bunch, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia.

Through Anthem’s digital health platform, Virtual-First health plans can connect care data from various visits and providers throughout the healthcare system. In many cases, interoperability – or the ability to exchange data – allows care data to move between virtual first providers, in-person doctors, and specialists more seamlessly. This helps enhance the healthcare experience for consumers by reducing redundancies as people go from one care setting to another and, as appropriate, giving providers easier access to previous health information. The Virtual-First plan is accessible through the Sydney Health^SM app. Members can access benefits, cost transparency tools, and resources they need 24/7.

Members can expect virtual-first plans offered by their employers that provide a variety of cost-share options including no-coinsurance for virtual care, guiding members to more affordable, high-quality digital care. In addition to having convenient access to virtual care, members can also see in-person doctors and specialists in Anthem’s broad network of providers.

“Virtual-First plans make focusing on your health more convenient and easier to fit into members’ increasingly busy schedules. Interconnecting in-person providers and virtual care providers creates a seamless care experience that improves access and helps members take charge of their health,” added Bunch.

Virtual-First plans will be available to eligible members enrolled in Anthem’s large group administrative services (ASO) plans and large group fully insured plans starting July 2023. Anthem expects to make this service available to national account ASO clients on January 1, 2024, to meet their various healthcare needs.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@AnthemBCBS_News and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005061/en/

Kersha Cartwright

kersha.cartwright@elevancehealth.com

Ph: (678) 767-0199

Source: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

FAQ

What are Anthem's Virtual-First health plans?

Anthem's Virtual-First health plans offer eligible members affordable access to virtual care options, including an AI-driven symptom checker and support for chronic condition management.

When will Anthem's Virtual-First plans be available?

These plans will be available to eligible members starting in July 2023 and to national account ASO clients on January 1, 2024.

How does the Sydney Health app relate to Anthem's Virtual-First plans?

The Sydney Health app enables members to access benefits, cost transparency tools, and healthcare resources 24/7 as part of the Virtual-First health plans.

What benefits do members get from Anthem's Virtual-First health plans?

Members can expect affordable virtual care options, access to a wide range of providers, improved care data interoperability, and potential no coinsurance for virtual visits.

How does Anthem's Virtual-First plan improve the healthcare experience?

It connects care data from various providers, reducing redundancies and giving healthcare providers easier access to members' previous health information.