Our team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is committed to ensuring our members can get the care they need during the coronavirus pandemic. To limit exposure to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending virtual care as a safe and effective option.

Blue Cross has long supported virtual options for medical and behavioral health care. For one, in March we announced that through June 14 all virtual care provided through Doctor On Demand would be available at no cost to all Blue Cross members whose benefits include coverage for Doctor On Demand.

“We have the technology to make healthcare, like banking, seamlessly accessibly from anywhere.” In this Modern Healthcare editorial, a physician offers an optimistic view about the future of telehealth in a post-COVID health care system. 

Blue Cross also has expanded access to allow our members to see their current health care providers virtually. These offerings are all ways we are working to make it easier for our members to continue to see their regular doctor or therapist, while limiting their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

How you can use virtual care through Doctor on Demand

While committing to social distancing, you may still need to seek medical care for a variety of non-emergency ailments—like a headache, sinus infection or skin rash. Or, you may simply want to have a conversation about any additional stress or worry you are experiencing.

Most importantly, if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms —a fever or cough— and you do not have emergency warning signs the CDC recommends you consult your healthcare provider remotely before you seek medical care.

Fortunately, a virtual care visit with Doctor on Demand can be a great way to do all these things. If your plan offers Doctor on Demand, it’s quick and easy to set up a profile that can be connected to your Blue Cross health plan. We have all the details you need on our website.

Meet with your current doctor or therapist virtually

Blue Cross is also committed to helping our members connect virtually with their regular health care providers. Our members who have telehealth as a covered benefit can now use video chat services like Skype, Facetime or Zoom to speak with their doctor, therapist or other health care provider, with the visit applying to their benefits in the same way as an in-person office visit.

We’ve also expanded the types of services that can be provided via telehealth channels, including additional behavioral health services, physical, occupational and speech therapies and medication management.

COVID-19 commitments to Blue Cross MN members

Offering increased access to virtual health care services is one of the many ways Blue Cross is committed to help our members through these challenging times. In addition, we are:

• Covering the full cost of diagnostic tests and in-network care related to COVID-19
• Waiving all prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and for covered services related to COVID-19
• Increasing access to prescription medications through a waiver of early medication refill limits on prescription maintenance medications for members who have Prime Therapeutics as their Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM)

Full details on all of Blue Cross’ coverage commitments for COVID-19 and what we are doing to ensure the health and safety of our members can be found at bluecrossmn.com/coronavirus.

COVID-19 guidelines and resources

The most up-to-date information from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota can be found at bluecrossmn.com/coronavirus.

More information about guidelines specific to Minnesota can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Information from the CDC can be found on their website.

Editor's note: Blue Cross MN coverage for expanded virtual care services will continue indefinitely during the public health emergency. 

As of June 15, with the exception of COVID-related visits, Doctor On Demand appointments will no longer be covered at zero cost-share. What you pay for your appointment will be determined by your benefit plan and displayed on the app as part of your scheduling process.