California Nonprofit Aims to Improve Care Through Virtual Plan

In collaboration with Accolade and TeleMed2U, Blue Shield of California has implemented the Virtual Blue health benefits plan that aimed to improve healthcare among beneficiaries, particularly by improving care quality, access, and cost.

Blue Shield of California is a tax-paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association. Containing 4.7 million members, 7,800 employees, and $22.9 billion in annual revenue, the organization bases its efforts on creating a worthy, affordable system.

The recent unveiling of the Virtual Blue health benefits seeks to eliminate healthcare costs and increase access to primary, mental health, and specialty care.

The program will not have any out-of-pocket costs, including copay and deductible charges.

The primary care services offered through the program include pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine. The specialty care aspect of the program includes 20 specialties, and the mental health services include integrated care for those aged 4 and older, as well as access to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, marriage therapists, and family therapists.

“This is health care the way it should be – integrated and accessible care that puts the member and their health at the center,” said Tim Lieb, senior vice president at Blue Shield of California, in a press release. “The access to behavioral health services is especially important as our members cope and overcome the impact of the pandemic on their own lives. As a mission-driven nonprofit health plan, Blue Shield is  committed to creating a healthcare system worthy of our family and friends that’s sustainably affordable, and Virtual Blue is the latest example of that.”

Through this program, Virtual Blue patients can also select an Accolade primary care physician based on a variety of demographics. Through California-based TeleMed2U, the program also offers 20 types of virtual specialists.

“We believe that health care should be available to everyone and that primary care and mental health services are critical to making health care work for people,” said Rajeev Singh, Accolade CEO, in a press release. “We are excited to collaborate with Blue Shield of California on this virtual-first plan designed to make care available in new and innovative ways. Together, we aim to deliver better access, improved health outcomes, and personalized experiences for members.”

This is another in a long line of integrated virtual care services. In January, Carbon Health implemented a primary care model known as Connective Care. Through this model, Carbon Health aims to support proactive care through four components: goal setting, measurement tracking, an integrated team of providers, and hybrid care options.

Specifically, participants can set various goals with their providers and use the Carbon Health app to record data collected by connected devices. Composed of primary care physicians, mental health, and chronic care specialists, the care team provides care in person and virtually.