Anthem Blue Cross now covers telehealth as a benefit for its California Medicaid, or Medi-Cal, members.
The free service is offered through Anthem's telehealth platform, LiveHealth Online, which is powered by virtual care company American Well. Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal members now can access the LiveHealth Online website or app from their smartphones, tablets or computers to request video visits with physicians, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists.
Members can request on-demand telehealth visits for non-emergency medical conditions, such as colds, sprains or bruises, 24/7. Telehealth visits for behavioral health conditions require an appointment.
"LiveHealth Online is a great option for people who may not be able to access healthcare services, whether it is because they need care after-hours, because they live in remote or rural areas, or if they simply do not have transportation to get to a doctor's office," said Barsam Kasravi, MD, CMO of Anthem Blue Cross Medicaid Health Plan. "This benefit can significantly improve access to care, including to behavioral healthcare, which has become critical in California."