Virtual-first health plans: Faster, affordable care for your employees

Over the last several years, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri has been expanding access to care through telehealth, urging consumers to use this valuable tool as an entry point to care that is fast, easy and more affordable. In the early days of the pandemic, we worked with our care provider partners to rapidly meet the need for telehealth, which had become immediately necessary. As more of our care provider partners embraced the model of making virtual the first access point to care, health plans accelerated their work in this area.

The health care industry is experiencing a digital revolution that’s making the consumer experience more customized, predictive and proactive. We’re taking the next step by now offering virtual-first health plans. Now is the time for St. Louis employers to take advantage of virtual-first plans to modernize their approach to employee health and health benefits given the central role these play in productivity and talent retention.

What are virtual-first plans?

Virtual-first plans give consumers more affordable access to convenient, quality care options, first. While each plan boasts its own set of unique offerings, virtual plans include access to tools and programs, symptom checkers leveraging artificial intelligence, routine wellness care, chronic condition management, behavioral health care and more. In addition, employers can see savings of up to 20% with Anthem Link, Virtual-First health plans as compared to other traditional health care offerings.

Utilization and demand are increasing

For consumers, virtual-first plans enhance their care by offering easy access to benefits, cost transparency tools and resources they need 24/7. According to one study, convenience and accessibility are among the top traits that people find most appealing about virtual care. The ability to chat with a doctor from wherever they are (35%), 24/7 availability (31%), and the overall ease of use (30%) are also appealing.

Consumers are also looking for more connected care. For example, through the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield digital health platform, we are working to ensure Anthem Link, Virtual-First health plans can connect care data from various visits and care providers throughout the health care system. In many cases, interoperability – or the ability to exchange data – allows care data to move more seamlessly between virtual-first providers, in-person doctors and specialists. This helps enhance the health care experience by reducing redundancies as people go from one care setting to another and, as appropriate, giving providers easier access to previous health information.

Virtual-first plans benefit employers

Employers are looking for the right network options and plan designs to meet their employees’ health goals as well as their business needs. We partner with our customers to build a deep understanding of their population needs, high-cost conditions and local health contexts, so the networks and supporting programs they select will drive results. Virtual-first plans help reduce barriers to care for employees, helping to boost productivity with reduced travel and wait time associated with care, bringing immediate savings to employers.