Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana have introduced Anthem Link Virtual First health plans, offering affordable access to virtual healthcare services, symptom-checking AI, routine wellness care, chronic condition management, and behavioral healthcare. These plans prioritize convenience and flexibility, allowing members to seamlessly transition between virtual and in-person care through Anthem’s digital health platform. Beginning January 1, 2024, these plans will be available to eligible members in large groups of fully insured and self-insured plans, revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and experience.
Today, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana have officially introduced their groundbreaking Anthem Link Virtual First health plans to eligible members within select commercial health plans. These pioneering plans offer individuals an economical means to access a wide array of virtual healthcare options, encompassing a symptom checker powered by artificial intelligence, routine wellness care, chronic condition management, and comprehensive behavioral healthcare services.
Beth Keyser, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, stated, “These Anthem Link Virtual First plans represent a crucial facet of our ongoing commitment to introduce innovative services that cater to our members’ healthcare needs while offering unparalleled convenience. These plans empower our members with choices, whether it’s through virtual care like video consultations with healthcare providers or traditional in-person healthcare services, ultimately making healthcare more accessible.”
Anthem’s advanced digital health platform underpins the Anthem Link Virtual First health plans, facilitating the seamless integration of care data from various healthcare visits and providers across the healthcare spectrum. In many instances, this interoperability, or data exchange capability, ensures the fluid transfer of patient information between virtual first providers, in-person physicians, and specialized healthcare experts. This approach significantly enhances the overall healthcare experience by reducing redundant processes as individuals transition between different care settings. Furthermore, it provides healthcare providers with easier access to their patients’ historical health records. The Anthem Link Virtual First plan is readily accessible through the Sydney HealthSM app, granting members round-the-clock access to benefits, cost transparency tools, and essential resources.
Members can anticipate the availability of virtual first plans through their employers, which offer a variety of cost-sharing options, including no-coinsurance for virtual care. This strategic approach helps guide members toward cost-effective, high-quality digital healthcare services. In addition to the convenience of virtual care, members can still choose to consult with in-person physicians and specialists within Anthem’s extensive network of healthcare providers.
Beth Keyser further emphasized, “Anthem Link Virtual First plans are designed to accommodate the hectic schedules of our members and align with the consumer-centric experiences they encounter in other aspects of their lives. In our quest to become a lifelong trusted health partner, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have developed these plans to empower members to take charge of their health, enhance access, and deliver an integrated care approach through a seamless, member-centric digital experience.”
Starting from January 1, 2024, eligible members enrolled in Anthem’s large group of fully insured and self-insured plans will gain access to Anthem Link Virtual First plans, revolutionizing their healthcare experience.