Dive Brief:
- UnitedHealthcare is set to roll out the widest telemedicine coverage in the U.S., according to a company release. It will begin by providing access to nearly 1 million customers in self-funded plans in May, and will extend coverage to up to 20 million customers in fully-insured plans by Jan. 1, 2016.
- The insurer has arrangements with three networks that connect providers and patients via smart phones, tablets or computers: Doctor On Demand, Optum's NowClinic and American Well’s Amwell.
- While other insurers such as Cigna and Aetna have entered into telehealth coverage, UnitedHealthcare's offering provides access at a level likely to have a significant market impact.
Dive Insight:
United Healthcare's strong embrace of telemedicine can be expected to drive increased usage of telehealth services and to make widespread access a new norm, suggests the company.
"This groundbreaking telehealth initiative brings virtual care to more people than ever before, representing a broad step forward for using technology to improve care and expand access for non-emergency medical issues," said Dr. Richard Migliori, executive vice president and chief medical officer for UnitedHealth Group.
The cost for a virtual visit will be less than $50, United Healthcare says. Plan participants will pay a portion of the cost based on the deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses of their particular health plan.
The time appears ripe—according to a recent Harris Poll survey, 27% of healthcare consumers would choose telehealth if were an available option—but regulatory barriers in some states may still stymie expansion efforts.
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