Offers access to comprehensive, affordable
primary care anytime, anywhere
BOSTON, Sept. 22,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Massachusetts ("Blue Cross MA") is introducing a new
virtual primary care option starting Jan. 1,
2023. The new "Virtual Care Team Feature" enables members to
receive comprehensive virtual health care through a team that
includes dedicated primary care providers who can treat certain
mental health issues and provide health coaching from two national
health care providers, Carbon Health and Firefly Health.
This feature will be included in the majority of Blue Cross MA
commercial health plans so that members nationwide can choose to
try these innovative care models.
"More consumers are using virtual care and experiencing its
benefits, including greater convenience and affordability," said
Blue Cross Chief Commercial Officer Patrick Gilligan. "We're
excited to offer members access to two primary care practices
offering the most comprehensive virtual primary care models we've
seen. They go beyond traditional primary care to help members take
control of their health in a way that's convenient and fits their
lifestyle."
Eligible members can choose their designated virtual primary
care provider (PCP) through either Carbon Health or Firefly Health.
Each PCP will provide comprehensive virtual primary care with
integrated mental health and access to in-person care with
in-network providers when needed. The virtual PCP model offers an
enhanced experience at lower cost for members, including:
- Access to confidential, coordinated virtual care from the
member's dedicated care team from the comfort of home – no
commuting or extensive wait times
- $0 cost share for primary care
and mental health visits with designated virtual care team
cliniciansi
- Comprehensive primary care for chronic conditions and
integrated mental health support
- A welcome kit from your providers that may include certain
medical devices, such as a blood pressure cuff, tailored to the
member's needs to make virtual visits most effective
- Accessible via mobile app and website with multiple
communications options including chat/text, video, phone and
email
- Full access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts provider network included within
the member's plan for in-person care navigation
- Personalized coaching and support for overall health and
well-being
"We believe virtual primary care is a safe and effective way to
reach patients who have not traditionally engaged with PCPs," said
Dr. Ashley Yeats, Blue Cross' vice
president of medical operations. "Research shows that patients who
have an established primary care physician achieve better health
outcomes than those who don't. They are more likely to receive
important preventive servicesii, and they have fewer
hospitalizations and lower rates of emergency department
utilizationiii. In addition, their overall health care
spend is loweriv, and they report greater satisfaction
with their carev."
"It's clear that consumers today want health care that is
convenient, personal, and flexible. Carbon Health simplifies
primary care for busy people who want to make progress toward their
health goals and easily access and manage their care when and where
they need it," said Eren Bali,
co-founder and CEO of Carbon Health. "This exciting collaboration
with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts now enables us to offer this
innovative and affordable program to their members."
"From day one, our work at Firefly has been focused on
transforming people's experience with health care," said
Fay Rotenberg, Firefly Health CEO.
"Using our virtual-first model, we believe patients can get
expanded access to their providers for superior care and support,
while seeing unparalleled satisfaction, better health outcomes, and
lower costs. Everyone deserves access to this type of care
experience, and we are pleased to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Massachusetts to provide this
unique offering to their members."
About Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a
community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan
headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless
pursuit of quality, equitable and affordable health
care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent
with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated
among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and
quality. Connect with us
on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About Carbon Health
Carbon Health is a leading national health care provider with a
mission to make great health care accessible. Carbon Health offers
primary and urgent care in nearly two-thirds of the U.S. Leveraging
its innovative technology platform, Carbon Health delivers its
unique brand of care through an omnichannel model designed to meet
patients where they are, and ensure continuous care across a
variety of access points, including in-person clinics, virtual care
and remote patient monitoring (RPM). Carbon Health also focuses on
value-based care and other value-add services to employers, health
plans, health systems and other ecosystem partners.
Founded in 2015, Carbon Health is headquartered in San Francisco and backed by Javelin Venture
Partners, Atreides, Blackstone Horizon, Dragoneer Investment Group,
Brookfield Technology Partners (BTP), Fifth Wall, Lux Capital,
Silver Lake Waterman, DCVC, and Builders VC. To access Carbon
Health, download the app (iTunes or Google Play) or visit
carbonhealth.com.
About Firefly Health
Firefly Health is a virtual-first care innovator on a mission to
offer half-priced health care that's twice as good, clinically and
emotionally. Through their virtual primary care service, they
deliver an unrivaled member experience that seamlessly integrates
primary, behavioral and specialty virtual and in-person care.
By leveraging their proactive care model, hybrid network,
clinical navigation, and analytics infrastructure, Firefly aims to
dramatically improve accessibility and outcomes while lowering
health care costs for all. Learn more at www.firefly.health.
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
and LinkedIn.
i Before qualifying for no-cost virtual visits,
HMO members must designate a Virtual Care Team provider as their
PCP, and Saver/HSA-eligible plan members must meet their
deductible.
ii
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2721037
iii
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820521/
iv http://www.annfammed.org/content/16/6/492.full
v https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2721037
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SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts