Telemedicine and Telehealth Services

Telemedicine and Telehealth medical services – and procedures – are covered under some Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) PPO and HMO health care plans. If your health plan covers these services, you may get medical care from an in-network doctor or provider by mobile app, online video or phone.

At times, this care is offered through a vendor, such as MDLIVE, or some other participating network or provider.

It can be helpful to learn about these different offerings and costs.

In-Network Doctor Visit

Your doctor may offer telemedicine and telehealth services and procedures. Ask if this medical care is right for you.

Covered Services

Here are a few things to know about telehealth and telemedicine covered services. They:

  • Depend on your health plan
  • Are covered under Chapter 1455 of the Texas Insurance Code
  • Are not covered under BCBSTX Small Group Plans

Virtual Visits, Powered by MDLIVE

Your BCBSTX health care plan may also cover virtual visits. A virtual visit lets you have a live doctor visit with an independently contracted, board-certified MDLIVE doctor or therapist. This can happen 24 hours a day, seven days a week.1-2

Learn more about virtual visits

Costs

Telemedicine and telehealth covered services may have out-of-pocket costs. These could be copays, coinsurance or deductibles. Please review your health plan’s benefit book to see how much you’ll pay for covered services.

Questions

If you have questions on telemedicine and telehealth services or costs, please call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card.

1 Internet/Wi-Fi connection is needed for computer access. Data charges may apply. Check your cellular data or internet service provider’s plan for details. Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe. Behavioral health service is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe in all states. Service availability depends on location at the time of consultation.

2 Virtual Visits, Powered by MDLIVE may not be available on all plans. Virtual Visits are subject to the terms and conditions of your benefit plan, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions. MDLIVE operates subject to state regulations and may not be available in certain states. MDLIVE is not an insurance product nor a prescription fulfillment warehouse. MDLIVE does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. MDLIVE does not prescribe DEA-controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs that may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. MDLIVE physicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services.

MDLIVE operates and administers the virtual visit program and is solely responsible for its operations and that of its contracted providers. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc. and may not be used without written permission.

Blue Cross®, Blue Shield® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.