Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced on June 17 it has agreed to extend the same reimbursement fee to Iowa providers for virtual visits as is paid for in-person visits until Feb.1, 2021. This applies to all appropriate medical and behavioral health virtual visits with any Wellmark in-network provider in Iowa.
“This extension eliminates any uncertainties Wellmark’s network providers may have regarding payment for virtual visits for our members who are seeking care during these unique times,” said Cory Harris, Wellmark’s president and chief operating officer. “We based this decision off the ongoing needs of our members coupled with feedback we received from our provider partners in order to best serve their patients during this pandemic.”
“Telehealth allows all Iowans timely access to vital primary and specialty health care services that they might otherwise have to travel long distances to receive,” said UnityPoint Health Interim President and CEO Susan Thompson. “Our patients have overwhelmingly expressed their satisfaction with our telehealth offerings and UnityPoint Health is thrilled to work with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield to continue this benefit for our patients and providers.”
Telehealth coverage and payment parity has been a top legislative and policy priority for UnityPoint Health. Most recently, the health system has been working to advance legislation in the Iowa Legislature that would ensure doctors and providers offering physical and mental health services to patients through telehealth receive the same payment as in-person visits. UnityPoint Health has recently shared new information to highlight how telehealth has made a positive impact in the health of Iowans.