Telehealth, Tested in Covid-19 Crucible, Expands in Health Plans

Convinced that telemedicine, which exploded during Covid-19 shelter-in-place orders, is here to stay, insurers are moving to expand networks and provide virtual primary care plans at lower premiums and less cost-sharing for patients.

Telehealth lets patients meet with health-care providers electronically, via computers or telephones, instead of in person. Patients can receive services at home from providers outside their areas, including monitoring for such chronic conditions at diabetes.

When Covid-19 hit, telehealth, typically available in health plans but not robustly used, took off, with many insurers waiving out-of-pocket costs so consumers could get care without exposing themselves or their providers ...