Telehealth, Under Trial During Pandemic, Expands in Health Plans

The pandemic has spotlighted the benefits of telemedicine, and health insurers are boosting its use. They’re expanding networks beyond their geographic areas and creating entirely virtual primary care plans.

Adoption in a Crisis: Although more than 70% of insured people have telehealth access through their plans, fewer than 10% of consumers had ever used it before the pandemic, according to an Oliver Wyman Health Innovation Center official. “Now with Covid, a lot more people have tried it,” he says.

Easier on the Wallet: Some health providers are launching telehealth-based primary care networks, offering lower premiums and reduced or eliminated cost-sharing ...