Blue Cross NC keeps expanded telehealth polices in place through end of year

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is keeping its expanded telehealth reimbursement options in place through the end of the year.

The insurer said that it will continue covering video and telephonic visits at the same rate as in-person visits for the rest of 2020. The policy was enacted in response to COVID-19.

“Blue Cross NC is committed to helping members get the quality, affordable care they need, when they need it,” said Rahul Rajkumar, M.D., chief medical officer at Blue Cross NC, in a statement. “We strongly encourage members to seek virtual care whenever possible and are committed to continuing to respond to this crisis to best serve our members, support doctors, nurses and hospitals.”

BCBSA survey highlights COVID’s impact on pregnant women

New data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association finds that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on pregnant women.

The survey of more than 1,000 commercial plan members found that 53% of women surveyed said they gave birth without a loved one in the room due to procedures put in place to avoid the spread of the virus.

In addition, 15% of women said they opted to give birth at home due to the pandemic.

The survey also found that the pandemic is pushing pregnant women to increasingly seek out virtual options, within 48% switching their prenatal care to virtual visits.

“Protecting the health and wellbeing of expecting and current mothers remains of paramount importance to the generational health of America moving forward, especially during these uncertain times,” said Vincent Nelson, M.D., vice president of medical affairs for BCBSA, in a statement.