Early in the COVID-19 epidemic, providers switched from an in-person to a virtual healthcare paradigm. Consumers can access virtual care choices, like symptom checks, routine wellness care, managing chronic conditions, behavioral health care, and more, for a reasonable price with virtual-first plans. 

According to Robert Bunch, president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, virtual healthcare is an essential component of what consumers want in a healthcare plan. Giving consumers a health care plan incorporating a digital health platform and virtual options enables them to take a more active role in their health.

A survey showed that accessibility and convenience are the two aspects of virtual care that individuals appreciate or find most enticing. 

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is attempting to achieve this. Consumers would benefit from virtual-first plans because they would have 24/7 access to services, tools for cost transparency, and perks. Additionally, consumers are searching for linked care, including the ability to communicate with a doctor from any location (35%), 24/7 accessibility (31%), and general usability (30%). For Anthem Link, Virtual-First health plans integrate care data from various visits and providers across the healthcare system.

Employers would gain from the virtual-first plans by being assisted in their search for the best network options and plan designs to satisfy both their organizational needs and the needs of their employees health.

(Source:https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2023/06/01/virtual-first-health-plans-benefits.html)