Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) announced today its expanded telehealth policy will remain in place through March 31, 2022. The telehealth policy covers doctor visits by video or phone the same as face-to-face visits. In 2020, Blue Cross NC saw members’ telehealth usage increase by more than 7,500%.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the benefits of telehealth,” said Roberta Capp, chief medical officer at Blue Cross NC. “As the public health emergency continues, Blue Cross NC is committed to helping members use these benefits to access the care they need, when they need it.”

The policy applies to all Blue Cross NC commercial plans and Medicare Advantage plans offered and administered by Blue Cross NC, including the State Health Plan. Members of the Federal Employee Program have telehealth covered at parity with in-person visits until further notice. The extended policy does not apply to Blue Cross NC members getting care from out of state providers.

Blue Cross NC will continue to refine its policy to best serve members with a focus on improving health care outcomes, increasing access to health care, and lowering costs. More information on Blue Cross NC’s COVID-19-related coverage and policies is available on our dedicated coronavirus page.

For additional details on this update, read the full press release.