Skip to main content
Shop Plans Learn more about our coverage options including health, Medicare, dental and vision options for you, your family or your employees. Get Started Individual & Family Medicare Employer Vision Dental International Travel Find Care FAQ Blog Members Stay on top of your health care with helpful member resources. Members Home Medicare Health Dental Vision Find Care Member Knowledge Center Member Forms Medicare Forms Library Make a Payment Federal Employees Student Blue Healthy Blue Providers Access tools, policies and the latest information to help you care for our members. Providers Home Network Participation Networks & Programs Claims, Appeals & Inquiries Prior Authorization Services & CPT codes Prescription Drug Search Policies, Guidelines & Codes Provider News Provider FAQ Contact Us Employers Learn about our coverage options for small and large employers, and access tools and resources for your group. Employers Home Shop Employer Plans Employer Portal Support Member Forms & Resources Find Care Blog Agents Access the tools you need: rate quotes, applications, forms, the latest industry news, marketing materials and more. Agents Home Agent Services Check Eligibility Find Care Member Forms & Resources Medicare Forms Library
Contact Us
Log In
I am ... Please select A member A provider An employer An agent
Log in to Agent Services
Log in to Employer Services Register for Employer Services I'm registered but need portal access
Username Forgot username? Continue to Log In Register for Blue Connect Need help? Learn how to log in.
Log in to Blue e Register for Blue e Log in to Dental Blue
Back
Blue Cross NC Extends Telehealth Policy Through September 2022 March 10, 2022 Medical Policy & Clinical Guidelines COVID-19

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is extending its expanded reimbursement telehealth policy. It will remain in place through September 30, 2022. The telehealth policy was originally expanded effective March 2020 and covers doctor visits by video or phone the same as face-to-face visits. 

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. Providers may continue to use the virtual platform of their choosing for telehealth services. 

In 2020, 92% of Blue Cross NC members’ telehealth visits were primary care or behavioral health services, compared to 8% for specialist visits, despite coverage and payment parity. The company saw similar trends for 2021 and will continue to monitor trends going forward. 

Blue Cross NC has been covering telehealth for more than 20 years and will continue to do so in the future. The company will continue to use data and insights on telehealth to study its usage and update its telehealth policy in the future to best serve its members. The extended review period will ensure that telehealth remains a tool that improves health and increases access to affordable health care.

More information on Blue Cross NC’s COVID-19-related coverage and policies is available at Blue Cross NC's COVID-19 page.