Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is waiving all member cost-sharing obligations for covered telemedicine services delivered by an in-network doctor or through Horizon BCBSNJ’s telemedicine platforms.

The waiver – in effect for an initial 90-day period – applies to qualified telemedicine visits for any covered purpose including diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19, routine care, or mental health care.

These changes do not alter the benefits included in any member’s plan, and only eliminate cost as a potential barrier to using those services by waiving that member’s cost-sharing obligations.

“We’re taking this step to ensure that our members have access to the doctors they rely on and to support the effort to promote social distancing,” said Kevin Conlin, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Horizon BCBSNJ.  “Promoting telemedicine visits with a doctor whether for routine care, an assessment related to possible COVID-19 infection or for mental health counselling does more than ensure our members get the care they need.  It is also an important step to protect our critical health care partners by reducing their risk of exposure and it supports the public health effort to slow community transmission,” said Conlin.

Horizon said these cost-sharing changes take effect immediately for Horizon BCBSNJ’s fully insured members, including those covered through Medicaid, Medicare, Individual and Small Group policies.

The State Health Benefits (SHBP) and School Employees Health Benefits (SEHBP) Programs have also agreed to waive cost-sharing for these services for members. Horizon said it will continue to work with other self-insured customers that provide coverage for their employees on their specific plan designs.