Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia today announced its Virtual-First health plans to eligible members in select commercial health plans. Virtual-First plans give individuals affordable access to virtual care options, including access to a symptom checker driven by artificial intelligence, routine wellness care, and chronic condition management, along with behavioral healthcare.

"Our Virtual-First plans highlight our digital capabilities helping our members determine the best first step for their healthcare on their terms through a wide range of virtual and in-person options – improving their whole health experience," said Robert Bunch, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia.

Through Anthem’s digital health platform, Virtual-First health plans can connect care data from various visits and providers throughout the healthcare system. In many cases, interoperability – or the ability to exchange data – allows care data to move between virtual first providers, in-person doctors, and specialists more seamlessly. This helps enhance the healthcare experience for consumers by reducing redundancies as people go from one care setting to another and, as appropriate, giving providers easier access to previous health information. The Virtual-First plan is accessible through the Sydney Health^SM app. Members can access benefits, cost transparency tools, and resources they need 24/7.

Members can expect virtual-first plans offered by their employers that provide a variety of cost-share options including no-coinsurance for virtual care, guiding members to more affordable, high-quality digital care. In addition to having convenient access to virtual care, members can also see in-person doctors and specialists in Anthem’s broad network of providers.

"Virtual-First plans make focusing on your health more convenient and easier to fit into members’ increasingly busy schedules. Interconnecting in-person providers and virtual care providers creates a seamless care experience that improves access and helps members take charge of their health," added Bunch.