Kaiser Permanente Launches ‘Virtual Plus’ Health Plan in Washington
Following the rapid adoption of and increasing demand for telehealth across Washington state, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington has announced its newest healthcare plan centered around virtual care.
According to officials, Kaiser Permanente is launching the new plan, called Virtual Plus, as a “virtual-forward way for Kaiser Permanente members to get the care they need, when they need it, and at a predictable cost.” Members can reach out when appropriate and services are available via phone, online chat, video, or email for nonurgent issues, they added. Kaiser Permanente, which includes Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, serves 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.
The health plan is designed around virtual-first care options. Members will be seen by the same doctors and clinicians as they would at any KP facility, and their member and patient data is connected to them though their electronic health record (EHR), according to officials.
The plan aims to offer more convenient and consumer-friendly ways to get in touch with members’ physicians, while also giving members the flexibility to start with a virtual appointment and, as needed, to come in-person for follow-ups. Members also have access to Kaiser Permanente pharmacists through an online or video visit, and can get medications delivered, usually in one to two days, KP’s announcement noted.
The new plan will be available starting Jan. 1, 2021, direct to consumers and employer groups, and on the health insurance exchange pending Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board approval on September 16.
“Virtual care is the healthcare of today and tomorrow,” Paul Minardi, M.D., president and executive medical director of Washington Permanente Medical Group, said in a statement. “The pandemic has reinforced the need to provide care in the most convenient, accessible, and safe way for our members, and that’s what Virtual Plus does.”
Beginning in March, Kaiser Permanente led Washington as one of the first healthcare organizations to deliver the majority of care virtually, through options including e-visits, its Consulting Nurse Service, Care Chat online messaging, and video and phone visits, according to KP officials. About 65 percent of Kaiser Permanente appointments are now conducted virtually, compared with approximately 20 percent prior to the pandemic, they noted.
Joseph Smith, vice president of sales and business development, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, added in a statement, “ With this new plan, we are innovating to give our members more convenient care options at a more affordable cost, respecting their choices and preferences. We are excited to offer another care option to our members that continues our commitment of providing high-quality, convenient, and affordable healthcare.”
