Priority Health Provides Free Access to Mental Wellness Tools in Response to COVID-19

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fear and anxiety related to COVID-19 is normal, but it’s important to work through those issues and resolve that stress to be able to maintain a healthy mind and body. To help empower people with resources specifically focused on the pandemic, Priority Health has partnered with digital health specialist Livongo to offer free access to its members to myStrength, a mental wellness tool with activities to manage stress and bolster mental health.

“As the healthcare community continues to combat the physical effects of COVID-19, it is crucial that we offer solutions to also address related mental health issues,” said Dr. James Forshee, Chief Medical Officer at Priority Health. “Virtual mental health tools can help you restore your sense of control so you are better able to address your feelings and concerns.”

In a recent study by the American Psychiatric Association, more than one-third of Americans said coronavirus is having a serious impact on their mental health. To help individuals restore their mental strength from home, myStrength provides easily accessible and clinically proven virtual resources. Activities around 15 topic areas specific to COVID-19 include:

• Coping skills during COVID-19
• Processing emotions about COVID-19
• COVID-19 and mental wellness
• Inner calm in turbulent times
• Parenting in challenging times
• Keeping your relationship strong during COVID-19
• Staying connected while social distancing
• Simple ways to practice mindfulness

Members can sign up for a free account that includes interactive activities, coping tools and other resources, including inspirational community support at www.priorityhealth.com/mystrength. The few simple questions required for sign up are confidential and the information is not shared with Priority Health.

Another stressor during these times comes from concerns about being able to access medical care. Priority Health is offering $0 copay virtual care through June 30 for non-COVID-19 related acute care visits to get treatment for common ailments such as cold and flu symptoms, back pain, sprains, strains and more. Behavioral Health virtual care is also available with the same copay as an office visit, allowing members to receive treatment from the comfort and safety of their own home without any additional costs. To access virtual care, members can download the Priority Health app, available on the App Store or Google Play, and log in to their member account. They can also access their online member account on a desktop, laptop or other device.

Members who don’t have internet access or need immediate mental health support can also call Priority Health directly. The company has an on-staff behavioral health team available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that can be reached from the telephone number on the back of member’s ID cards. Calls are confidential. In case of emergency, call 911.

For more information about screening, testing and treatment of COVID-19 and resources to support coverage, go to https://www.priorityhealth.com.

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan offering a broad portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than one million members each year and offering a network that includes 97 percent of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Priority Health is the smart choice for people seeking affordable, quality health insurance.