Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia Introduces Anthem Link Virtual First Health Plans, Helping Members Access Convenient, Affordable Care Options

Members can choose virtual care, allowing for high-quality care at a lower cost

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia today announced its Anthem Link Virtual First health plans to eligible members in select commercial health plans. Anthem Link 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.

“We are excited to launch these Anthem Link Virtual First plans as part of our ongoing efforts to introduce innovative services to members that provide convenient healthcare on their terms,” said Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. “Through a range of options including virtual care, such as video visits with providers, and in-person care – we are making healthcare more convenient.”

Through Anthem’s digital health platform, Anthem Link 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 Anthem Link Virtual First plan is accessible through the Sydney Health℠ 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.

“Anthem Link Virtual First plans make it easier to fit healthcare services into members’ increasingly busy schedules and align with the more consumer-centric experiences people have in other areas of their lives,” said Schmude. “It is our goal to serve as a lifetime trusted health partner and these plans help members take charge of their health, improve access, and offer an integrated approach to care through a more seamless, member-focused digital experience.”

Anthem Link Virtual First plans will be available to eligible members enrolled in Anthem’s large group fully insured and administrative services (ASO) starting January 1, 2024.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia
Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Elevance Health. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.