NOT JUST WHEN YOU’RE SICK: Virtual Care Offers Many Services
Many Trust participants have discovered that virtual doctor visits are a convenient way to get care when they’re sick. But did you know virtual care is an option for many kinds of health services?
PREVENTIVE CARE: Ask which services are right for you (recommended services are covered at 100%), schedule tests like mammograms or blood tests, and even get an at-home test for colon cancer mailed to your house.
PRESCRIPTIONS: Request a refill for an expired prescription, talk about drug alternatives, or ask if a specific medication is right for you.
DERMATOLOGY: Upload a photo of a rash, mole or other skin condition, and a dermatologist can virtually diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan.
FOLLOW-UP VISITS: A virtual visit after surgery or to evaluate recovery from an illness is just as effective (and much more convenient!) as an in-person visit. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you.
CHRONIC CONDITIONS: Virtual visits reduce time-consuming in-person visits, offer better access to specialized care, and are a good way to notify the doctor about new symptoms.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Have a confidential virtual visit with a therapist from the comfort—and privacy—of your own home when it’s convenient for you, without waiting weeks for an in-person visit.
Here’s how your Health Plan keeps you covered:
- Trust Infographic: Everything you need to know about your virtual care benefits
- Kaiser Permanente: Let the doctor come to you by video.
- Providence: Telehealth virtual visits.
- Regence: Virtual care and telehealth services
TAKING A TRIP? When You Travel, Your Benefits Go with You
Whether you’re traveling within your state or across the country, your Health Plan keeps you covered. Make the most of your benefits (and avoid out-of-network fees) by being prepared when you need health care away from home.
- Don’t leave home without your Health Plan ID card. Tip: it’s also a good idea to have easy access to your family’s doctor’s names and phone numbers, too.
- Search for an in-network provider. For situations that are not life-threatening—such as a sprained ankle or illness—search for an in-network doctor or urgent care clinic near you. Check your Carrier’s app or website or call the number on the back of your Health Plan ID card for help.
- Use virtual care from anywhere. When an in-person visit isn’t necessary—for example, you forgot your prescription and need to get a refill—an online visit is convenient and quick.
- Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. In a life-threatening situation, get to the nearest hospital as fast as possible. Then, call the number on your Health Plan ID card within 24 hours.
- Get familiar with your Carrier’s travel benefits:
- Kaiser Permanente: Emergency and urgent care away from home
- Providence: Travel assistance
- Regence: Understand your travel coverage
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: How to Get the Most from Your Benefits
The Trust has created a library of videos and infographics that help you use your benefits wisely. Here are some of our most-often-viewed selections:
- Access Health Care Safely This quick video helps you make decisions about how to access care—via a virtual visit or in-person—and how to get the best benefit coverage.
- Five Tips to Prevent Surprise Medical Bills. Ever been surprised by a bill that was higher than expected? Here’s what you need to know to avoid unexpected charges.
- The Appeals Process Explained. Check out this infographic to learn how you can appeal a claim or benefit that has been denied.
- Save on Your Prescriptions. This infographic outlines three ways you can cut prescription drug costs.
- Keep Money in Your Pocket. Watch this to learn how you save money by choosing in-network providers. (Tip: not all providers who accept your Health Plan are in-network!)
You can always find videos, infographics, and blog articles on the Trust website. Go to sdtrust.com, then search or scroll:
- Click on the Search tool (top right corner), type a topic, then hit enter.
- Or click Menu, then Blog. Scroll the list (sorted by most recently added) to find a virtual library of resources to help you use your benefits wisely.