CommercialCoverageHigh impact
CareFirst Implements the Maryland Preserve Telehealth Access Act
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield·MD·Provider News
Effective date
Jul 1, 2021
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
CareFirst will now reimburse audio-only telehealth calls at the same rate as in-person office visits for appropriate billable services under the Maryland Preserve Telehealth Access Act. This expands telehealth coverage to all professional provider types for audio-only calls that deliver covered healthcare services.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update telehealth billing procedures to include audio-only calls at in-person visit rates for CareFirst Maryland patients. Verify patient enrollment in fully insured Maryland benefit plans before billing. Update encounter forms to capture audio-only telehealth visits. Note this mandate expires June 30, 2023.