CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Extension of telemedicine policy
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Provider Update
Effective date
Oct 15, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBSRI extended their telemedicine policy through December 31, 2020, but starting October 15, 2020, four self-funded employer groups (AmWins, Encore, ATW, AstroNova) will no longer waive member cost-sharing for telemedicine services. Billing teams can now collect contractual copays/deductibles from employees of these specific groups for telemedicine visits.
Action Required
By October 15, 2020: Billing team must update patient eligibility verification process to identify members from AmWins, Encore, ATW, and AstroNova employer groups. Update billing system to collect member cost-sharing (copays/deductibles) for telemedicine services for these four groups only. Front desk staff should verify employer group during scheduling and inform patients of applicable cost-sharing for telehealth visits.