CommercialCoverageHigh impact
TEMPORARY Telemedicine/Telehealth and Telephone Services During the COVID-19 Crisis – Effective 3/18/20
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Provider Update
Effective date
Mar 18, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Effective March 18, 2020, BCBSRI waived all cost sharing (copays, deductibles, coinsurance) for members receiving telehealth, telemedicine, and telephonic services during the COVID-19 crisis. This is a temporary policy that eliminates patient financial responsibility for virtual care visits.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update system to waive all copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for BCBSRI members receiving telehealth/telemedicine/telephonic services. Update front desk procedures to inform patients that virtual visits have no cost sharing. Contact ProviderRelations@bcbsri.org if claims process incorrectly with patient responsibility.