CommercialCoverageHigh impact
Telemedicine Telehealth and Telephone Services - Temporary Policy - Effective 3/18/20
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Physician / Facility
Effective date
Mar 18, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Effective March 18, 2020, BCBSRI is waiving all cost sharing (copays, deductibles, coinsurance) for members receiving telemedicine, telehealth, and telephone services as a temporary COVID-19 response measure. This policy eliminates patient financial barriers to virtual care during the pandemic.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update system to waive all copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for BCBSRI members receiving telemedicine/telehealth/telephone services. Update patient financial responsibility calculations in billing software. Contact ProviderRelations@bcbsri.org for questions about specific coding requirements and allowed specialties.