Employee medical plans offer new options for care provided virtually

Stanford’s health plans want to make it easier for you to see a provider and manage your care right now without making an in-person appointment.

Updated Sept. 4, 2020.

Everyday medical conditions -- such as allergies, pink eye and sinus problems -- may be plaguing you, and you may be avoiding the doctor because of the current public health crisis. You may be dealing with depression, grief or family issues, whether or not they are related to the pandemic, and you may need mental health or wellness services.

If you feel like you need care right now, you may have new options. 

Plans providing membership in Teladoc services

If you are enrolled in the Stanford Health Care Alliance (SHCA), the Healthcare + Savings or ACA Basic High Deductible medical plans, you can take advantage of Teladoc, which gives you access to U.S. board-certified providers 24 hours, 7 days a week through phone, video or mobile app visits.

All three plans are offering this service for the remainder of 2020 and through the 2021 plan year.

This service includes visits with primary care doctors, as well as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and therapists. Here’s how it works:

• You can talk to a doctor anytime, anywhere, via phone, video or mobile app
• Access a network of doctors that can treat every member of your family
• Your prescriptions can be sent to a pharmacy of your choice, if medically necessary
• Cost of services is less expensive than urgent care or the emergency room

Teladoc’s Mental Health services will connect you (adults 18 and older) with a provider so you can establish an ongoing relationship. Treatment is confidential and convenient because its offers quick access to the right provider, allowing you to speak with a therapist from anywhere. You can schedule a video visit seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. Appointments are confirmed within 72 hours.

Registration and costs for Teladoc

When registering for the service through your insurance plan, you'll be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire to be shared with the providers you contact prior to your visit.

SHCA members 

Sign up online (Teladoc.com/Aetna), download the app, or call (855-835-2362). Costs for services: medical copay is $45, and mental health copay is $30.

Healthcare + Savings and ACA Basic High Deductible members 

Login to your Blue Shield account and click on the Teladoc link, download the app, or call (800-835-2362). Costs for services: The same co-insurance model as other treatments (you pay for services until you meet your deductible; the cost is $0 after your deductible is met). Note: Trio plan members don't have access to Teladoc but can access the mental health network through Magellan, which carries a $30 copay.

Faculty Staff Help Center is another free option for mental health services

No matter what health plan you are in, you always have FSHC as an option for free professional and confidential counseling to address work and personal issues. The center is currently operating remotely.

• Request an appointment online.
• View a curated list of resources.

Kaiser adds access to MyStrength app

Kaiser members now have access to a digital emotional wellness tool called MyStrength, which is designed to help you navigate life’s challenges, make small changes that improve sleep, mood, or simply support an overall sense of well-being. The activities and techniques available through the app can be used either as self-guided self-care or as a complement to clinical support and have been evaluated by Kaiser clinicians and are safe and confidential. The app can help you build resilience, set goals, and take meaningful steps toward becoming a healthier, happier you.

Download MyStrength

Kaiser members: Visit the website to download the app (kp.org/selfcareapps/ncal). Click on the Get Started button and follow the prompts. You will need your Kaiser user ID and password; for help, call the member services number on your ID card.