The Personnel Cabinet’s Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan made a telehealth service, LiveHealth Online, available to its members June 1. For the remainder of 2015, the service is available at no cost to members.
The Cabinet saying in a news release that LiveHealth Online can be accessed online using a computer, smartphone or tablet with video capabilities. Physicians can be accessed at any time of day, 365 days a year and from nearly everywhere in the U.S.
“LiveHealth Online offers an innovative solution that removes the typical barriers of cost, travel and access to quality care,” said Personnel Cabinet Secretary Tim Longmeyer.
The Cabinet says LiveHealth Online is a way to have secure and private video chats with board certified physicians. Members and their eligible plan dependents can get help with colds, the flu, allergies and fevers. In the event that medications are needed, the physician can send prescriptions to a member’s local pharmacy.
LiveHealth Online is not meant to replace the member’s primary care physician; however, it is a convenient option for care in non-emergency situations or if a physician is unavailable.
“Imagine the new parents whose child wakes up a 2 a.m. screaming with a fever,” said Joe Cowles, commissioner of the Department of Employee Insurance who administers the KEHP. “The local retail clinic and urgent care centers are closed. It’s not an emergency, so you don’t want to drive and wait at the ER. With LiveHealth Online there is another choice. Members don’t have to worry with waiting or even leaving the house to get care for their sick child.”
LiveHealth Online is made available to KEHP members through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the plan’s third-party medical administrator. Physicians who respond to LiveHealth Online live visits are in-network for Anthem.
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