Find out how virtual care can impact your healthcare costs.
Are telehealth visits really free with my plan?
Teladoc Health offers 24/7 access to U.S. board-certified physicians, including pediatricians and family doctors. Depending on your plan, you can get this care for $0 extra cost or the same or lower copay as an office visit.1
Skip urgent care and connect with a doctor in minutes (1 hour or less response time). Or make an appointment in advance that fits into your schedule.
To speak with a doctor or request an appointment through Teladoc Health, log in to your Blue Shield account.
1 If you are a member of Silver 2600 HDHP PPO or the Bronze 60 HDHP PPO, your plan deductible will apply before the plan starts to pay for this service.
How can Trio HMO members get more value with a virtual PCP?
Trio HMO members can choose a virtual primary care physician (PCP) and schedule phone or video appointments with them. Visits to your virtual primary care physician have zero additional cost.
Your virtual PCP will coordinate your care for all your needs including:
- Virtual care from doctors from more than twenty specialties such as dermatology, cardiology, and urology
- Virtual visits to behavioral health professionals such as therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists
- In-person visits to physicians, specialists, and labs when your virtual PCP deems it necessary.
You’ll have options to connect with virtual care providers with same day, next-day, and even after-hours. Selecting a virtual PCP ensures you'll see the same doctor each time you need care.
For Trio HMO members, a referral from your virtual or in-person PCP will be required to see a virtual or in-person provider or specialist.2
To take part, simply choose a primary doctor through Accolade Care, a virtual medical group. You can easily select one inside your Blue Shield online account or by calling Shield Concierge at (844) 250-2872 (TTY: 711).
2 PPO members do not require a referral from their PCP to see a specialist.
Can I qualify for financial help with my premiums?
The amount of federal premium help (federal advance premium tax credits (APTC) that Californians can qualify for is based on several factors. Age, household income and size, and the cost of affordable healthcare coverage in their region are all considered. Premium help is available only for medical plans purchased through Covered California.
Use our quick and easy-to-use subsidy eligibility calculator to find out if you can qualify. You can also get an estimate of your potential premium help amount.3 If you find out you may be eligible, contact your broker or a Blue Shield Customer Care agent to learn about your options.
If you qualify for a subsidy and you need a 2025 effective date, you can begin your enrollment process today. For a plan effective in 2026, open enrollment will begin November 1, 2025.
3 Blue Shield’s subsidy eligibility calculator is for informational purposes only. Covered California determines eligibility and the amount of the subsidy.
Amazon Pharmacy provides home delivery services for your ongoing prescription medications. You still have access to more than 64,000 retail pharmacies, including major chains like CVS pharmacy, and local pharmacies.
To sign up for home delivery services or look for ways to lower your drug costs, log in to your online account.
Your online member account is open 24/7. You can:
• Change your primary care doctor
• Set up AutoPay or make a one-time payment
• Change how you want to receive plan communications (email, mail, phone/text)
• Get new ID cards
Simply log in or use the mobile app.
Your medical plan includes dental and vision benefits for enrolled members up to the age of 19. We encourage you to take advantage of your pediatric dental benefits and catch or stop small issues before they turn into big ones.
With zero-cost preventive visits, you can increase their chances of staying healthy, while keeping money in your pocket.
What happens if I don’t renew my coverage?
Californians are required to be enrolled in and maintain minimum essential coverage throughout the year. This is known as the individual mandate. In other words, if you do not have health coverage, you may have to pay more in taxes. Staying covered can help you to avoid this tax penalty.
The California Franchise Tax Board, which administers the state mandate, will assess the penalties for the coverage year when consumers file their taxes. To find out how much your penalty could be, please use the Individual Shared Penalty Estimator tool.
We are not tax professionals and cannot provide tax advice. If you need help, please get advice from a professional tax preparer or adviser.
Price Check My Rx
Compare the cost of your medications through your online member account using the Price Check My Rx tool.
Price Check My Rx can help you:
• See if your medications are covered under your plan
• See the cost of your medications under your plan
• Check if there are lower-priced options
• Know your prescription cost at different pharmacies
• Search for any drug and the cost of its generic formulation
To find this tool, go to prescription drug benefits in your online account.
