QualChoice is making it easier for Arkansans to get the medical care they need through telemedicine (telehealth). This allows members to visit a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant remotely.
On March 11, 2020, Governor Asa Hutchison declared a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In response, telehealth rules have been relaxed for things like behavioral health and the requirement to have an established relationship with the provider.
With this change in state telehealth rules and the mandate for social distancing, QualChoice is urging our members and all Arkansans to use telehealth technology. This applies to COVID-19 care as well as unrelated care needs. Therefore, we are waiving copays, coinsurance and deductibles for telehealth care from March 17, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
Any care that can be provided virtually (by smartphone or other video-enabled device) will be eligible for telehealth coverage. The benefit covers virtual visits for both physical and mental health needs. It includes counseling by mental and behavioral health providers.
Providers will be given specific billing and coding instructions. Again, for all telehealth and telephone visits, copays, coinsurance and deductibles will be waived through June 30, 2020.
In these days of declared emergencies and in all days to come, QualChoice is there for our members and our community. We are committed to making health insurance simple for Arkansans.
