At Healthfirst, our commitment to getting you access to high-quality care remains our top priority. Telemedicine lets you receive medical advice or treatment by phone or online video, right from the comfort of your home.
To start using telemedicine, here’s what you should know and do
Paying for Telemedicine Services
During the NY state of emergency, cost-sharing (your copay) is waived for all services delivered via telemedicine by in-network providers or via Teladoc®. You won’t be charged for a telemedicine visit even if the visit is for something unrelated to the Coronavirus: Type (COVID-19).
Important note: Telemedicine services and/or Teladoc® should not be used in place of emergency care or urgent care.
Member PPE Charges
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, providers and their staff are using more personal protective equipment (PPE) during in-patient office visits. PPE includes face masks, face shields, gowns, and gloves. Healthfirst members are not responsible to pay for PPE billed by a participating provider for a covered visit.
If a provider has billed or asked you to pay for PPE, let us know. Call the Member Services phone number on your Member ID card or send a complaint in writing to Healthfirst, P.O. Box 5166, New York, NY 10274-5166 (or fax it to 1-646-313-4618). The complaint should include the provider’s name, date of treatment, the PPE fee charged, and a copy of your bill (if available). We’ll work with the provider to resolve your bill.
To learn more about New York State guidance on PPE charges, visit the New York Department of Financial Services’ website to read the department’s Circular Letter No. 14 (2020).
Mental Health Services for Essential Workers
Cost-sharing is waived for in-network outpatient mental health services for dates of service on or after May 2, 2020 through November 27, 2020 (unless extended by regulation) for any Healthfirst member who was employed as an essential worker at any time on or after March 7, 2020.* A definition of “essential worker” is available on the New York State Department of Financial Services website.
If you are an essential worker and you have paid or received a bill for in-network outpatient mental health services for dates of service listed above, please call the Member Services phone number on your Member ID card.
*This waiver applies to Essential Plan, Qualified Health Plan, and Small Business Plan** members only. It does not apply to Medicare, Medicaid, Health and Recovery Plans, Child Health Plus, or high-deductible plans.
**Excludes all Health Savings Account-compatible Bronze plans.