Capital Benefits Group Encourages Consumers to Consider Telemedicine Benefits During 2015 Open Enrollment
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) October 23, 2014 -- When time, money and doctors seem to be in short supply for too many Americans, real solutions that cut healthcare costs are being welcomed wholeheartedly by consumers. Telemedicine is such a solution, using electronic technology to exchange information between patient and physician. The popularity of telemedicine has increased exponentially as handheld devices like tablets and smartphones have improved the accessibility and usability for both the consumer and practitioner.
Programs such as cbg’s Call A Doctor Plus bundle (CADR+) provide consultations with board-certified, licensed physicians who can diagnose symptoms, recommend further treatment and prescribe medications over the phone or via video chat. They cost far less than a trip to urgent care or the emergency room and are available 24/7/365.
cbg wants to expand consumer awareness and encourage consumers to consider telemedicine benefits as a way to improve access to care and save money. The average wait to get in to see a physician is roughly 3 weeks, whereas telehealth accessibility is 24/7 and the average wait is less than 15 minutes.
Anticipating the value of telemedicine in the age of Obamcare, cbg added the Call A Doctor Plus telemedicine bundle in late 2013. The longtime benefits developer and distributor recognized that the healthcare system would receive an influx of newly insured patients under the Affordable Care Act, while doctor shortages were being experienced by rural communities nationwide, and that cutting healthcare costs was important and necessary to many financially strained Americans.
“We are in an era when doctor shortages and busy lives can make it difficult for people to schedule medical appointments,” said Randall C. Rogers, cbg president and CEO. “What people find appealing about telemedicine is that they can receive the care they need without leaving home, and they can save a lot of time and money. There’s no drive to the clinic, no sitting in a waiting room exposing yourself or your children to other illnesses.”
Telemedicine is not the wave of the future. It is here right now. The current drive to consumer managed healthcare and high deductible medical plans along with rapidly advancing technology have made mobile health options more appealing to individual consumers, employers and insurance companies alike. It’s predicted that there will be approximately 100 million e-visits by the end of 2014.
Telemedicine is going to boom in the years to come. Ten years from now it won't even be called telehealth," says Dr. Antall, telehealth medical director for Online Care Group. More than 10 million Americans have used telemedicine options in the past year, and the number of subscribers is projected to more than double in the next few years, according to BenefitsPro.
Consumers who do not have access to telemedicine services through workplace benefits or their individual health insurance plans can obtain them for a small fee.
For as low as $19.95, a family can buy the Call A Doctor Plus through cbg’s My Generation Benefits website. In addition to a telemedicine plan powered by Teladoc, benefits included in the CADR+ bundle include:
• Medical Bill Saver
• Legal and financial advice
• Online Worklife Resources
• WellCard discounts
Telemedicine can be a viable solution for people in many situations, including those who live in rural communities, students who live away from home, self-employed individuals, frequent travelers, the uninsured and underinsured; individuals who might not otherwise have this access. Call A Doctor Plus, powered by Teladoc, provides access to U.S.-based, licensed doctors who can diagnose* non-emergency medical conditions and prescribe medication.
“Programs like CADR+ can payoff substantially for many consumers,” Rogers said. “As open enrollment for 2015 coverage gets underway, it is wise to budget for telemedicine, especially if you have a high-deductible plan.”
Consumers may visit mygenerationbenefits.com to learn more about Call A Doctor Plus bundle and enroll.
About cbg
For more than 15 years, insurance professionals, employer groups and individuals have turned to cbg for help with their insurance product needs. Our role is to carefully evaluate the financial stability and reliability of the select insurance carriers we partners with, develop highly competitive products and most importantly provide a unique experience for the consumer, superior service and flexibility to clients and agent distribution patterns. To learn more, visit http://mygenerationbenefits.com.
**To receive a diagnosis the member must complete a medical history assessment prior to consultation. There is no guarantee that member will receive prescription (Rx) medication, diagnosis or treatment plan. Call A Doctor Plus is not health insurance and does not replace your primary care physician, but is a resource platform designed to improve wellness and lifestyle. If you have an urgent medical condition, please dial 911. All services are HIPAA compliant. Call A Doctor Plus is not available in Idaho.
Gary White, Capital Benefits Group, https://mygenerationbenefits.com/, 612.961.1032, [email protected]
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