May 7, 2020
Virtual health care has emerged as an important tool to help Canadians manage their health care, and many employers are looking for ways to enhance their health benefit plans by adding even more virtual services. In recent months, Medavie Blue Cross has strengthened its suite of digital health offerings and is now announcing a new Online Doctors group benefit to allow plan members greater flexibility and access to virtual consultations.
Studies show that employers who add Internet-enabled health care to their benefit plans can achieve significant cost savings in health-related absenteeism and lost productivity [1]. As Canadians deal with the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for virtual health care is continuing to grow as it becomes an even more important part of health benefit plans.
“Medavie Blue Cross is committed to finding innovative health care solutions that meet the needs of our clients and their employees,” says Marc Avaria, VP, Product & Disability Management. “Over the past several months, we have introduced a number of options to help plans provide access to emerging digital health options. One of the most popular new features has been Online Doctors, which provides members with instant access to Canada-licensed doctors through their computer or mobile device.”
The Online Doctors Unlimited group benefit includes:
An Online Doctors Lite group benefit is also available, with a limit of five day-time visits per year.
According to Avaria, “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many uncertainties and challenged the way people work, socialize and access health care. We are proud to help provide our clients access to a suite of virtual health care products and services for their employees, and determine which options best fit their plan philosophy.”
Online Doctors is available through a partnership with leading virtual health care provider Maple. “When contagious illnesses like COVID-19 hit, one of the biggest tragedies is that people become too afraid of catching the virus to seek out medical attention,” says Dr. Brett Belchetz, CEO and Co-Founder of Maple and a practicing ER physician. “This makes the ability to access Canadian doctors in minutes, any time of day, from wherever patients are, more important than ever. We’re proud to work with companies like Medavie Blue Cross to make these options available during these difficult times.”
Organizations looking to learn more about the Online Doctors group benefit should get in touch with their Medavie Blue Cross representative.
[1] 2019 Virtual Health Care Industry Report - Medisys
About Medavie Blue Cross
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits, and administers various federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians.
We are one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures and recognized as an Imagine Canada Caring Company. As a not-for-profit organization, we are proud to commit an annual social dividend to the Medavie Health Foundation to support programs and initiatives aimed at addressing some of our country’s most pressing physical and mental health care challenges.
About Maple
Maple is a technology platform that tackles some of the world's most meaningful issues in healthcare, starting with timely and convenient access to doctors and other healthcare providers. It allows patients to connect directly with doctors for medical care in minutes from their smartphone or computer 24/7/365, and also provides custom technology solutions for hospitals and clinics seeking to advance their delivery of care. Learn more at getmaple.ca
Media Contact
Maura Murphy
Medavie
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416-695-5921