JHU health plans cover video visits with a doctor

April 10, 2020

Dear Colleagues:

We are all finding new ways to do our work, care for our families, and support our communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you continue to prioritize your health and limit trips outside your home, I want to make sure you are aware of telehealth options that provide a way to access a health care provider 24/7.

Due to provisions in the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act, all Johns Hopkins University medical plans will cover any telehealth visit at 100 percent with no cost to the patient. Your healthcare provider may submit claims under the telehealth coding and the cost will be covered for dates of service starting on Feb. 4, 2020 and continuing for the duration of the public health crisis.

Each of our health plans includes access to a telehealth app that allows you to get the care you need when and where you need it, including if you do not have a regular provider or cannot reach them. You can talk with a provider by video on your smartphone, tablet, or computer if you need treatment for a common condition such as a sinus infection or a sore throat. For mental health, diet/nutrition, or breastfeeding support, you can schedule a virtual visit and meet with a licensed professional from the comfort of your home.

If you have symptoms that you believe may be related to COVID-19, or if you are concerned about exposure, please call our Employee COVID-19 Call Center at 443-287-8500, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. The center is for employees, post docs, and house staff, and the medical professionals there will arrange for testing if needed and assist in transmitting information to Occupational Health. Please note the center is now handling clearances to return to work for absences related to COVID-19. You may use the telehealth option for family members who have symptoms and are coved by your JHU health plan.

Here are the instructions to access telehealth services from each health plan:

CareFirst Members
You may access a CareFirst Video Visit by going to carefirstvideovisit.com. You will first need to sign up by creating a login name and password. (This is different from your CareFirst account.) Once your account is created, enter your insurance information from your CareFirst ID card when prompted. CareFirst Video Visit is also available as an app for your smart phone. Learn more from the CareFirst Video Vists FAQ.

EHP Members
You may take advantage of CareFirst Video Visit by following the instructions above, and you will find details on the same FAQ page. When you reach the insurance information section during registration, select “other/my insurance is not listed” and then enter the coupon code: JHU-COVID19 when prompted. The code is valid for all video visit services until June 30, 2020.

Kaiser Permanente Members
You must register with healthy.kaiserpermanente.org to get started using telehealth services.

If you have questions, please contact the JHU Benefits Service Center at 410-516-2000 or email Benefits@jhu.edu.

Sincerely,

Heidi Conway
Vice President for Human Resources