Let's get started
This guide can help you start using your Virtual Blue plan, schedule virtual and in-person care, and access wellness programs.
Explore your online account
Your Blue Shield of California online account gives you access to manage your coverage, care, and so much more. Register or log in to:
- Find providers to schedule virtual and in-person care
- See plan benefits and costs
- View your member ID card
- 24/7 virtual care for medical help via phone or video
Registering is easy with your member ID or Social Security number and takes less than five minutes.
Download the app
Manage your care from anywhere by registering for your online account and downloading the Blue Shield app. For even more convenience, add your digital ID card to your Apple Wallet®.
Schedule a virtual health checkup
Your Virtual Blue plan covers preventive care services, like an Annual Wellness Visit to help detect health concerns early. Scheduling a virtual health checkup with your primary doctor is a great way to begin using your benefits. To help you prepare for a virtual checkup with an Accolade Care* provider, you will receive a Vitals Kit which includes common medical devices – at no extra cost. Learn how to use this tool and order additional medical tools at discounted prices by visiting athome.medline.com/blueshieldca.
Connect with your care team
With Virtual Blue, you have access to a virtual care team through Accolade Care. Your team may include a doctor, specialist, nurse, care coordinator, behavioral health professional, and a certified health coach – all working together to provide you with personalized, high-quality care. Virtual visits with Accolade Care providers have no or low copay, depending on plan design.
You can also access in-person care through our high-quality PPO network. Remember that in-network or out-of-network cost share applies, based on your plan’s benefits.
Programs and benefits
Behavioral health – Get virtual care from licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and other mental health professionals, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Psychiatrists and psychologists are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Care coordinators are also available to assist you in locating a virtual or in-person behavioral health provider and scheduling an appointment.
Wellvolution® – Explore wellness programs designed to help you develop healthier habits, lose weight, quit smoking, manage conditions, and support your behavioral health, all available at no extra cost.
Pharmacy – Fill your prescriptions at thousands of Blue Shield network retail pharmacies or get covered maintenance drugs** delivered to your doorstep through CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy.
Get more from Blue Shield
From stress management tips to healthy meal ideas, find health and wellness articles to help you live a healthier life and get more from your health plan.
FAQ
What is Accolade Care?
Accolade Care is a virtual primary care platform providing support for physical and mental health. In partnership with Blue Shield, Accolade Care providers are available through the Accolade Care mobile app or by logging in to blueshieldca.com, where Virtual Blue members will be redirected to Accolade’s website. Once logged in, members can schedule appointments for virtual urgent care, primary care, behavioral healthcare, and specialty care.
How does Virtual Blue differ from Teladoc or other basic telehealth options?
With a Virtual Blue plan, members can select their virtual primary care physician (PCP) based on criteria that matters most to them. Many PCPs offer convenient, same-day care. When a same-day appointment is not available, members can schedule an appointment with the next available virtual PCP.
Members also have an integrated virtual care team, including a health coach, a nurse, and behavioral health providers. This team provides personalized support for health improvement, chronic condition management, and coordination of specialty care.
In addition to primary care, Virtual Blue members have access to 20 different types of virtual specialists including dermatologists, orthopedists, and endocrinologists. As part of the virtual care team, PCPs and specialists are able to view and share the member’s electronic medical record to ensure care is integrated and coordinated.
What types of doctors can I see through my Virtual Blue plan?
In addition to virtual primary care, mental health, and specialty care professionals, Virtual Blue members can access an established network of PPO providers for in-person care. Members can view a list of all the specialties covered in their Evidence of Coverage or Benefit Booklet.
Can I continue to see my existing doctor(s) as a Virtual Blue member?
Yes, members can continue to see their existing in-person doctors and pay the applicable in-network or out-of-network cost share, based on their plan’s benefits. The exact cost share will depend on whether the doctor is in or out of the Virtual Blue plan’s PPO network.
*Accolade Care is independent of Blue Shield of California and is contracted by Blue Shield to provide an integrated member experience by enabling access to virtual primary care and mental health services as well as support virtual specialty care services.
**Maintenance drugs are those prescribed to treat a chronic or long-term medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, and are taken on an ongoing, regular basis to maintain health.
Medline Industries, LP is independent of Blue Shield of California and is contracted by Blue Shield to deliver a Vitals Kit package of over-the-counter items.
You may receive covered services from other network providers on an in-person basis or via telehealth, if available. Contact your primary care provider, treating specialist, facility, or other health professional to learn whether telehealth is an option. Network telehealth and in-person services are subject to the same timeliness and geographic access standards. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, they are subject to your plan’s cost sharing obligations and balance billing protections.
Page last updated: 08/15/2024
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