Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Launches Two Virtual Health Plans In Maine

PORTLAND, Maine, May 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care today announced the launch of two virtual health plans, SimplyVirtual^SM and Virtual Choice^SM, in Maine. These innovative models for health care give members access to virtual visits with primary care providers (PCPs) and care team support through its existing partner, Doctor On Demand. Following the growth of telehealth throughout the pandemic, both SimplyVirtual^SM and Virtual Choice^SM will be available to large employers (51+ subscribers) in Maine, starting in September. SimplyVirtual^SM and Virtual Choice^SM are the first virtual primary care plans offered by Harvard Pilgrim in Maine.

"We know our members have a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a health plan that best fits their families' needs," said Bill Whitmore, vice president of the Maine market for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. "Adding SimplyVirtual^SM and Virtual Choice^SM to our portfolio of products provides a new level of flexibility and reflects the popularity we have seen in telehealth over the last year.  Further, these products will allow for increased access to health care in rural communities throughout the state. Harvard Pilgrim is proud to be on the cutting edge of innovative plans for our employers and members." 

SimplyVirtual^SM plan members will be able to engage with PCPs and a dedicated care team through video, voice and in-app messaging 24/7 via the Doctor On Demand digital platform on their smartphone or computer. Preventive health, chronic care management, urgent care and behavioral health are all provided through a seamless, virtual experience for patients. Members will still have access to office-based care and can be referred to services that cannot be completed virtually, such as in-person procedures, labs, and x-rays. Prescriptions and refills can be ordered at the pharmacy or through mail-order pharmacies.

Virtual Choice^SM plan members will also have 24/7 access to primary care physicians (PCP) through virtual visits with Doctor On Demand. Members have the freedom to receive virtual visits from anywhere in the world with a lower PCP visit cost-sharing than office-based offerings. In addition, Harvard Pilgrim's provider directory will include this plan and a link to a co-branded page on the Doctor On Demand website for members to choose a provider. Once a member chooses a Doctor On Demand virtual PCP, all visits with their PCP take place virtually through video and voice communication via their smartphone, tablet or computer — allowing real-time interaction between the patient and provider.

For members who choose traditional office-based care, they will have in-person office visits with their PCP. Members will choose a PCP from Harvard Pilgrim's New England HMO provider network.

"At Doctor On Demand, we're committed to making sure that everyone has access to the health care they need," said Robin Glass, president of Doctor On Demand. "Harvard Pilgrim has always been an innovative partner, and our new, expanded offering for virtual primary care ensures that no matter what a member's unique needs look like, they have a solution that fits their lives."

These plans were previously launched in Connecticut. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members who are not enrolled in SimplyVirtual^SM or Virtual Choice^SM will continue to have access to Doctor On Demand's urgent care telehealth services via their existing plans.

About the New Combined Organization

The combination of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care represents the coming together of two of New England's most iconic nonprofit health care companies. Representing nearly 90 years of service to our members and the community, together we are building upon our diverse legacies and innovative collaboration by making it our purpose to guide and empower healthier lives for our members – no matter their age, health, race, identity, or income.

We strive to be a different kind of nonprofit health and wellbeing company, with a broad range of health plans, and innovative tools that make navigating health and wellbeing easier, guiding our members at every step of their health care journey to better health outcomes. We are committed to providing high-quality and affordable health care, improving the health and wellness of our members, and creating healthier communities throughout New England.

About Doctor On Demand

Doctor On Demand delivers Total Virtual Care™ for the way people live today. Our nationwide practice of dedicated clinicians and our innovative technology platform deliver better care experiences, better integration, and better outcomes for our patients and partners. Our full suite of personalized Total Virtual Care™ services include primary care, integrated behavioral health, everyday & urgent care, chronic condition management, and prevention. 24/7 triage, navigation, and ongoing care coordination ensure patients get the right care, at the right time. Doctor On Demand partners with leading health insurers and employers to deliver these services to more than 98 million Americans across commercial, Medicare and Medicaid. For more information, visit www.doctorondemand.com.

SOURCE Harvard Pilgrim Health Care