SCHENECTADY — MVP Health Care on Nov. 1 announced a lineup of new health-insurance benefits beginning Jan. 1, 2020. At the start of the new year, MVP’s members will have access to a no-cost health-savings account, on-demand telemedicine visits, a national network of providers, and the chance to earn up to a $600 through its […]
SCHENECTADY — MVP Health Care on Nov. 1 announced a lineup of new health-insurance benefits beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
At the start of the new year, MVP’s members will have access to a no-cost health-savings account, on-demand telemedicine visits, a national network of providers, and the chance to earn up to a $600 through its well-being incentive program.
Schenectady–based MVP Health Care operates a Syracuse office at 333 West Washington St., an Endwell office at 3660 George F Highway, and another location at 421 Broad St. in Utica, per its website. MVP has a total membership of more than 700,000 people, including more than 600,000 in New York state, according to Michelle Golden, a company spokesperson.
The open enrollment period for health-insurance coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2020 started on Nov. 1 for new members and begins Nov. 16 for returning members, the health insurer said.
Beginning in January 2020, MVP said it will waive administrative fees for members wanting to enroll in or use a health savings account (HSA) with a qualified high-deductible health plan. An HSA is a personal, tax-free checking account that members can use to help offset health-care costs. An HSA can pay for qualified, out-of-pocket, health-related expenses, including an annual deductible.
MVP’s members can also utilize its telemedicine tool, myVisitNow, to connect with a doctor or other health-care professional, such as a mental-health counselor or psychiatrist, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. MVP’s telemedicine service allows the user to see the same counselor, psychiatrist, or dietician each time to “build relationships and provide continuity of care.”
MVP Health Care started offering telemedicine to its members on Jan. 1, 2017, Golden tells CNYBJ.
Since September 2018, MVP has seen a 50 percent increase in the use of its telemedicine app. The insurer states that 29 percent of all visits have been for behavioral health or psychiatric needs. In addition, overall enrollment and utilization specifically for behavioral health visits has increased 193 percent, MVP added.
MVP is allowing members to earn up to $600 with “well-being” rewards for making healthy choices in various lifestyle categories such as: social, physical, and mind and spirit. Some of the activities that will qualify members for the rewards include participating in a yoga class, purchasing an activity tracker, taking an art class, or even buying a museum subscription.