Saskatchewan Blue Cross has expanded access to virtual medical care and mental health services for all members with eligible group benefit coverage, the insurer announced Thursday.
The expansion builds on the company’s collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Canada and Homewood Health, according to Saskatchewan Blue Cross. Previously limited to select plans, the services are now available to all insured group benefit plan members.
Round-the-clock medical access
Members can now access nurse practitioners through Cleveland Clinic Canada’s virtual platform 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to the company. The service includes real-time consultations, direct referrals and prescriptions without visit limits.
“Access to quality care should never depend on your postal code or whether you have a family doctor,” said Kelly Wilson, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross.
The virtual care platform covers physical symptoms, ongoing medical conditions and chronic disease management through coordinated treatment plans, according to the insurer.
Mental health support expanded
Through Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program, members receive up to 20 mental health counselling sessions based on clinical need, the company said. Services include phone, video and in-person counselling options.
Indigenous members can access Elders or Traditional Healers through cultural matching services, according to Saskatchewan Blue Cross. The program also covers anxiety, grief, burnout, addiction and relationship challenges.
Additional mental health resources include online cognitive behavioural therapy, health risk assessments and life coaching for work-life balance, parenting and retirement planning, the company said.
Workplace benefits
The expanded coverage aims to support workforce health and productivity by removing barriers to care, particularly for employees in remote communities, according to Saskatchewan Blue Cross. Employers can expect more resilient teams through timely health interventions, the company said.
Members also receive access to elder care locators and online health education materials through the expanded program.
The virtual care services operate across Canada, with Quebec members receiving coverage seven days a week excluding holidays, according to the company.
