March 28, 2020

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to let you know of an additional enhancement to your Duke health plan to provide you and your covered family members additional resources in support of social distancing practices that protect you and our healthcare providers.

Effective immediately and through December 31, 2020, a virtual office visit with your regular healthcare provider is now covered under your health plan subject to your regular copay. A virtual office visit allows you to connect with your regular healthcare provider’s office by phone or video, rather than visiting on-site. Contact your provider to determine whether this additional option is appropriate for your medical needs as part of their scheduling process. This option is not limited to COVID-19 related medical care. Copays that are related to a COVID-19 diagnosis will be waived consistent with the recently enacted federal legislation. Additionally, virtual behavioral health visits continue to be covered under your health plan subject to the regular visit copay.

This enhancement applies to our active health plans (Duke Select, Duke Basic, Duke Options and Blue Care), as well as our retiree health plan Duke Plus. It is in addition to the expanded coverage for Duke Health Anywhere announced earlier this week, which allows you to connect with a medical provider 24/7 with no copay for COVID-19 related care with the COVID19 coupon code.

Should you have any questions about this expanded coverage, please contact us at HR-Benefits@duke.edu . Thank you and be well.

Sincerely,

Kyle J Cavanaugh
Vice President, Administration