As the coronavirus cases in the U.S. continue to rise, many Americans are losing their jobs. Unemployment during a health crisis can be very challenging since about 49% of Americans get health insurance through their employer. Millions of workers are at risk of losing their employer-provided health insurance.


During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to have some level of health coverage even if you lose your unemployment. That’s why Telemedicine—which connects patients to healthcare services through two-way interactive video, remote monitoring or electronic consults— has been widely used in the US during the COVID-19 outbreak.


Why Telemedicine?


  • The ease of being able to see your doctor for general consultation of common ailments and while practicing social distancing

  • According to a 2017 study, the average telemedicine visit costs $79. The average doctor’s visit is $149. Many telemedicine companies promise an Urgent care visit for just $69.

  • You don’t need health insurance to use Telemedicine. However, you will end up paying even less with a qualifying health insurance plan.

  • Medicaid may also offer reimbursement for telemedicine services as long as they meet all federal requirements and eligibility. The government also temporarily eased regulations to allow the use of their mobile devices for virtual visits.

Some telemedicine companies are offering free Covid-19 evaluations and affordable healthcare.


GoodRX 


Availability: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming


  • GoodRx gathers current prices and discounts to help you find the lowest cost pharmacy for your prescriptions. 


Galileo Health


Availability: California, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington and Medicaid patients in Massachusetts 


Galileo Health is waiving its fees (typically $9 per month or $99 a year) for consumers seeking medical advice or consultations in regions that have been highly impacted by Covid-19. Through the Galileo app, consumers can get digital access to a team of experts who can answer questions and help with prescription renewals.


CareClix


Availability: All States


CareClix, founded in 2012, connects patients to doctors through an on-demand video platform that attempts to recreate the in-person experience in a virtual setting — similar to chatting with your doctor on FaceTime.


They are also offering free live, on‑demand video visits for anyone with Covid-19 symptoms. While other conditions, such as allergies and colds, can be treated during a consult, standard charges will apply to all treatments except for Covid-19.


Plushcare


Availability: All States


  • Plushcare is offering free COVID-19 testing. Also, offering a 30-day free trial.

  • Other services include Unlimited in-app messaging before, after or in-between visits.

  • Same-day online appointments

American Well 


Availability: All 50 States


  • American Well offers telehealth visits by video and phone, though the vast majority are video.

  • No monthly or yearly subscription fees, unlike other providers. You only pay per visit.