Introducing vHealth by Aetna

In response to the continued spread of coronavirus-COVID-19 around the globe, the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) announced last month that we would lift restrictions and cover telehealth and telemedicine visits from all covered providers at 100% until further notice. While telehealth consultations through our vendor Teladoc are available stateside, we did not have a good option for general telehealth consultations overseas. We do now.

Effective April 27, 2020, FSBP partnered with vHealth by Aetna (https://globalcareondemand.com/aetna) – a telehealth service that allows you to consult with a doctor virtually. Overseas members can use an app, mobile device, or phone to access affordable high-quality, general health care – any time of day, anywhere in the world through December 31, 2020. We are proposing to OPM that this service be added to our standard benefit package for 2021.

Here is what you need to know about vHealth:

• This service is for members with an overseas address (including APO, DPO, Embassy, and Consulate addresses) and members with a stateside address who are traveling outside the U.S.
• Even if you visit the U.S., but maintain your overseas address, you still will access vHealth for any telehealth needs.
• At this time, telehealth consultations are only available for general/primary medicine. This may include preventive care as well as treatment for acute and chronic illnesses. A provider may also give referrals and prescribe medications, when appropriate.

To clarify, the Plan covers telehealth and telemedicine consultations worldwide at this time:

Stateside

• Telehealth through Teladoc (https://www.teladoc.com/)
• Telemedicine with your local provider using a HIPAA-compliant platform

Overseas

• Telehealth through vHealth (https://globalcareondemand.com/aetna)
• Telemedicine with your local provider using a HIPAA-compliant platform

Take advantage of remote health services through vHealth’s mobile app. Please see the step-by-step guide to vHealth to learn how to get started with vHealth.