Anthem Blue Cross of California is making it easier for Spanish-speaking members to get care through its telemedicine program when their normal providers are unavailable.
The new offering, Cuidado Médico, will give consumers access to a provider who speaks their language from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m, according to an announcement. The program isn’t just available to Anthem members, California residents who are not members can also use it for $49 per visit.
“We all know how important it is to talk to a doctor in the language in which you’re most comfortable. Cuidado Médico on LiveHealth Online offers a secure way for our members to use their insurance plan and contact a Spanish speaking board-certified doctor via your smartphone or tablet,” Brian Ternan, president of Anthem Blue Cross, said in the announcement.
The program also includes an app that consumers can download to their tablet or smartphone and access a provider from home or on the go.
As Spanish-speaking populations grow, especially in states like California and Texas, payers, providers and others are trying to focus more on those communities.
For example, nonprofit organization FAIR Health developed a Spanish-language version of its mobile app that offers both educational content and cost information to help Hispanic consumers in New York City navigate the healthcare system.
- here's the announcement