Email from Optum clarifies, “on a temporary basis, health care providers, qualified and licensed in accordance with applicable regulations,  may use audio or video communications technology immediately to deliver telephonic and telehealth care to Optum Behavioral Health plan members in addition to any HIPAA-approved telehealth technology as long as this method will effectively support the behavioral health needs of the individual member. Please note this policy applies temporarily to all benefit plans to cover telehealth services and there are other potentially applicable federal and state privacy laws that could impact this temporary accommodation.” 

Hello, Janice.  That's a great question.  I imagine it would take volunteers who are willing to commit time to calling insurers on the behalf of the associations and asking who they can forward the letter to.

Humana One/TriCare:

"TRICARE covers the use of interactive audio/video technology services, and are subject to the same referral and authorization requirements and include, but are not limited to: clinical consultations, office visits and telemental health."

See attached for more.

Here's the latest from Optum/United (see attached).  Among other things, the notice reads:

"Until April 30, 2020, Optum Behavioral Health will reimburse appropriate claims for telehealth services according to the following:

Commercial: For all Optum Behavioral Health commercial plans, any telehealth services provided via a real-time audio and video communication system can be billed for members at home or another location.

Billing guidelines: Optum Behavioral Health will reimburse telehealth services which use standard CPT codes and a GT modifier or a Place of Service of 02 for both video-enabled virtual visits and telephonic sessions to indicate the visit was conducted remotely."

Also, here is the link to be added to the directory of virtual visits: https://www.providerexpress.com/content/ope-provexpr/us/en/clinical-resources/vv-tmh.html

Aaron, this is a great idea! I will be making phone calls and will share what I find out. Thanks again!