You have a lot to deal with right now, and we’re here to help. The benefits and programs available through your BCBSRI health plan can help protect your health and make your life easier.
1. 100% coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment makes care more accessible
If you are a Lifespan employee and you experience any COVID-like symptoms, you should contact Lifespan’s Employee and Occupational Health Services (EOHS) at (401) 444-4038. The EOHS team will arrange timely testing and address any work restrictions.
To help ensure that any covered family members get tested if needed, you are covered for medically necessary COVID-19 testing ordered by a provider, and you do not need preauthorization or a referral. You can find information about testing sites on the Rhode Island Department of Health website. You will not pay any copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing for medically necessary provider visits (in person or via telemedicine), urgent care visits, or emergency room visits that result in COVID-19 testing.
You also will not pay any copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing for treatment for COVID-19—including emergency services, inpatient services, and provider visits (in person and via telemedicine) when received in-network. This 100% coverage is in effect until December 31, 2022.
You do not need preauthorization or a referral for these services.
How to get started: Please use the resources mentioned above.
2. Telemedicine coverage lets you visit with a provider right from your home
For certain health issues, you can receive care from your provider over the phone or by video. Ask your provider if that is an option for any treatment that you need. You have coverage for clinically appropriate video and phone visits from certain in-network providers. This telemedicine coverage is a standard part of your BCBSRI health plan.
How to get started: To ask about a phone or video visit with your doctor, simply call the office.
3. Comprehensive care helps you protect your emotional well-being
If you need care for a mental health or substance use disorder issue, BCBSRI covers a comprehensive list of services and benefits. These resources can help provide—or connect you with—treatment and support, from provider visits to specialized programs to hospital treatment.
How to get started: Learn about your mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
4. Your well-being program rewards you for taking care of yourself
Living Well, Lifespan’s employee well-being program, provides tools and resources to help you live well—and you can earn rewards for doing so. You earn rewards for activities that take care of your physical and emotional health each day.
Through our partner in this initiative, Virgin Pulse1, you can participate in healthy challenges, find tips for coping with stress, and track your activity level, weight, sleep habits, and moods. Living Well also includes a special package of in-the-moment, self-service programs to help you achieve and maintain optimum mental and emotional support through Whil, available in the Virgin Pulse platform and app. Meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery, and more are available to you when you need them most.
How to get started: Sign up at join.VirginPulse.com or download the Virgin Pulse app from the App Store or Google Play.2 Choose Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island_Lifespan as your sponsor, then connect your Fitbit® or other wearable fitness tracker.
5. Free classes from Your Blue Store Studio help you stay healthy
You can take free online fitness classes through the Your Blue Store Studio Facebook group every weekday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you can’t make the live classes, you can view the videos anytime on the BCBSRI Facebook page. We offer 10 different classes each week, and all fitness levels are welcome.3
How to get started: Visit the Your Blue Store Studio Facebook group for the online classes.
6. No-cost Blue365 discount program helps you save on health and fitness
Blue365®4 offers members-only savings on health and fitness gear, gyms, meal services, and much more. There’s no charge to register, and you can sign up for email alerts tailored to your preferences, so you’ll never miss out on a great deal.
How to get started: Check out the savings at Blue365.
Helpful resources
These local resources can provide assistance if you or someone you know needs help.
Help with food, housing, and other essential services
If you need assistance with finding food, paying your bills, or other essential services, check out 211, a vital service from the United Way. Professionals are available to help you find the support you need.
BHLink
Rhode Island adults experiencing mental health and substance use crises can receive the appropriate services they need by calling (401) 414-LINK (5465). Visit bhlink.org.
Kids’ Link RI™
This 24/7 hotline for kids in emotional crisis—1-855-543-5465—is offered in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare, Lifespan, Hasbro Children's Hospital, and Bradley Hospital. Find help.
1Virgin Pulse® is an independent wellness company, contracted by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) to provide wellness services.
2Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.
3Not all exercises are suitable for everyone, and any exercise program could result in injury. Always consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program, especially if you have any chronic or recurring condition, and/or if you are pregnant, nursing, or elderly.
4©2000‐2022 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association ‐ All Rights Reserved. The Blue365 program is made available by BCBSRI in conjunction with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
Your Blue Store locations follow state and federal guidelines during emergencies. Please visit bcbsri.com/yourbluestore for the latest information.