BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA EXPANDS VIRTUAL BLUE PROGRAM, BRINGING $0 OUT-OF-POCKET VIRTUAL CARE BENEFIT TO 260,000 MORE MEMBERS

September 18, 2026
TeleMed2U

TeleMed2U and Accolade (now Transcarent) have been the virtual care backbone for Virtual Blue since 2023.  By providing faster, easy, and affordable access to care—including specialty appointments in just a few days (vs. weeks) and $0 out-of-pocket costs—Virtual Blue has grown to more than 150,000 members and will expand to another 260,000 members on January 1. 

Virtual Blue is a strong proof point for what virtual-first partnerships can deliver at scale—7 to10% lower overall cost of care, 10% fewer ED visits, 91/100 post visit provider satisfaction scores. 


Plus, members with chronic conditions account for 74% of Virtual Blue’s virtual care utilization. Half of Virtual Blue users report at least one chronic condition and require higher-touch, more frequent care. TeleMed2U supports these members with coordinated care that helps manage health and prevent complications.

 

Blue Shield of California Expands Virtual Blue Program, Bringing $0 out-of-Pocket Virtual Care Bene…