The coronavirus pandemic has already resulted in more than 17 million Americans losing their jobs, and the Federal Reserve predicts that millions more might still be affected.
For many, losing a job also means losing health insurance. While Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA) through the U.S. government is an option, it requires you to pay the full cost of your coverage, including the contribution your previous employer was making. This can be difficult for those already struggling financially.
We started Honeybee Health because we saw a need for an affordable, accessible pharmacy that did not require insurance. Recently, our pharmacy has received countless questions from patients asking for resources to help them gain access to prescribers and doctors in addition to pharmacists.
Specifically, patients are asking for resources that do not require them to leave the house (just like how our pharmacy ships medications straight to their door) so that they can practice social distancing.
To help address all of these concerns, we compiled a list of telemedicine companies that are offering assistance and/or discounts during this difficult time. All of these companies work with uninsured patients and offer virtual access to medical providers.
Services offering free consultations:
This is a list of telemedicine services that have waived their fees in some way during the current coronavirus crisis.
- K Health: Unlimited access to U.S. doctors for 14 days to answer all coronavirus-related questions. Use discount code COVID19 at checkout. Available in all states except: AK, AR, DE, HI, LA, NH, NM, NY, ND, OR
- Callondoc: Callondoc is waiving its typical consultation fee (up to $39.99) for anyone currently quarantined at home. You can use this consultation for a variety of telemedicine services, including renewing a prescription if you need a refill during this time. Use discount code GERMFREE at checkout. Available in all states.
- One Medical: One Medical has made its virtual screenings for COVID-19 free by offering a trial period for their membership. This allows you to do the virtual screening with One Medical doctors without you paying the normal membership fee. However, if a test is deemed necessary by the doctor who reviews your screening, then you will need to pay for that part out-of-pocket. Available in: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, D.C., Boston, Chicago, Portland, and Arizona.
- Galileo Health: Galileo has waived its fees for patients in highly impacted regions who need medical advice or a consultation. Available in: CA, NY, WA, PA, and CT.
- SteadyMD: SteadyMD is offering free online healthcare for three months to COVID-19 first responders. You’ll just need to prove your eligibility by submitting an image of your nurse, doctor, or other medical professional ID. Available in all states.
- Hey Doctor: Hey Doctor is offering free risk analysis if you think you have been exposed. Its doctors can help evaluate what your next steps should be. It can also provide a doctor’s note for your employer if that is needed for sick leave. Available in: AK, CA, FL, GA, IL, KY, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, WA, and WY
- CareClix: CareClix is offering free screenings if you have symptoms and believe you have been exposed to COVID-19. If necessary, its staff can then help you find testing near you. Available in all states.
Services offering low-cost consultations or discounts:
This is a list of telemedicine services that have either low-cost consultations or have reduced the cost of their consultations during this time.
- Push Health: Push Health offers a wide variety of affordable, convenient telemedicine services. Prices vary depending on the physician, but they are usually less than a typical insurance co-pay. Available in all states.
- Virtuwell: Virtuwell offers a COVID-19 screening with its doctors for $49. If necessary, it can help you figure out what your next steps should be if you are suspected to have the coronavirus. Available in: AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, MI, MN, NY, ND, PA, SD, VA, WI
- Sesame Care: Sesame Care offers a $10 screening consultation where you can meet with one of its doctors to discuss potential coronavirus symptoms. If needed, the service can help find you a test kit at a local urgent care center. You can also use the discount code Hello10 for $10 off of $50 or more. Available in MO, NY, TX, NJ, CT, OK, and others potentially. You can search with your location on its website.
- Plush Care: Plush Care charges $99 for a consultation with their doctors to discuss coronavirus symptoms. For veterans, however, the cost is reduced to $49. Paying for a consultation also gives you 30 days of free access. Available in all states.
- DrSays: DrSays is offering doctor consultations for $35 to address any concerns you might have. Available in all states except: AL, AK, AZ, AR, ID, KS, LA, ME, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, ND, SD, VT, WY
- Doctalkgo: Doctalkgo is offering consultations for $89 with its doctors if you have already tested positive for COVID-19. Available in all states.
- MeMD: MeMD offers consultations for $67. Its doctors can help assess your coronavirus risk factors and/or symptoms. If needed, it can also help coordinate continued care by finding a local testing center. Available in all states.
- GoLiveDoc: GoLiveDoc is offering 50% off of its regular membership plans. It is a subscription-based telemedicine service, where you pay a monthly fee to get unlimited access to doctors. With the COVID discount, a membership for one individual costs $29.95 per month. The single & spouse and family plans are also currently 50% off. Available in all states.
Services offering free COVID-19 symptom quizzes:
Some telemedicine services have put together quizzes to help you assess your risk factors and potential coronavirus symptoms.
- Doctor on Demand: Doctor on Demand created a free quiz you can take to help decide if you should stay home or seek in-person medical assistance.
- Sesame Care: Sesame Care also has a free online risk assessment tool.
- 247Call-A-Doc: 247Call-A-Doc has created a free coronavirus symptom checker tool on their website.
- For Hims: For Hims is offering a coronavirus symptom tool as well to help you decide next steps.
We will keep updating these lists as we find out about more services offering help during this time to those who are under- and uninsured.
This article was compiled by pharmacists at Honeybee Health, an accredited online pharmacy serving tens of thousands of patients across the U.S. Our mission to provide affordable access to generic prescription medication—without the hassle of insurance—is more important than ever as millions of Americans are affected by the current coronavirus pandemic. In addition to protecting the supply of important medications such as hydroxychloroquine for those who need it most and offering 90-day supplies, Honeybee also provides free delivery in order to encourage social distancing.