Rural residents also tend to be older, sicker, and less well insured than their urban counterparts. On average, rural residents are more likely to die from disease, stroke, or unintentional injury than (opens in new tab) urban residents. These health disparities and rural residents' more limited access to care highlight the need for equitable healthcare resources for individuals in these communities.
Virtual healthcare a key tool in addressing rural health needs. Virtual care enables patients to see a doctor at home, which allows them to avoid traveling long distances to healthcare facilities. Rural residents who have tried virtual care report high satisfaction: one revealed that 24% of rural adults have used virtual care to obtain prescriptions and manage chronic conditions; among them, 90% reported satisfaction. Of these adults, 69% cite convenience as the reason for using virtual care, while 30% cite the inability to see a doctor in person, and 26% cite the difficulty traveling to a facility.
Since 2014, Oscar has been dedicated to furthering access to quality healthcare through high quality virtual care options. Oscar was the first (opens in new tab) to offer $0 access to 24/7 telehealth for urgent care needs. Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care allows members to get same-day care for prescription refills and acute issues such as pink-eye, skin concerns, minor sprains and bruises, flu, sore throat, and more. Members can request a Virtual Urgent Care appointment through Oscar’s app, online platform, or over the phone.
Oscar launched Virtual Primary Care in 2021 as an extension of this offering. Our Virtual Primary Care program offers members access to $0 virtual primary care visits through a dedicated team of experienced providers.
Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care and Virtual Primary Care are staffed by a diverse group of providers who represent various ethnicities, genders, and languages. These providers reside all over the US to provide equitable access to patients in whatever time zone they reside in, and offer care in three different modalities, depending on member preference: asynchronous messaging, phone, and video.
In 2024, Oscar is expanding our footprint by 165 counties in the US, many of which are in rural areas. We hope to bridge some of the gaps that many rural residents experience in their healthcare through our virtual care offerings and expanded footprint. At Oscar, we’re dedicated to driving the change needed in healthcare to improve costs, quality, and access for everyone.
Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care offerings are not available in US territories or internationally. If you have an HSA-compatible high-deductible health plan or a Secure plan, you won't be eligible for $0 visits. Prescriptions, visits and services may be limited per provider discretion.
For 2024, Oscar Primary Care is available in TX (excluding HSA, Secure, and non-elite Bronze plans), NY (excluding Standard Silver, Standard Bronze, and Secure plans), South FL (Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward, excluding HSA and Secure plans), Northern/Central FL (excluding HSA and Secure plans), AZ (excluding HSA and Secure plans), GA (excluding HSA and Secure plans). Oscar Primary Care providers are employed by Oscar Medical Group, not Oscar Insurance Company or its insurance plan affiliates. Oscar Primary Care is only available to members 18 years of age and older. Prescriptions, visits and services may be limited at the provider’s discretion and Oscar Primary Care is not intended to be used in conjunction with another primary care consultation. Oscar Care in-person visits in conjunction with your virtual visit may have a copayment. Due to medical licensing laws, you must be in your home state at the time of your virtual visit.
In Northern and Central FL markets there may be a cost share associated with your visit. Please view plan details here (opens in new tab) for more detailed information.
