Maintaining a strong independent primary care system

The COVID-19 crisis has placed tremendous strains on the delivery of community-based primary care as many patients put off routine care and treatment.

Yet, fighting the pandemic requires a strong and active primary care system. Primary care physicians are at the forefront in diagnosing, screening and treating individuals who show symptoms of coronavirus. In addition, patients with ongoing health needs continue to need access to care.

High-quality and affordable primary care is essential to keeping communities healthy. A collapse of the system would disproportionally impact communities that already are underserved and leave many without access to adequate care.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country are working to ensure practitioners are protected during this pandemic — and remain strong beyond it — with financial incentives including advance payments and restructured contracts.

Download the full infographic here.

Additional Resources:

• See our joint letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, on how to protect primary care practices and ensure patients have access to the care they need when they need it.
• See how BCBS companies are supporting health care system partners during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• See how BCBS companies are encouraging members to get the care they need without leaving home.