Virtual Care Isn’t Just Convenient. It Could Be Critical.

Why Open Enrollment is your moment to plan for the unexpected

You can’t always plan for a medical emergency. But you can plan how you’ll respond.

As Open Enrollment season begins, many of us are weighing which health plan best fits our lifestyle, budget, and family’s changing needs. But Open Enrollment is more than just a yearly paperwork ritual - it’s a valuable opportunity to make sure your coverage includes options for care you might not need yet, but could matter deeply when you do.

That includes virtual care.

From Convenience to Continuity

Before the pandemic, telehealth was seen as a backup plan- a workaround for minor illnesses or late-night questions. Today, it’s evolved into something far more essential: a core part of chronic care, post-hospital recovery, and even mental health support.

Virtual care isn’t just about accessing help quickly. It’s about getting help in the critical windows of time that matter most. In fact, patients who receive follow-up care- whether virtually or in person - within 72 hours of discharge from a hospital or care facility following a medical event are significantly less likely to be readmitted to the ER within 30 days. One large study found that telemedicine follow-up after hospitalization reduced readmissions by more than  half (OR 0.55).

For patients recovering at home, especially those juggling multiple conditions, timely follow-up isn’t a luxury. It’s what keeps recovery on track.

And increasingly, virtual care models aren’t just reactive. Some include 24/7 access, proactive outreach, and longitudinal check-ins-  approaches shown to reduce hospitalizations and emergency visits for high-risk patients post-discharge.

This isn’t just telehealth. It’s modern care, where continuity is delivered directly to you.

But Only If You’re Covered

Here’s where Open Enrollment comes in. Not all health plans include robust virtual care options. And without coverage, a single virtual visit could cost you upwards of $650 out-of-pocket- especially for complex post-acute care or chronic condition support.

That’s why it’s important to read the fine print now.

During Open Enrollment, take the time to ask:

• Does my plan include virtual follow-ups after a hospitalization?
  
  
• Can I access chronic care or behavioral health support virtually?
  
  
• Are there hybrid options - like combining in-person and remote care - that better fit my life?

If the answer is no, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Some providers offer self-pay virtual care with transparent pricing, while others may partner with employers or offer discounted services. But knowing this ahead of time helps you avoid surprise costs down the line.

Care That Moves With You

The best hospital experience ends with a discharge, and what happens next is often one of the hardest parts. That’s why newer models of care, including Dimer Health’s AI-assisted virtual transitional care model, are designed to ensure recovery doesn’t happen alone.

Innovations in virtual care now include real-time updates to your care team, clinicians who specialize in transitional care medicine, and smart tools that help close the gaps between visits.

This evolution matters, especially if you or a loved one is managing a chronic condition, recovering from a hospitalization, or simply trying to stay ahead of a potential health event.

The Bottom Line: Be Ready Before You Need To Be

You don’t have to know what’s coming. But you can make sure your coverage is ready to meet you there.

Virtual and hybrid care are no longer “nice-to-have” add-ons, they’re part of the essential safety net of modern medicine. This Open Enrollment, take a moment to ensure your plan includes the care you might need when life is most unpredictable.

Because in those moments, the best care is the care that’s already in place.

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