LINCOLN — A major Nebraska health insurer announced Friday that it is covering telehealth visits at the same level as regular office visits in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska will also waive copays and cost-sharing requirements for patients who make use of telehealth visits, said Dr. Bill McDonnell, the company’s medical director. He said the policy change was made to protect patients and providers, while making care more accessible. It can also help doctors and other health care providers keep their offices open at a time when people are going out in public less.

Under the new policy, anything that normally would have been covered for an in-person visit to a health care provider will now be covered at the same level for a visit using telehealth, McDonnell said. The policy change is slated to be in effect through June 30. Company officials will decide later whether to continue it.

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