You are free! Nobody will tell you what time to go to bed anymore. You settled into your dorm without any tears (on your end). You haven’t gotten lost on campus yet, which is always a win. You are now officially a college student with nothing to hold you back.

You're having a great time getting to know your new roommate and classmates, and then it starts – the crud. First, it was just a little tickle at the back of my throat, and then you noticed a little pressure behind my eyes. You have found the germs that so many do when they start college. Now what? Where do you go now that you're feeling under the weather and not at home? What do you need to make an appointment?

Aha! You just remembered, your parents left that folder in the top drawer of your desk back in your room.  As you open it up, you realize that they gave you a care package before you guys separated:

• An ID Card – with instructions on how to order a new one
• Immunization record – all of those cartoon bandages were apparently necessary
• Standard Authorization Form – that you need to complete if you want someone to be able to discuss any insurance related matters with the insurance company. They even included more than one in case you need to complete another form for your doctors.

There's even information about how to find a doctor with something called a Provider Finder. And an app¹! Having it all on my phone is going to make it so easy. And you have a new title now, “adult dependent”. Looks like you're in charge of your own health and will need to start keeping track of it all on something called Blue Access for Members^SM. You logged in just to scope it out and found even more resources!

You don’t even have to make an appointment if you don’t have time. You can meet with an independently contracted, board-certified doctor 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via that mobile app, an online video or my phone with something called a “virtual visit”^2-3.This is perfect with your busy class schedule.

This (health) care package is just what you needed. Your parents knew just what you would need when the time came. Now, you wonder what they’ll put in your next care package?

1. Message and data rates may apply. Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
2. Internet/Wi-Fi connection is needed for computer access. Data charges may apply. Check your cellular data or internet service provider’s plan for details. Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe. Behavioral Health service is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe in all states. Service availability depends on location at the time of consultation.
3. Virtual Visits, Powered by MDLIVE may not be available on all plans. Virtual Visits are subject to the terms and conditions of your benefit plan, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions. MDLIVE operates subject to state regulations and may not be available in certain states. MDLIVE is not an insurance product nor a prescription fulfillment warehouse. MDLIVE does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. MDLIVE does not prescribe DEA-controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs that may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. MDLIVE physicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services.
MDLIVE operates and administers the virtual visit program and is solely responsible for its operations and that of its contracted providers. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc. and may not be used without written permission.
Blue Cross®, Blue Shield® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

Originally published July 11, 2018; Revised 2020