HealthTap, a nationwide virtual primary care physician practice, today launched a program for Medicare Advantage plans that connects members without an established primary care relationship to a doctor they choose and can continue seeing over time. The program combines proactive outreach, access to available historical medical records, virtual visits and clinical information sharing to help plans identify member needs, address care gaps and coordinate follow-up.

HealthTap’s launch comes as plans prepare to welcome members in January 2027 amid substantial coverage changes. A recent KFF analysis found that approximately 3.1 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage that will terminate on December 31, 2026. For plans receiving new members, understanding their conditions, medications and preventive-care needs early can be difficult when medical history predates enrollment. Members without a regular physician need a practical way to establish care and keep it going.

HealthTap’s program focuses on members with no primary care physician on file, as well as those whose records name a physician but who do not have an active care relationship. Outreach helps members schedule a first visit, and a doctor they select remains available for preventive care, chronic-condition management and medication follow-up.

In an initial deployment with one Medicare Advantage plan, HealthTap reports that 35% of eligible members included in the outreach cohort scheduled a visit and 19% completed a visit within six weeks.

“A first visit should be the start of a primary care relationship – and not the endpoint,” said Rick Cochran, senior vice president of health plans at HealthTap. “Continuity means following up on lab results, adjusting the care plan and helping the member take the next step with a doctor who knows them.”

HealthTap reaches eligible members by text, email, direct mail and phone using messaging approved by the plan, and members can schedule themselves or receive help from HealthTap’s patient engagement team. Each member chooses a board-certified primary care physician licensed in their state and meets with that doctor by video from home. Members can also use secure messaging to follow up with their chosen doctor between visits.

Through connected health information networks, HealthTap can retrieve available medical records – including records from before a member joined the plan – to help the physician prepare for the first visit, subject to appropriate authorization and access controls. The physician reviews available history, evaluates conditions, addresses medications and preventive-care needs, and develops an individualized care plan using independent clinical judgment.

The program is designed to support care beyond the first visit, with follow-up from the member’s chosen physician. Physicians on HealthTap can manage blood pressure and diabetes, order appropriate tests, and refer members for in-network screenings or specialty care when needed. Results and next steps are followed up through the program’s agreed care-coordination workflow. HealthTap shares appropriately authorized clinical information with the plan to support care coordination, follow-up and quality measurement, including relevant HEDIS measures and Medicare Advantage Star Ratings.

The model builds on HealthTap’s emphasis on continuity. Across its broader populations, more than 90% of returning patients see to the same physician on HealthTap within two years after their first visit. HealthTap’s affiliated medical group has a nationwide practice footprint across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.; access through this program depends on each plan’s contracting and credentialing requirements. Programs can launch in as little as 30 days, depending on contracting, credentialing, integration requirements and partnership readiness.

Medicare Advantage plans interested in the program can contact partnerships@healthtap.com.

About HealthTap

HealthTap is a nationwide virtual primary care physician practice focused on expanding the reach and accessibility of primary care across America. We partner with health plans, DME suppliers, health systems, care-delivery organizations, and employers to provide cost-effective, quality virtual primary care in all 50 states with fee-for-service or value-based care arrangements. Our proprietary and engaging platform integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, EMRs, and care channels. Patients served can choose and see the same doctor over time as well as enjoy same day/week appointments, fast doctor responses by text from their dedicated doctor, and 365-day urgent care. For more info, visit www.healthtap.com.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire