EAGAN, Minn. — Jan. 13, 2026 — As part of an ongoing commitment to expand access to care, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced the addition of virtual primary care services from Doctor On Demand® by Included Health (Doctor On Demand) to its network.

For the past decade, Blue Cross has offered Doctor On Demand as a convenient alternative for behavioral healthcare and urgent but non-emergency conditions, such as upper respiratory infections, allergies, sports injuries and prescription refills. In these cases, much like at an urgent care setting, the attending physician can vary by visit. The addition of primary care services comes with the option for Blue Cross members to establish a dedicated virtual primary care provider.

Virtual care is widely recognized as a useful and convenient option for people who live in less populated and remote areas, work non-traditional hours, face long commutes, or experience extended wait times for in-person appointments. In many cases, virtual care is preferred by patients, even when in-person options are available. According to the American Hospital Association, more than 70% of people in younger generations (Gen Z, millennials and Gen X) prefer the convenience of virtual care. Furthermore, primary care services from Doctor On Demand are often available at a much lower out-of-pocket cost for members. 

“By adding Doctor On Demand virtual primary care to our network, we are meeting more of our members where they are and removing barriers to help them get the important routine services they need,” said Eric Hoag, Vice President of Provider Relations at Blue Cross. “This solution will help ensure more of our members are able to establish an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider who knows their health history, provides preventive care, and guides them through their healthcare journey, all from the comfort of their home.”

All Blue Cross members who have health insurance through their employer, Medicare or the state’s Medical Assistance program now have access to virtual primary care services through Doctor On Demand – in addition to the established behavioral health and urgent care offerings that have been in place for years. 

Read the full announcement in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota newsroom →

Media Contact

Lara Key
press@includedhealth.com