Minnesota Launches New COVID-19 Telehealth Treatment Pilot Program

(KWNO)- The State of Minnesota launched a new telehealth test-to-treat program yesterday.

The program was put in place in order to ensure that Minnesotans who have tested positive for COVID-19 have easy access to clinician care and therapeutic treatments that reduce their risk of serious illness or hospitalization, according to the press release from the State Department of Health.

The program was launched in partnership with Cue Health, which makes it possible for Minnesotans to have access to COVID-19 care and therapeutics at no cost.

Jan Malcolm, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Health, said in the release,

“This pilot program is another tool in Minnesota’s toolbox for limiting the negative impacts of COVID-19. Minnesotans who test positive will be able to more easily access therapeutics that can help them get on the road to recovery. We know that accessing therapeutics within five days of developing symptoms of COVID-19 can greatly improve outcomes and help Minnesotans to avoid severe illness or hospitalization. We are continuing to find new and innovative ways to reduce barriers to access for those therapeutics.”

According to the release, beginning immediately, Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19, either with a home test or in a lab, can download the Cue Health app and sign in with their Minnesota address to have a virtual consultation with a licensed clinician who will evaluate them to determine if therapeutic treatment is a good option.

The press release also indicates that clinicians will be able to send medications, if needed, to the persons pharmacy. In some areas in the state, those prescription medications can be delivered to a person’s home.