Firefly Health Logo

Your care team. Anytime. Anywhere.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is collaborating with Firefly Health, an independent healthcare company, to offer you virtual primary care services. Medical issues, emotional well-being, healthy habits — Firefly is here for all of it.

Sign up for Firefly during IDEXX Open Enrollment November 6-17.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Firefly Health is an independent primary care provider and is not affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Firefly Health, a new virtual-first health plan option

Electing the Firefly health plan ensures you'll receive Firefly’s anytime, anywhere primary care, as well as complete healthcare coverage. The outcome? Exceptional and convenient healthcare for all your needs.

Affordable, comprehensive care

We make sure you have affordable options for getting the care you need. With Firefly, you’ll have virtual primary care at no cost* and when you follow Firefly guidance to 
high quality providers, you’ll see no cost* for most services.

High-quality care

Firefly’s primary care is here to help you be the healthiest you. That’s why you have an entire care team that will get to know you and your goals. From anxiety to diabetes, asthma to back pain, send us a chat or book a video visit.

Better access & convenience

Firefly's primary care is virtual-first, meaning you can get great care from wherever you are, whenever you need it. And when you need in-person care, Firefly has a national footprint of partners ready for you.

*For more details on member cost share, please view the plan summary of benefits document when it is made available.

Firefly health plan 101

Here are the essentials to know about your plan.

No-cost* Firefly virtual primary care

Healthcare coverage in all 50 states

Unlimited video visits & chat with your Firefly care team

Personalized care plans and health coaching

Integrated physical and mental healthcare

See your claims and ask questions

Support finding high-quality providers and specialists

Refill prescriptions with 2 clicks

Screen shot of app

Firefly primary care, included at no cost

When you choose the Firefly Health plan, you'll get a new PCP (and care team) from Firefly.  Your Firefly team will be able to handle all your primary care needs ranging from preventative care to acute concerns, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating with any specialists you may have. 
No matter what health concerns you have, your care team will provide you with personalized care to make sure you are staying healthy and achieving your health goals. 



Firefly care teams are made of licensed providers – a physician, a nurse practitioner, and if needed, a health guide and behavioral health specialist. You'll be able to choose from available teams once you have access to the Firefly app (after open enrollment).



Watch our virtual primary care overview video to learn more.
Care team with patient

Expect more from primary care 

When you select a Firefly PCP, you get connected with an interdisciplinary care team. Firefly’s digital-first model allows for most interactions to be virtual. And that has a lot of advantages.

Care that’s always on

From joint pain to high blood pressure, anxiety to healthy eating, your care team is here for you during visits — and between them too.

Ridiculous convenience

Firefly comes to you through video calls and chat. No driving, no waiting rooms. Just 24/7 access to your care team, wherever you are.

Specialists made easy

Firefly puts in the referrals and works closely with your other providers to coordinate your care.

Complete support

You’re not on your own anymore. Prescriptions, labs, imaging? Firefly will guide you to the care you need and solve any issues along the way.

Expect more from primary care 

When you sign up with us, your Firefly care team becomes your new primary care provider (PCP). Our digital-first model allows for most interactions to be virtual. And that has a lot of advantages.

Care that’s always on

From joint pain to high blood pressure, anxiety to healthy eating, your care team is here for you during visits — and between them too.

Ridiculous convenience

We come to you through video calls and chat. No traffic, no waiting rooms. Just 24/7 access to your care team, wherever you are.

Specialists made easy

We put in the referrals and work closely with your other doctors to coordinate your care. Looking for a new specialist? We’ll find you one.

Complete support

You’re not on your own anymore. Prescriptions, labs, imaging? We guide you to the care you need and solve any issues along the way.

Expect more from primary care 

When you sign up with us, your Firefly care team becomes your new primary care provider (PCP). Our virtual model allows for most interactions to take place right on your phone. And that has a lot of advantages.

Care that’s always on

From joint pain to high blood pressure, anxiety to healthy eating, your care team is here for you during visits — and between them too.

Ridiculous convenience

We come to you through video calls and chat. No traffic, no waiting rooms. Just 24/7 access to your care team, wherever you are.

Specialists made easy

We take care of referrals, coordinate all your care and follow-up afterwards to discuss specialist’s recommendations. Need a new specialist? We connect you with top providers in your health plan’s network.

Complete support

You’re not on your own anymore. Prescriptions, labs, imaging? We guide you to the care you need and solve any issues along the way.

Looking for urgent care?

Firefly providers are on-call 24/7 for any urgent needs of established primary care patients.

Looking for urgent care?

Learn more

Wondering about the cost?

A team approach to better health

Your health happens between doctor visits, not at them. More than just annual wellness visits, your Firefly care team delivers ongoing support. And of course, all Firefly providers are fully licensed. You choose your care team when you sign up.
Care team with patient

Primary care doctor

Every team needs a steady hand to show the way. Your Firefly doctor coordinates and personalizes your care to meet your specific needs.

Nurse practitioner (NP)

Your NP will be the first to hop on a video call or answer your chats, so you’ll feel known and supported no matter what comes up.

Health guide

From healthier eating to lowering stress, your health guide is here for you. With practical tips and positive support, you’ll feel empowered to be your healthiest you.

Behavioral health specialist

Your licensed behavioral health specialist will assess your concerns, create a plan, and check your progress along the way.

A team approach to better health

Your health happens between doctor visits, not at them. More than just annual wellness visits, your Firefly care team delivers ongoing support. And of course, all Firefly providers are fully licensed. You choose your care team when you sign up.
Care team with patient

Primary care doctor

Every team needs a steady hand to show the way. Your Firefly doctor coordinates and personalizes your care to meet your specific needs.

Nurse practitioner (NP)

Your NP will be the first to hop on a video call or answer your chats, so you’ll feel known and supported no matter what comes up.

Health guide

From healthier eating to lowering stress, your health guide is here for you. With practical tips and positive support, you’ll feel empowered to be your healthiest you.

Behavioral health specialist

Your licensed behavioral health specialist will assess your concerns, create a plan, and check your progress along the way.

A team approach to better health

Your health happens between doctor visits, not at them. More than just annual wellness visits, your Firefly care team delivers ongoing support. And of course, all Firefly providers are fully licensed. You choose your care team when you sign up.
Care team with patient

Primary care doctor

Every team needs a steady hand to show the way. Your Firefly doctor coordinates and personalizes your care to meet your specific needs.

Nurse practitioner (NP)

Your NP will be the first to hop on a video call or answer your chats, so you’ll feel known and supported no matter what comes up.

Health guide

From healthier eating to lowering stress, your health guide is here for you. With practical tips and positive support, you’ll feel empowered to be your healthiest you.

Behavioral health specialist

Your licensed behavioral health specialist will provide an initial assessment and will connect you with in-network behavioral health services when needed for ongoing care.

Yes, you can still get in-person care

Most services can be performed virtually by your Firefly primary care team. However, when in-person services are needed ─ such as listening to your heart, checking an ankle sprain, etc. ─ you’ll be referred to one of 58 Houston-area facilities in the Firefly In-Person Primary Care Network. Care received within this comprehensive network is available at no additional cost and is made up of:

  • Urgent care centers managed by Next Level Urgent Care
  • Retail clinics operated by CVS Minute Clinics
  • Acadian, which is an in-home provider offering coverage to those living in a zip code that begins with the following three digits - 770, 772, 773, 774, 775, 789

And for specialists, imaging, and labs? We’re happy to work with your current providers or connect you with one of our partners. We’ll take care of the referral and make sure your care is well coordinated.

Important note: Before enrolling, please check to see if any of the 58 locations listed below are convenient to you. Should you enroll anyway, Firefly may be able to refer you to a facility outside of the in-person network, in which case you are likely to generate out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the availability of these locations in Houston, you can explore the In-Person Primary Care Network locations through the link below:

Download locations (PDF)

Member network care options

Yes, you can still get in-person care

When you need hands-on primary care, like listening to your heart or lungs, we have you covered. We guide you to one of our urgent care partners and work together to support you.

And for specialists, imaging, and labs? We’re happy to work with your current providers or connect you with one of our partners.
Member network care options

Yes, you can still get in-person care

Firefly's primary care is virtual-first. Anytime you have a health concern, you can reach out to us easily within the Firefly app. Most care can safely be delivered virtually by your Firefly care team. When you do need in-person primary care (for example a physical exam or a swab), your Firefly care team will guide you to Firefly Nearby providers in your area – these may be urgent care clinics, clinics with retail stores, or even providers that come to your home.

If you need more than primary care, there is a good reason to reach out to Firefly. Whenever you want to see an in-network provider such as a specialist, Firefly will give you a set of recommendations to high-quality providers within the First Health network that are in your area and meet your needs and your preferences (e.g. gender, distance, etc.). When you get and follow recommendations from Firefly on an in-network provider, your care will be more affordable.

View Firefly NearbyTM Locations

Find in-network doctors

All adults on the Firefly plan should plan to make Firefly their PCP. But when you need a different kind of care, you have a vast pool of providers to choose from. The Firefly health plan uses a network called First Health, with over 1 million providers, specialists, hospitals, and facilities in all 50 U.S. states and D.C.

Already have specialists or a pediatrician you like? A Firefly member guide can check if they’re in network and if they qualify for Firefly’s Tier 1 benefits.

Recommended

Check coverage + eligibility for Tier 1 Benefits:

  1. Give us a few details about your providers
  2. A Firefly Member Guide will investigate and email reliable results within 24 hours
Having trouble? Check out our provider search tutorial guide
Computer screen search options

Check coverage only

How to use the First Health provider search:

  1. Using the link provided, select "First Health Network"
  2. Click "Start Now" to begin your search
  3. Choose "all providers" and start with your zip code. Adjust the distance up to make sure your provider falls in the search
  4. Click [+more search options] to add a physician name if needed

Having trouble? Check out our provider search tutorial guide
Computer screen search options

Wondering about the cost?

Wondering about the cost?

Frequently asked questions

Who can use Firefly?

Firefly's virtual primary care team is available for any Community Health Options Member 18 years and older. Dependents under the age of 18 can see a pediatrician or family doctor in the Community Health Options network for care.

How soon can you see a Firefly Provider?

Your initial appointment with a Firefly PCP can be made in 3 business days or less. Ongoing appointments are available 7 days a week.

What are my costs to use Firefly through Community Health Options?

Your cost depends on the type of plan you have, and the copay or coinsurance designated in your plan. Plan details are located in your Community Health Options Member portal.

What services are available through Firefly?

Firefly can handle most primary care needs virtually, including:

  • Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Acute concerns for common ailments like back pain, stomach flu, headaches, sinus infections, and more.
  • Health coaching for long-term health goals such as managing your weight, quitting smoking, and sleeping better.
  • Women’s health including birth control counseling to menstrual cycle concerns.
  • Behavioral health for an initial assessment of concerns such as depression or anxiety: The care team will monitor the Members progress after their review.

How do I connect with my Firefly virtual care team?

You can connect with your healthcare providers through scheduled virtual visits and chat-based interaction. Book an appointment with the care team based on your availability and preferences. The chat feature is available 24/7 and can also be used for group discussions with the care team.

What if I need to be seen in-person?

When you need in-person care, the virtual care team will coordinate and schedule with a Firefly Nearby provider close to you. If there is no Firefly Nearby provider available in the area, the team will use the Community Health Options' network to schedule an appointment close to home.

Can I still see my current primary care provider (PCP)?

No, because your Firefly care team becomes your new PCP. We’ll help get your medical records from your current doctor. You can keep your specialists though. If you choose, you may continue to see your current specialists.

Frequently asked questions

What are my costs to use Firefly through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts?

Your cost depends on the type of plan you have. To determine your plan type and cost, log in to your MyBlue account or review your plan benefit documents for details. 

Please note, if you are on an HMO Plan, you’ll first choose a Firefly provider as your PCP through Blue Cross MA's app/platform/system and then designate that doctor as your PCP with your health plan.

Can I still see my current primary care provider (PCP)?

No, because your Firefly care team becomes your new PCP. We’ll help get your medical records from your current doctor. You can keep your specialists though.

Is virtual care as good as in-person care?

It’s not about one versus the other. Sometimes, you absolutely need hands-on care. But very often, you don’t. Going virtual means you avoid a lot of hassle. Like waiting weeks for an appointment, juggling time off from work, or a million other things that get in the way of seeing your doctor.

In-person care that you can’t actually get, well, that isn’t care at all. Virtual care offers you a team wherever and whenever you need it. Firefly takes the best ideas from the in-person way of doing things and builds on them to give you more complete healthcare that fits your life.

What health issues can Firefly treat virtually?

Firefly can handle most primary care needs virtually, including:

  • Chronic conditions: They have advanced approaches to managing your chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Acute concerns: They’re great for common ailments like back pain, stomach flu, headaches, sinus infections, and more.
  • Health coaching: They’ll help you be your best self by supporting long-term health goals such as managing your weight, quitting smoking, or sleeping better.
  • Women’s health: From birth control counseling to menstrual cycle concerns, they proactively manage women's health needs.
  • Behavioral health: As a Firefly member, you’ll have the option to work with a licensed behavioral health specialist to assess concerns such as depression or anxiety, provide support, and monitor your progress along the way.

What should I do in an emergency?

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

If it’s not life threatening, we’ll guide you where you need to go. You can message your Firefly care team weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You’ll get a response within 15 minutes. If it's after hours, tap the After-Hours Emergency banner in the app to contact us. An on-call Firefly provider will call you within 30 minutes.

Can my kids use Firefly?

No. Only members 18 and older can sign up for Firefly.

It's primary care that looks at my whole self. They're saying, 'We’re the experts in healthcare, but you're the expert in your body. Did that fix it? Did it not fix it?' The proactive outreach is huge.
PHOEBE
42
Firefly Member
My old doctor said, ‘Yeah, we can totally see you…in two and a half months.’ I thought, ‘So what do I do until then?’ I looked around and found Firefly. They saw me the same day with a virtual appointment.
HANLON
34
Firefly Member
Firefly's on the tech frontier without losing the human factor. There's an actual person on the other end. I don't have to hop in the car, go down there and have somebody hit my knee with a hammer.
PAUL
42
Firefly Member
For someone with anxiety, it can be hard to reach out and get care for myself. It's easy to send a message about what’s going on and get a quick response back from my Firefly team.
SARAH
26
Firefly Member
30 minutes after I got to the ER on a Saturday night, I get a message from Dr. Greenberg saying, 'What's going on?' My mind was blown. I started crying like, 'Oh my God, I have a doctor!’
AUDREY
22
Firefly Member
It's hard to be sick and have to go see a doctor in person. I love getting a response back in that moment I'm not feeling well. I’ve really appreciated the real-time communication with Firefly.
MESHIA
41
Firefly Member

Get started with Firefly Health

Sign up online and get our app, choose your care team, and book your first visit.

Frequently asked questions

What are my costs to use Firefly through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts?

Your cost depends on the type of plan you have. To determine your plan type and cost, log in to your MyBlue account or review your plan benefit documents for details. 

Please note, if you are on an HMO Plan, you’ll first choose a Firefly provider as your PCP through Blue Cross MA's app/platform/system and then designate that doctor as your PCP with your health plan.

Can I still see my current primary care provider (PCP)?

No, because your Firefly care team becomes your new PCP. We’ll help get your medical records from your current doctor. You can keep your specialists though.

Is virtual care as good as in-person care?

It’s not about one versus the other. Sometimes, you absolutely need hands-on care. But very often, you don’t. Going virtual means you avoid a lot of hassle. Like waiting weeks for an appointment, juggling time off from work, or a million other things that get in the way of seeing your doctor.

In-person care that you can’t actually get, well, that isn’t care at all. Virtual care offers you a team wherever and whenever you need it. Firefly takes the best ideas from the in-person way of doing things and builds on them to give you more complete healthcare that fits your life.

What health issues can Firefly treat virtually?

Firefly can handle most primary care needs virtually, including:

  • Chronic conditions: They have advanced approaches to managing your chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Acute concerns: They’re great for common ailments like back pain, stomach flu, headaches, sinus infections, and more.
  • Health coaching: They’ll help you be your best self by supporting long-term health goals such as managing your weight, quitting smoking, or sleeping better.
  • Women’s health: From birth control counseling to menstrual cycle concerns, they proactively manage women's health needs.
  • Behavioral health: As a Firefly member, you’ll have the option to work with a licensed behavioral health specialist to assess concerns such as depression or anxiety, provide support, and monitor your progress along the way.

What should I do in an emergency?

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

If it’s not life threatening, we’ll guide you where you need to go. You can message your Firefly care team weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You’ll get a response within 15 minutes. If it's after hours, tap the After-Hours Emergency banner in the app to contact us. An on-call Firefly provider will call you within 30 minutes.

Can my kids use Firefly?

No. Only members 18 and older can sign up for Firefly.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose Firefly?

Firefly takes care of getting you the best care. Electing the Firefly health plan ensures you'll receive anytime, anywhere primary care, as well as complete healthcare coverage. The outcome? Exceptional and convenient healthcare for all your needs.

What cost(s) can I expect with Firefly as my health plan?

Like any other health plan, you will pay a bi-weekly premium for your healthcare coverage that automatically deducts from your paycheck. The specific biweekly premiums will be available in the IDEXX Employee Benefits Handbook.

With Firefly’s health plan, you’ll be able to get no-cost care for many services including Firefly's virtual primary care, and no-cost in-network care if you follow Firefly’s network guidance. If you pick your own in-network providers, you’ll have a copay or a coinsurance. For prescriptions, you’ll have a copay that depends on where the medication falls within the formulary.

Is virtual care as good as in-person care?

It’s not about one versus the other. Sometimes, you absolutely need hands-on care. But very often, you don’t. Going virtual means you avoid a lot of hassle, like waiting weeks for an appointment, juggling time off from work, or a million other things that get in the way of seeing your doctor.

Firefly builds upon decades of research on virtual care, and takes the best ideas from the in-person way of doing things and builds on them to give you more complete healthcare that fits your life. Firefly can handle most primary care needs virtually, including preventative care, chronic conditions, acute concerns, health coaching, women’s health, behavioral health. And when our board-certified providers determine you do need in-person care, we have a nationwide footprint of Firefly Nearby partners that will deliver the specific hands-on care you need such as a swab or exam.

If I choose the Firefly plan, do I have to use Firefly as my primary care provider (PCP)?

You will get the most out of the Firefly health plan when you use Firefly as your primary care provider (PCP) too, but it is not mandatory. If you are not planning to use Firefly for primary care, then another health plan is a better choice for you.

Do I have to change my PCP to use Firefly primary care?

When you begin with Firefly virtual care, Firefly will become your new primary care provider (PCP). Because you cannot have two PCPs, you will not be able to keep your old PCP and use Firefly primary care. You can leave Firefly primary care at any time, this will not affect your Firefly health plan or medical coverage, but will increase your cost-share for primary care.

Can children get Firefly virtual care?

Firefly's primary care offering is only available for adults 18+. Dependents on the Firefly plan can see any pediatrician or family doctor in the First Health network for primary care.

What is the coverage of the Firefly Health Plan? Is it a PPO or an HMO? 

The Firefly Health plan is an ACA-compliant health plan structured as a PPO. The coverage is the same as the other Aetna plans IDEXX offers. This means that you will have healthcare coverage for everything, including primary care, specialists, urgent care, medications including birth control, hospitalizations and surgeries. 

The Firefly health plan’s benefit structure follows three tiers. 

  • Tier 1- Guided by Firefly: Your costs fall into this tier when you ask for, and follow Firefly’s guidance to high-quality in-network providers. Firefly’s team is available to help you find the high-quality providers in the First Health network based on data on which providers create the best outcomes to make a recommendation, in combination with your preferences. You will get the best financial benefit if you stay within this tier.
  • Tier 2 - Self-Guided: If you visit a provider within the First Health network without Firefly’s guidance, your costs will fall into this tier. Your costs will be higher in this tier than if you used Firefly’s guidance. 
  • Tier 3 - Out of Network: If you visit a provider outside the First Health network, your costs will be much higher. 

For more details on coverage, please view the plan table when it is made available. 

What providers are in-network?

Firefly Health uses the First Health network. Any provider in the First Health network is an in-network provider. If you reach out to Firefly to get guidance to high-quality in-network providers for your needs, your copays will be waived in most cases. If you self-guide to a provider in the First Health Network, you will have a copay.  You will have even higher out-of-pocket costs for providers outside of the First Health network.

What makes Firefly so affordable?

We keep administrative costs low by offering care virtually. We don’t build clinics or stock tongue depressors. When in-person care becomes necessary, our collaboration with nearby healthcare providers ensures that you receive the majority of your primary care services without incurring any expenses.

What about pharmacy? Are my medications covered?

While your medical benefits will be through Firefly, the pharmacy benefit is through CVS/Aetna. Refer to the Employee Benefits Handbook for details on pharmacy coverage.

Member network care options

Next steps?

You'll be able to select Firefly Health for your 2024 health coverage during IDEXX Open Enrollment November 6th through November 17, 2023. Before you choose Firefly, here are some steps to help you make the right choice.
  • Bookmark open enrollment Nov. 6-17, 2023
  • Visit Ask HR to learn more and submit your General Benefits Questions
  • Review the plan tables once they are made available for specifics on your monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, copays, and coinsurance
  • Use all resources available to make the best decision for you, including the IDEXX Benefits Handbook, resources posted on the Intradexx, and Decision Doc.