Boost Mobile has added a new sign-on perk for subscribers of its Unlimited Plus plan: free virtual healthcare services through K Health.

The partnership between Boost Mobile and K Health gives the wireless provider’s customers and immediate families access to a range of telehealth care. K Health’s platform offers a text-based artificial intelligence-enabled symptom checker, virtual primary care, prescriptions refills and mental health support.

Boost Mobile will launch its telemedicine services this summer. They will be free for new Unlimited Plus subscribers and $7.99 per month for other Boost Mobile service plans.

WHY THIS MATTERS

A significant portion of Boost Mobile’s customers are low-income and may struggle to get access to affordable healthcare. The company’s CEO sees this partnership as a way to provide healthcare to people who need it the most.

"Boost Mobile customers are disproportionately affected by rising health care costs. Boost Mobile is bridging the gap by providing affordable wireless access, and now we want to expand those efforts to address the health care divide," Stephen Stokols, CEO of Boost Mobile, said in a statement.

"K Health is the perfect partner to create a pathway to better health for individuals and families who do not have affordable access to medical services, which we estimate is up to half of our user base."

THE LARGER TREND

Earlier this year, K Health completed a $132 million Series E funding round. It said it would use the money to build out its new K for Parents offering, add conditions to its treatment profile and grow its user base.

The digital health startup also recently furthered its commitment to accessibility through its collaboration with Blackstone Growth and Anthem. The three companies are coming together to launch Hydrogen Health to deliver a suite of digital, virtual and in-person care options targeting the direct-to-consumer, direct-to-employer and direct-to-insurer markets.

Although it’s not offered as a sign-on perk, Verizon recently launched a telemedicine venture of its own. Called BlueJeans Telehealth, the platform can be deployed on any connected device or through the accompanying app. It runs with Dolby Voice Audio to ensure an uninterrupted visit and will be available in more than 200 languages, including sign language, in addition to transcription and closed captioning services.

ON THE RECORD

"Boost Mobile truly prioritizes its customers and is creating solutions to meet their needs," Ran Shaul, the chief product officer and cofounder of K Health, said in a statement.

"Our partnership brings together Boost Mobile's innovation with K's unique combination of shared knowledge, made possible by AI, and our fleet of world-class clinicians to offer 24/7 access to the best high-quality medicine – all from a smartphone."