Bill > S612

This bill aims to advance and expand access to telemedicine services in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: - Requiring the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid, and other health insurers to cover healthcare services delivered via telemedicine to the same extent as in-person services, without allowing higher deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for telemedicine. Insurers cannot meet network adequacy requirements solely through telemedicine providers. - Directing state licensing boards to promulgate regulations allowing healthcare providers to obtain proxy credentialing and privileging for telemedicine, establish provider-patient relationships via telemedicine, and provide information to patients about available follow-up services. - Requiring the state to annually report on the utilization of telemedicine services by modality, provider specialty, and patient age. - Stating the provisions will be effective one year after the bill's effective date for all new, renewed, or amended insurance contracts. The bill seeks to ensure patients have access to telemedicine services covered at the same level as in-person care, while maintaining standards for provider credentialing and patient protections.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S612