Bill > S655

This bill aims to improve telehealth and digital equity for patients in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: - Allowing individuals to simultaneously apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program when using the common application portal for health benefits. - Prohibiting prior authorization requirements for medically necessary telehealth services that would not apply to in-person services, and requiring reimbursement for telehealth services like e-consults and remote patient monitoring. - Mandating coverage for interpreter services and digital health education programs to help patients with limited English proficiency or low digital literacy access telehealth services. - Allowing healthcare providers licensed in Massachusetts to provide telehealth services from any location within or outside the state, as long as patient privacy and licensure restrictions are met. - Requiring the Health Policy Commission to study the impacts of telehealth and report on recommendations to maximize access, quality, and cost savings. - Establishing pilot programs to provide funding and digital health navigators to support telehealth access, especially for underserved communities. - Creating task forces to address barriers to interstate telehealth practice and evaluate models for license reciprocity. - Making permanent the MassHealth reimbursement rules for telehealth services.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S655