Bill > H986

This bill aims to enhance telehealth services and digital equity for patients in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring the state's Medicaid program and private insurers to cover and reimburse for telehealth services, including e-consults and remote patient monitoring, without prior authorization requirements that would not apply to in-person services. 2. Mandating coverage for interpreter services for patients with limited English proficiency or who are deaf or hard of hearing when accessing telehealth. 3. Requiring insurers to develop programs to identify and provide digital health education to members with low digital health literacy, to help them effectively access telehealth benefits. 4. Prohibiting restrictions on physicians providing telehealth services to Massachusetts patients from any location, as long as patient privacy and license restrictions are met. 5. Establishing a "Digital Bridge Pilot Program" to support telehealth access and devices, prioritizing underserved communities, and a "Digital Health Navigator Tech Literacy Pilot Program" to provide hands-on assistance to patients in using telehealth. 6. Directing the state to study the impact of telehealth on access, costs, and outcomes, and make recommendations to maximize its benefits. The bill aims to expand telehealth access, improve digital literacy, and ensure equitable utilization of these services across Massachusetts.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H986