Bill > HB1596

This bill modifies the state plan for medical assistance services in Virginia to expand the definition of telemedicine services. Specifically, the bill adds a provision that allows medical assistance to be paid for medically necessary health care services provided through real-time audio-only telephone communication when no other means of two-way audio-visual or electronic communication are available or operational for the patient. This means patients who cannot use video-based telemedicine due to technological limitations or lack of access can still receive medical care through a phone call. The change aims to improve healthcare access for patients who might otherwise be unable to receive remote medical services, particularly in areas with limited technological infrastructure or for patients who may have difficulty using more complex communication technologies. The bill ensures that such audio-only telemedicine services will be reimbursed when they are medically necessary and authorized by federal law, providing a more flexible approach to telehealth services for Medicaid recipients in Virginia.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1596