Bill > H1944

This bill mandates that health insurers, health care subscription plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) must provide coverage for telemedicine services, which are defined as healthcare services delivered by a provider using interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications technology at a location different from the patient. This coverage requirement applies to services appropriately provided through telemedicine, and insurers cannot deny coverage solely because a service is delivered remotely rather than in person, nor can they impose different co-payments, deductibles, or benefit limitations on telemedicine services compared to in-person services, except for overall policy limits. Decisions to deny coverage for telemedicine services are subject to utilization review, which is a process insurers use to determine if a requested service is medically necessary and appropriate. The bill also requires health professional licensing boards to adjust their rules so that telemedicine practices have the same requirements as in-person practices, and allows professionals to consult with out-of-state specialists without needing an additional license. These provisions apply to most insurance policies and plans, with exceptions for certain limited coverage types like short-term travel or accident-only policies, and policies for individuals eligible for Medicare or similar government programs. Additionally, the bill ensures that the Medicaid program will cover services provided through telemedicine if they would be covered in person, and mandates an interagency study on comprehensive plans for telehealth services in areas like stroke diagnosis, high-risk pregnancies, and emergency care.