Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that amends the definition and titles for telemedicine in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Defines asynchronous interaction as the exchanging of information between a healthcare provider and a patient that does not take place at a scheduled time (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that health insurance policies do not include the following policies (Sec. 1):

• Accident only policies;

• Long term care policies;

• Medicare supplement policies; or

• Any other related insurance policies that encompass more limited benefits.

• Defines CHIP as Children’s Health Insurance Program in the state of Pennsylvania (Sec. 1).

• Defines telemedicine as the interaction between a patient and provider that does not take place in a healthcare facility and can be done synchronously or asynchronously (Sec. 1).

• Requires health insurance issued in the state to cover necessary medical care that can be provided by telemedicine (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits insurance from excluding policies solely due to the service being provided through telehealth (Sec. 1).

• Requires any insurers to reimburse health care providers that are out of the network for services that are covered and provided through telehealth appointments (Sec. 1).

• Requires MA or CHIP programs to pay network providers for telemedicine services with the agreement established with the Department of Human Services and the contract with telemedicine providers that participate in the previously mentioned programs (Sec. 1).

• Requires all services provided through telemedicine to uphold the same standards of care as would be evident in a physical healthcare office setting (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text