Requires comprehensive motor vehicle reparations and workers' compensation coverage of health care services delivered by means of telehealth

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law and the workers' compensation law, in relation to coverage of health care services by means of telehealth

Purpose

To ensure that healthcare services delivered by means of telehealth are included within the medical care and treatment services included for coverage under the provisions of the workers compensation law and within the definition of "basic economic loss" for purposes of Article 51 of the Insurance law (no fault. auto insurance law).

Summary of provisions

Section one amends paragraph 1 of subsection 5102 of the insurance law to provide that health care services delivered by means of telehealth as defined within section 3217-h of the insurance law can be included within the calculation of "basic economic loss" as part of no fault auto insurance. Section 2 amends the opening paragraph of subdivision(a) of section 13 of the worker's compensation law to include telehealth services expenses within the provisions of the workers compensation law as covered expenses.

Justification

This bill will make clear that medical services provided by telehealth otherwise covered through the workers' compensation law are eligible as medical reimbursement expenses under that law. Similarly the bill adds telehealth services to the list of expenses constituting basic economic loss under the no fault auto insurance law.

Telehealth is defined as "electronic information and communication technologies by a health care provider to an insured individual while such individual is located at a site that is different than the site where the health care provider is located." The provision of medical care which would otherwise be delivered on a face to face basis provides better opportunities for patient monitoring and support. Telehealth can dramatically increase access to health care services for patients who face challenges in accessing health care providers due to geographic restrictions, provider shortages incliment weather, or restricted patient mobility. Telehealth is extremely valuable in improving the continuity, coordination, and efficiency of care for rural and underserved populations.

Last year, legislation was passed (Chapter 6 of the laws of 2015) that would require that telehealth services from covered providers be included in private health insurance policies and Medicaid coverage. This bill is a logical extension of the policy goal to improve patient care.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined, but there may be reduced medical costs from the use of telehealth services.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first day of January next succeeding enactment.