2017 wrapup: state telehealth reimbursement policies and progress made

[grow_thumb image=”https://telecareaware.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CCHA-infograph.jpg” thumb_width=”200″ /]Our first 2017 wrapup is from the Center for Connected Health Policy at the National Telehealth Policy Resource Center which has helpfully organized the state of telehealth reimbursement policies in the 50 US states into an interactive map. 2017 state legislative actions are available in a summary sheet cross-referenced with linked bill numbers. 63 pieces of legislation focusing on telehealth or telemedicine were approved by 34 state legislatures this year.

True policy wonks will want to peruse on their holiday time the 262-page full report of policies as of October.

Based on the report, one of the major changes is in private payer reimbursement: “36 states and DC have laws that govern private payer reimbursement of telehealth. This number has increased by two since April 2017, although additional states have made modifications to their private payer law. Some laws require reimbursement be equal to inperson coverage, however not all laws mandate reimbursement.” The rest of the findings are highlighted in the infographic (left above) and the CCHP release.

Becker’s Hospital Review also surveyed the changes this year, as did mHealth Intelligence.