Two legislative bills could provide for reimbursement of telemedicine services in Massachusetts: SB529, which includes reimbursement requirements for health insurance plans, health maintenance organizations, and other private payors; and SB617, which would allow insurers to limit reimbursement coverage to approved providers and provide for a deductible, copayment, and coinsurance requirement. Both bills would define "telemedicine" as the use of audio, video, or other electronic media for medical services, excluding telephone-only or fax services. These proposed measures coincide with recent meetings by the Massachusetts governor and the state Health Policy Commission to discuss new policies for health care savings and improved patient care, including telemedicine.
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