Connecticut House Bill HB05118

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/21
• Refer: 1/12/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Telehealth.

Impact

One significant aspect of HB 05118 is its approach to reimbursement for healthcare providers. It allows health insurers to pay a reduced reimbursement for services provided through telehealth, setting the minimum at fifty percent of what would have been paid for in-person services. This provision aims to balance the cost of telehealth while recognizing its role in delivering healthcare, which could affect providers' revenue streams and how they structure their service offerings. Additionally, it requires that if a provider seeks reimbursement for a benefit provided via telehealth, they cannot seek reimbursement for the same benefit if provided in-person afterward.

Summary

House Bill 05118, also known as the Act Concerning Telehealth, aims to amend existing statutes related to telehealth services and their reimbursement structures. The bill proposes extending the sunset date for certain provisions of Public Act 20-2 to May 30, 2022. This extension is crucial for maintaining the current telehealth reimbursements, which have gained importance during the COVID-19 pandemic as many healthcare services shifted online. The bill's objective is to ensure that telehealth remains a viable option for both providers and patients moving forward.

Contention

The introduction of reduced reimbursement rates may lead to contention among healthcare providers. Some may argue that this could discourage the utilization of telehealth services, particularly if the reimbursement does not adequately cover the costs associated with providing those services. This aspect of the bill may have been a point of debate during discussions, as providers weigh the benefits of telehealth against the financial implications. Opponents may express concerns that lower reimbursements could undermine the growth of telehealth services, while proponents may highlight the necessity of cost-effective measures in the evolving healthcare landscape.