Mississippi House Bill HB324

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Medicaid; telehealth services provided by FQHCs, rural health clinics and community mental health centers reimbursed at same rate as face-to-face encounters.

Impact

The implementation of HB 324 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding Medicaid reimbursements and healthcare access. By allowing telehealth services to be reimbursed at the same rate as in-person visits, the bill promotes the adoption of technology in healthcare delivery and aims to reduce barriers to accessing care for individuals in remote locations. Furthermore, it could lead to increased service utilization as patients may find telehealth to be a more convenient option, thus potentially improving health outcomes for those with limited access to traditional healthcare settings.

Summary

House Bill 324 aims to amend Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to include telehealth services provided by federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), rural health clinics, and community mental health centers in Medicaid reimbursements. This change establishes that these telehealth services are billable at the same face-to-face encounter rates that are currently used for other Medicaid services, thereby improving access to healthcare for underserved populations in the state. The bill acknowledges the growing importance of telehealth services, especially in rural areas where healthcare resources may be limited.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill is not without contention. Critics may raise concerns about the quality of care delivered via telehealth compared to in-person consultations. There may also be discussions around the adequacy of training for healthcare providers to ensure effective interactions in a telehealth environment. As the healthcare landscape evolves, stakeholders might debate the implications of such changes on existing reimbursement models and healthcare delivery methods. Additionally, ensuring equitable technology access among patients will be crucial to prevent widening health disparities.