Texas House Bill HB887

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to telemedicine medical services and telehealth services covered by certain health benefit plans or provided by a pharmacist.

Impact

The passage of HB 887 is expected to have significant implications for the telecommunications healthcare landscape in Texas. It is designed to provide a more level playing field for telehealth services, ensuring that providers are fairly compensated for virtual visits. This could result in an increase in the number of healthcare practitioners willing to offer telemedicine options, thereby enhancing the availability of care for patients. Moreover, patients can expect reduced barriers to obtaining healthcare, such as travel time and associated costs, potentially leading to better overall health outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 887 focuses on expanding the framework for telemedicine and telehealth services in Texas, particularly concerning their coverage under health benefit plans. This bill amends the Insurance Code to ensure that health benefit plan issuers must reimburse healthcare professionals for telemedicine services on the same basis and at least at the same rate as in-person services. By doing so, the bill aims to promote and facilitate more accessible healthcare options for patients across the state, particularly in underserved areas where in-person visits may be challenging.

Contention

While the intent of HB 887 is clear, there have been discussions around potential contentions related to reimbursement rates and the overall impact on insurance companies. Some stakeholders express concern that mandating equal reimbursement for telehealth could lead to increased insurance premiums. Additionally, there might be questions about the adequacy of existing regulatory provisions to maintain quality standards in telemedicine, which could spark further debate among healthcare providers, insurance companies, and legislators.