Mississippi Senate Bill SB2345

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/10/22

Caption

Medicaid program; revise reimbursement for telehealth services for community health centers.

Impact

If enacted, SB2345 would result in a significant change to how Medicaid reimburses telehealth services, promoting equity in payment between in-person services and telehealth. This change is particularly important for FQHCs and community health centers that serve a large population of low-income individuals. By standardizing the payment for telehealth services, the bill advocates for increased use of telehealth, which could enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Additionally, this will likely encourage healthcare providers to offer more telehealth options, ultimately aiming to improve public health outcomes in Mississippi.

Summary

Senate Bill 2345 aims to amend Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code, specifically concerning Medicaid reimbursement for telehealth services provided by federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and community health centers. The bill stipulates that telehealth providers at these centers will be reimbursed at the same rate as in-person services. This amendment seeks to improve access to healthcare by ensuring that telehealth services are billable and that reimbursement aligns with the rates for face-to-face encounters under the prospective payment system. The intent behind the bill is to expand telehealth services, especially in rural areas where access to medical care may be limited.

Contention

While the bill is largely perceived as a positive step towards expanding healthcare access, it may face some contention regarding the sustainability of reimbursement rates. Stakeholders may argue about the financial implications for the state's Medicaid budget and whether the increase in telehealth reimbursement could lead to a higher overall expenditure. Additionally, concerns may arise about the quality of care delivered via telehealth compared to in-person consultations and whether adequate provisions are in place to ensure effective evaluation and management of patient outcomes through telehealth.