New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez (R) has proposed $600,000 in grant funding to expand telemedicine services in rural areas of the state.
The proposal follows Gov. Martinez's enactment earlier this year of legislation that requires commercial insurers to cover telemedicine services.
"For many in our rural areas, particular those suffering from chronic, complicated or rare illnesses, treatment can require long trips to urban centers to see specialists or other physicians. This often poses a tremendous financial burden on these patients, and can make it much more difficult for New Mexicans to get the treatment they need and deserve," said Governor Martinez in a statement.
"Telemedicine can help us overcome these challenges, connecting patients or their rural practitioners electronically with specialists and practitioners in other parts of the state. By significantly expanding our investment in telemedicine, we can help New Mexicans get the healthcare they need, closer to home."
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