As the coronavirus continues to spread across the U.S., states are continuing to take advantage of telehealth to help screen and treat patients with COVID-19.
In the COVID-19 pandemic, 5,702 American cases have been reported, along with 94 deaths. Globally, 195,935 cases and 7,866 deaths have been reported, as of 2:45 p.m., CDT, March 17.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration on March 17 announced that CMS will begin temporarily paying clinicians to provide telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries across the U.S.
Here are five states that have recently mandated insurers to waive costs associated with telehealth visits amid the coronavirus outbreak:
1. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on March 13 asked health insurers operating in the state to waive costs associated with telehealth visits for COVID-19.
2. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 14 announced the State Department of Financial Services start requiring insurance companies to waive co-pays for telehealth visits.
3. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, in partnership with the state's Medicaid department, on March 14 implemented emergency orders that reduce restrictions on telehealth, enabling every Ohio resident access to behavioral healthcare via phone.
4. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on March 15 announced that all payers must cover medically necessary telehealth services amid the COVID-19 pandemic
5. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on March 16 directed health plans in the state to waive cost-sharing, co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance that would normally apply to telehealth services.