The state of Vermont is set to expand its coverage of telemedicine services after Republican Gov. Phil Scott signed bill S.50 into law June 7, Vermont Business Magazine reports.
The bill requires all healthcare insurers, including Medicaid, to cover select services rendered via live video or audio consultation at the same level as those rendered in person. It also expands options for patients seeking teleopthamology and teledermatology services, among other types of specialty care, to include "store-and-forward" telemedicine
"For rural Vermonters, this telemedicine expansion offers greater medical access by saving the time and trouble of traveling great distances to meet in person with a medical professional," bill co-author Rep. Bill Lippert, D-Hinesburg, told Vermont Business Magazine. "This telemedicine expansion includes increased access to mental health and substance abuse professionals and will benefit many rural Vermonters."
The law will take effect Oct. 1.
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