Executive Order No. 10C extends the provisions codified by Public Act 20-2 and includes the following:
- Authorizes additional health care professionals to provide telehealth services;
- Allows certain telehealth providers to offer audio-only services by telephone;
- Allows certain providers to use additional technologies, such as certain third-party video communication applications, like Zoom;
- Develop requirements for telehealth providers seeking payment from uninsured or underinsured patients;
- Requires insurance coverage for telehealth services and prohibits providers reimbursed for services from seeking payment from an insured patient beyond cost sharing;
- Prohibits insurance policies from excluding coverage for a telehealth platform selected by an in-network provider;
- Prohibits insurance carriers from reducing reimbursement to a provider because services are provided through telehealth instead of in-person;
- Modifies requirements for pharmacies transferring unfilled prescriptions for controlled substances that were electronically transmitted.
The executive order modifies and extends Public Act 20-2 through April 20, 2021, the date the governor's emergency powers are set to expire.
Telehealth services have been beneficial in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by enabling providers and patients to stay socially distant through technology. They have also proved to be beneficial for individuals struggling to balance work, family, transportation with their healthcare needs. As Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, I participated in a joint public hearing with the Insurance Committee on Monday to discuss the need to expand telehealth beyond the pandemic. I will be supporting efforts to continue telehealth services for the duration of the pandemic and beyond.
|
