This bill amends existing laws in New Jersey concerning reimbursement payments for healthcare services delivered through telemedicine and telehealth. It requires health insurance carriers, including those under managed care plans, as well as the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs, to provide coverage and payment for these services at a reimbursement rate equal to that of in-person consultations. This is a significant change from current law, which only mandates that reimbursement for telehealth services not exceed the rate for in-person services. The bill also clarifies that these reimbursement requirements do not apply to telemedicine or telehealth services that are not provided on an in-person basis within the state.

Moreover, the legislation prohibits health carriers and state programs from imposing higher deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for telehealth services compared to in-person services. It removes restrictions on the location of distant or originating sites for telehealth services, provided that the standard of care is maintained, and allows for the use of various electronic platforms for telehealth services. The School Employees' Health Benefits Commission is designated to adopt rules and regulations to implement these provisions. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to reimbursement requests made after its enactment, thereby enhancing access to telehealth services while ensuring equitable reimbursement practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2S-29, 30:4D-6, 52:14-17.29, 52:14-17.46.6