This bill amends New Jersey's existing laws to enhance reimbursement payments for health care services delivered via telemedicine and telehealth. It mandates that health carriers, as well as the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs, provide coverage and payment for these services at rates equivalent to in-person consultations, ensuring that the services are otherwise covered under the plan. The bill allows reimbursement payments to be made to either the individual practitioner or the employing agency, facility, or organization. However, these requirements do not apply to telemedicine or telehealth organizations that do not provide in-person services in New Jersey.

Additionally, the bill prohibits health carriers and state programs from imposing excessive deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for telehealth services compared to in-person consultations. It ensures no restrictions on the location of distant or originating sites or the technological platforms used for telehealth, provided they meet the same standard of care as in-person services. The bill clarifies that coverage can only be limited to medically necessary services and does not compel individuals to use telemedicine over in-person services. The School Employees' Health Benefits Commission is responsible for adopting necessary rules and regulations, and the act will take effect immediately for reimbursement requests made after its enactment.

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