Last week, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) signed two bills (HB 5408, HB 5421) designed to expand the use of telehealth services in the state, Crain's Detroit Business reports.
The bills seek to address inconsistencies in health care provider reimbursements. Lawmakers say they hope the legislation will encourage health insurers to cover telehealth services.
According to state Rep. Gail Haines (R), the bills would expand private coverage of telehealth services because they would prevent insurers from requiring face-to-face contact between health care providers and patients to cover treatments.
In a statement, Snyder said, "Telemedicine offers an incredible opportunity to easily provide health care to Michigan’s elderly, disabled and rural communities," adding, "I applaud the Legislature’s initiative to use technology to save lives" (Greene, Crain's Detroit Business, 7/2).