Adds services delivered, to individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury, through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law, to the requirement that telehealth services be reimbursed at the applicable in person rates or fees regardless of the location of the patient or the clinician.
Summary
Bill S04720 amends the public health law to ensure that telehealth services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries are reimbursed at the same rates as in-person services. This change applies specifically to services delivered through facilities licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law. The bill aims to enhance access to care for these vulnerable populations by ensuring that reimbursement policies reflect the realities of telehealth delivery, thus encouraging providers to offer these essential services remotely.
Impact
The bill's passage would align reimbursement rates for telehealth services with those for in-person services, thereby potentially increasing the availability of telehealth options for individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. This could lead to improved health outcomes for these populations by facilitating easier access to necessary healthcare services, especially in light of the ongoing challenges posed by physical access to healthcare facilities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around Bill S04720 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a critical need for equitable reimbursement for telehealth services. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and advocates for individuals with disabilities, have expressed the importance of ensuring that telehealth is a viable option for delivering care, particularly in underserved areas.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from concerns about the financial implications of increased telehealth reimbursements on the state's budget. Some lawmakers may question the sustainability of funding these services at the same rate as in-person visits, particularly in light of the need for federal financial participation for certain modalities. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the adequacy of telehealth service delivery and the quality of care provided remotely.
Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.
Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.
Establishes mandatory supplemental therapeutic services reimbursement for certain individuals receiving services through the office for people with developmental disabilities.
Provides that no facility fee shall be charged for services when a hospital-based facility is a distant site for health care services delivered by telehealth unless the service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the service.
Provides that no facility fee shall be charged for services when a hospital-based facility is a distant site for health care services delivered by telehealth unless the service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the service.
Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health services provided to individuals under the age of twenty-one; directs that funds in the healthcare stability fund can be used for the funding of children's behavioral health outpatient rate increases.
Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health services provided to individuals under the age of twenty-one; directs that funds in the healthcare stability fund can be used for the funding of children's behavioral health outpatient rate increases.
Directs the commissioner of health and the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities to conduct a study of the delivery of services to individuals with traumatic brain injury.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.