A bipartisan group of lawmakers hopes to expand the reach of "telemedicine" in Minnesota by requiring health insurers to pay for remote consultations the same way they do for in-person visits.
Clinics and hospitals across Minnesota already use telemedicine, but some insurers don't cover it and some services — such as nurses who educate diabetics how to care for themselves — are not covered by insurance at all.
In addition, the law does not allow for reimbursement of telemedicine delivered in long-term care facilities or group homes. A Senate bill co-sponsored by Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Vernon Center, and Kent Eken, DFL-Twin Valley, would change that. It has support in the House from Rep. Tara Mack, R-Apple Valley, and Jennifer Schultz, DFL-Duluth.
If the proposal passes, Minnesota would join 22 other states and the District of Columbia in mandating coverage for medical care delivered via electronic networks.
The Minnesota Hospital Association, which supports the bill, says it would bring scarce specialists to rural locations and save money "in the long run" by helping patients get care before a health problem escalates into an emergency.
With Minnesota's population aging, and rural communities aging even faster than urban areas, it's important to get specialty care to those living in long-term care and group homes, Eken said.
The Council of Minnesota Health Plans, a trade association for large insurers such as Medica and Blue Cross, expressed guarded support.
"We share the same goals as the Minnesota Hospital Association to expand coverage, reduce costs and improve health care quality for all Minnesotans," said Kathryn Kmit, the group's director of policy and government affairs. "The telemedicine bill needs more work, and we look forward to working with the MHA …"