H 986 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

This bill aims to improve access to telehealth services and address digital inequality for patients in Massachusetts. It requires state agencies to link the application process for affordable internet programs with the portal used to apply for other health benefits, helping those who need reliable internet to use telehealth. Additionally, the bill restricts insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for telehealth visits if they do not require it for in-person appointments and mandates that telehealth coverage includes reimbursement for interpreter services for patients with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 9, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 22, 2024
Committee
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
lower
0 primary · 40 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.