NY law now requires equal pay for telehealth

New York is the latest state to require that telehealth services be classified as a reimbursable form of medical coverage.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation sponsored by Sen. Catharine Young (R.C.I- Olean).

“Providing patients, especially those in rural communities or those with limited means, with the best medical care available through a more cost-effective program should be the aim of all public health policies," said Young in a release. "Telehealth has long been proven effective and will ultimately encourage patients to avail themselves of all treatments and resources possible. The program will also offer healthcare providers the opportunity to expand their ability to care for patients and provide life sustaining medical coverage at an affordable cost. The practice has already been proven effective in more than 20 states as a means of treatment for numerous diseases and chronic conditions, like cardiac monitoring and more."

“Given the significant number of rural communities across Upstate New York, we applaud the telehealth bill, and appreciate the efforts of Senator Young,” stated Gary J. Fitzgerald, President and CEO of the Iroquois Healthcare Alliance, which represents 54 hospitals and health systems across 32 counties and already offers telehealth services. “Telehealth will improve health outcomes as patients can be diagnosed and treated earlier, and will allow rural patients to stay in their local communities and not travel long distances for their care. Additionally, access to specialists and other healthcare providers increases as these providers are able to expand their reach through telemedicine, which is critically important given the physician shortage.”