Convinced that telemedicine, which exploded during Covid-19 shelter-in-place orders, is here to stay, insurers are moving to expand networks and provide virtual primary care plans at lower premiums and less cost-sharing for patients. Telehealth lets patients meet with health-care providers electronically, via computers or telephones, instead of in person. Patients can receive services at home from providers outside their areas, including monitoring for such chronic conditions at diabetes. When Covid-19 hit, telehealth, typically available in health plans but not robustly used, took off, with many insurers waiving out-of-pocket costs so consumers could get care without exposing themselves or their providers to the risk of coronavirus infection. The federal government and many states issued regulations or enacted emergency laws to raise reimbursement rates for providers and ease restrictions, such as licensing requirements, to expand telehealth access. Now, that shift may be here to stay.
Read the full article: Telehealth, Tested in Covid-19 Crucible, Expands in Health Plans //
Source: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/pharma-and-life-sciences/telehealth-tested-in-covid-19-crucible-expands-in-health-plans