Metzger bill on audio medical visit coverage becomes law
ROSENDALE, N.Y. » A bill pushed by a local senator has now become a law that requires governmentrun insurance programs to cover audio medical visits.
State Sen. Jen Metzger, D-Rosedale, says the bill she pushed has been signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The bill had passed favorably through the Senate and Assembly earlier this year.
Metzger has said the bill includes “audio-only services in the definition of telemedicine so that New Yorkers in areas without broadband have affordable access to healthcare remotely.”
Before the law was passed, telemedicine needed to include both audio and video services to be eligible for reimbursement by Medicaid and the Child Health Insurance Plan, Metzger said.
Metzger’s bill amends the law to authorize audioonly provider services as eligible for reimbursement so that phone calls with medical professionals can also be covered.
“Telemedicine has not been an option during this pandemic for many people in my rural district,” Metzger said in a webpage posting, “and this legislation will reduce barriers to care for residents who lack broadband or do not own a computer or smartphone.
“By making audio-only services reimbursable, I expect that many more atrisk people who are worried about exposure to COVID-19 will seek the care they need.”
The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal in the Assembly.
Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange and Ulster Counties.