Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Telehealth Signed Into Law

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD - Today, HB 1623, a bipartisan omnibus bill to ensure coverage and reimbursement for health care services provided through telemedicine on the same basis as services provided in person was signed into law.

Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye) and Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene) issued the following statements in response:

“Expanded access to telehealth has become imperative in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye), also a physician. “By giving our most vulnerable populations the ability to communicate with their health care providers from the safety of their own homes, this bipartisan effort has protected the health of the public and the safety of those most susceptible to infection. Throughout this ongoing pandemic, our continued use of telehealth will ensure access to substance use disorder, mental health, and physical healthcare services while saving the state substantial long-term medical and emotional costs of delayed or unavailable treatment. I thank my colleagues for their bipartisan leadership on this critical issue.”

“There has been considerable value added to the quality and efficiency of care by keeping health care providers and their patients connected through remote telehealth services,” added Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene). “As we approach the beginning of the school year, telemedicine will be a critical tool in providing children with medically necessary services both in schools and, during remote learning, in their homes. Telemedicine is also a crucial step to providing care for other vulnerable populations in long term care facilities and who have recurring health and mental health conditions. The review mechanism built into this legislation will inform future evidence-based evaluation as we continue to move forward. HB 1623 is timely, bipartisan legislation and I am happy to see it signed into law. ”

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