The Vermont House of Representatives today gave preliminary approval to a bill that will make health care more accessible to Vermonters and improve the ability of the state’s healthcare providers to treat their patients.
The bill, H37, requires health insurance plans inVermontto provide the same level of coverage for ‘telemedicine’ that they do for in-person consultations. Telemedicine uses live interactive audio and video communication to enable the remote consultation, diagnosis or treatment of patients.
‘This bill will allow more Vermonters, especially those in rural communities, to have access to specialized care,’ said Speaker Shap Smith.
Health care providers from around the state, ranging from Fletcher Allen Health Care to the Bi-State Primary Care Association lent their support to the bill.
‘This is a great opportunity to ensure that residents from all areas of the state have the same access to expert medical attention,’ said Representative Mike Fisher, Chair of the House Committee on Health Care.‘Vermonters shouldn’t be prevented from getting the care they need because of the time or cost associated with getting it.’
The bill was passed through second reading today on a unanimous voice vote.
Source: Speaker of the House3.14.2012
House approves bill to make telemedicine coverage equitable to in-person health care
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