An Act relative to telehealth parity for nutrition counseling
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to ensure that telehealth services for nutrition counseling are paid the same as in-person services. It defines "medical nutrition therapy" and mandates that insurance companies and healthcare providers must pay in-network providers of behavioral health services and medical nutrition therapy delivered via telehealth at the same rate as those delivered in person. The bill applies to various healthcare organizations, including hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and insurance companies.
Key provisions
- Defines "medical nutrition therapy" as nutrition counseling provided by a licensed dietitian/nutritionist.
- Requires insurance companies to pay telehealth providers of behavioral health services and medical nutrition therapy at the same rate as in-person services.
- Applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and employers' health and welfare funds.
- Specifically references Chapter 176O for rate comparison.
- Includes provisions related to coverage under various chapters of the Massachusetts General Laws (175, 176A, 176B, 176G, and 176I).
- Addresses telehealth parity for nutrition counseling within the context of existing healthcare coverage.
- Expands the definition of medical nutrition therapy to include audio-only telephone consultations.
- Extends reporting dates for the bill.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsor
Edward R. Philips
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