State Policy Options to Encourage Greater Use of Telehealth in State-Regulated Health Plans

This commentary discusses the use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. It summarizes the federal legislation and guidance and discusses actions state departments of insurance can take to encourage greater access to telehealth services.

At the federal level, legislation responding to the COVID-19 crisis includes provisions intended to facilitate the use of telehealth services. Recent guidance from the Centers on Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes it easier for plans to expand the use of telehealth. States can go further to eliminate barriers to broader use of telehealth in state-regulated health insurance.