CONCORD – A bipartisan amendment to HB 1623 was passed by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The amendment, co-sponsored by Sen. Tom Sherman, D-Rye, Sen. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, and Sen. Jay Kahn, D-Keene, seeks to ensure coverage and reimbursement for health care services provided through telemedicine on the same basis as services provided in person.

After the committee vote, Sherman, Bradley and Senator Kahn issued the following statements:

“The importance of telehealth cannot be understated–especially in regards to the coronavirus pandemic,” Sherman said. “By giving our most vulnerable populations the ability to communicate with their health care providers from the safety of their homes, not only does this bipartisan effort expand access, it protects public health and safety for those most susceptible to infection. I commend my colleagues in the Legislature for their continued leadership in expanding access to telehealth.”

“This legislation builds upon the Governor’s leadership with his executive order providing telehealth parity. Particularly in our rural communities, telehealth services improve much needed access to health care in a timely and efficient way. When we are able to provide remote health care, we give our providers the ability to diagnose and address problems early on, saving the state substantial long-term medical costs and improving health outcomes,” Bradley added

“This amendment incorporates a lot of perspective; it both reflects the Governor’s Emergency Order as well as brings telemedicine and healthcare statutes up to date with what has become a primary delivery mechanism for client care. While our diverse interests are represented in the adopted amendment, it is our shared desire to provide timely, accessible and quality healthcare to NH residents that unites us,” Kahn noted.