New Hampshire Senate Democrats Lead Bipartisan Effort to Expand Telehealth
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Senate passed HB 1623 to expand access to telehealth services in New Hampshire. The omnibus legislation seeks to ensure coverage and reimbursement for health care services provided through telemedicine on the same basis as services provided in person. HB 1623 next goes to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote, which requires a simple majority.
After the vote, Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye) and Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene) issued the following statements:
“Before the outbreak of COVID-19, we had begun to see the positive impacts of telehealth, particularly in our rural communities. Now in the wake of the pandemic its importance cannot be understated,” said Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye). “Remote health care has given our providers the ability to diagnose and address problems early on, improving the public health and welfare of Granite Staters while saving the state substantial long-term medical costs. We cannot go back”
“Telemedicine has been a primary mode for health and mental health care providers to communicate with patients throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” added Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene). “While in-office visits have resumed, it’s clear that telemedicine is a critical tool in providing timely and efficient access to diagnosis and treatment. Telemedicine is also a means to help children with disabilities receive school-based services remotely. This bill builds in a review mechanism to ensure client experience will inform future evidence-based evaluation. I commend my Senate colleagues for their continued leadership in expanding access to telehealth.”
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