CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) supported an initiative during the spring legislative session to maintain and expand telehealth services, which was signed into law Thursday by Governor Pritzker.

“COVID-19 has significantly increased the need for remote health services, but the truth is this need has always existed and will remain here once this pandemic is behind us,” Hunter said. “Access to telehealth gives patients the option to receive the necessary services and treatments they need, whether they are isolating during a pandemic or elderly people with mobility or transportation issues.”

Currently, insurance companies may provide coverage for telehealth services, but are not required to do so.

House Bill 3308 maintains and expands telehealth services by requiring insurance companies to provide similar billing processes for both in-person and telehealth services.

Insurance companies will not be allowed to require in-person contact between patients and health care professionals before allowing telehealth services. Geographic or facility restrictions for telehealth services are prohibited.

“We need to ensure that telehealth services will still be an option well after this pandemic is over,” Hunter said. “It is crucial that these services stay in place to improve patient outcomes and decrease barriers to health care access.”

Insurance companies are required to notify health care professionals and facilities of how to submit telehealth claims.

Thirty-seven states have telehealth parity laws that require private insurance companies to reimburse providers for care delivered remotely via telemedicine.

The measure takes effect immediately.