February 09, 2016
On Feb. 1, 2016, Insurance Commissioner Stewart adopted final regulations related to HB 69, which was passed July 2015. As background, HB 69, effective Jan. 1, 2016, requires group health insurance policies issued in Delaware to provide coverage for telehealth and telemedicine. For this purpose, “telehealth” is defined as the use of information and communication technologies (including telephone, remote monitoring devices and other electronic means) to support clinical health care, provider consultation and patient education. Telemedicine is defined as the delivery of health care services by real time two-way audio, visual or telecommunications (including video conferencing). The health care provider must be practicing within his or her scope of practice.
The regulations prohibit an insurer from placing additional restrictions on telehealth services, such as preauthorization, medical necessity or homebound requirements that are not placed on similar non-telehealth services. The regulations are effective Feb. 11, 2016.
Final Regulations »