TRENTON - Senator Vin Gopal’s bill guaranteeing that health insurance providers and Medicaid continue to pay healthcare providers the same amount for virtual healthcare as in-person visits has become law.

“I’m proud to have sponsored S2559 to guarantee continued pay parity to healthcare professionals so they receive the same reimbursement from insurance providers for services rendered through Telehealth and Telemedicine as they do for in-person visits,” Gopal, D-Monmouth, said. 

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the many benefits of Telehealth. Virtual appointments have been crucial in ensuring patients receive the proper care they need when they cannot get to a doctor’s office,” Gopal said. “Telehealth has been cost-effective and it works.”

The bill mandates health benefits plan carriers, the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) provide the same reimbursement rates for physical healthcare services provided virtually as in-person care.

“My bill ensures health insurance providers and Medicaid continue covering telemedicine and telehealth so patients continue to have access to the health services they need when they are unable to see their doctor in the office,” Gopal said.

December 23, 2021