Nuccio Supports Extension of Telehealth Benefits
HARTFORD — During Tuesday’s session in the House of Representatives, State Representative Tammy Nuccio (R-Tolland) joined her colleagues in voting for passage of a bill to extend continuing insurance coverage for telehealth procedures.
Telehealth services are those that enable healthcare providers to interact with patients, including those with Medicaid coverage, without needing to meet in person by using electronic methods, such as video conferencing and telephones, and thus supporting adequate social distancing measures.
Nuccio, who early in the session introduced legislation to extend the state’s temporary telehealth provisions established in July, said she was pleased to see bipartisan support for the measure.
“This state recognized the need for telehealth services for seniors and other high-risk groups early on in the pandemic,” Nuccio said. “I’ve been vocal in my support for the continuation of these benefits for our seniors and their families, and I was glad to see this extension achieved.”
In addition, the bill expands the types of health providers eligible to provide telehealth services, including athletic trainers, nurse mid-wives, and occupational and physical therapists.
It also expands the slate of usable communications technologies to include third-party video communications like FaceTime, Skype, and Facebook Messenger.
“Even when this crisis is over, telehealth will remain a valuable tool for providing care where it is most convenient or appropriate,” Nuccio concluded. “Telemedicine has helped address barriers to care for families throughout our district, and will likely continue to do so for many, regardless of zip code.”
Following Tuesday’s vote in the House, the bill heads to the Senate where it can be called for a vote before the legislative session expires on June 9th.
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