The Commonwealth Fund: State Telemedicine Coverage Requirements Continue to Evolve
As telemedicine coverage requirements evolve, some states have begun to require coverage of audio-only telephone visits, exempt behavioral health care from limits on telephone visits, and protect patients’ access to their providers. This report from the Commonwealth Fund details state legislation enacted since March 2021, finding that many states have taken more nuanced routes with regard to telehealth regulations, likely influenced by their early pandemic experiences. The report also details the positive impact telehealth has had on access to behavioral health services, as 40 percent of behavioral health visits during the pandemic occurred through telehealth.