HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A bill was signed into law by Governor Shapiro Wednesday, helping to cover the cost of health services through telemedicine for Pennsylvanians.

SB 739 makes health insurance and managed care plans pay for covered health care services that telemedicine provides, according to a news release.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves to have access to quality, affordable health care when and where they need it – and it shouldn’t be up to an insurance company to pick and choose what they cover,” Governor Josh Shapiro said. “More and more Pennsylvanians are relying on telemedicine to see their doctors and this bill requires insurers to cover services delivered via telemedicine the same way they cover traditional in-person services.  My Administration will continue to work across party lines to expand access to health care for all Pennsylvanians, including those in our rural communities.”

So, if a health insurer covers a service that is done in-person, it now must also cover that same service through telemedicine. Also SB 739 creates accessibility standards for telehealth for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Senator Elder Vogel is the bill’s prime sponsor.

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“This is a remarkable milestone for Pennsylvania that has been a decade in the making,” Senator Elder Vogel said. “This law lays the framework for telemedicine access in our Commonwealth – an avenue of health care our residents will now be able to explore and utilize for their benefit. I appreciate the support of my colleagues, Gov. Josh Shapiro, our health care providers, and other critical stakeholders who helped make this law a reality.”

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