Patton Proposes Telemedicine Legislation During Health Crisis
State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) acknowledged the work from the General Assembly to advance telemedicine, which is now helping during this time as Ohio is combatting the coronavirus.
“I am proud to have been a part of the General Assembly’s efforts to push for telemedicine in our state,” said Patton. “Because of the investments we’ve made, it has made our state more prepared and ready to deal with this health crisis.”
To address this issue, Patton recently introduced House Bill 580 that requires health plan issuers to cover telemedicine services during a state of emergency.
In the past, Patton also supported last year’s budget that included telemedicine health benefit plan coverage for individuals. Additionally, during the 132nd General Assembly, Patton sponsored House Bill 546, which prohibits health benefit plans from treating telemedicine differently from in-person health care services because they are provided as telemedicine services. The bill provides parity in coverage for these services.
Patton spoke on the House floor regarding the bill.
“Ensuring telemedicine services are covered, will allow patients across Ohio faster access to care, decreased travel costs, and allow for better and more convenient treatment and monitoring of chronic conditions,” said Patton.
Patton wants to ensure people are aware of the telemedicine options available to them as Ohio will continue throughout the year to fight the coronavirus pandemic.