SB21-139 Summary

• Extends existing telehealth coverage requirements to dental plans by adding "dental plan" alongside "health benefit plan" throughout Colorado's telehealth reimbursement statutes.

• Requires health insurance carriers to reimburse providers for dental services delivered via telehealth on the same basis as in-person services, effective January 1, 2017.

• Prohibits carriers from imposing higher deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or annual dollar maximums for telehealth dental services compared to the same services provided in-person.

• Allows consultations via telephone or facsimile to be covered only if provided through HIPAA-compliant interactive audio-visual communication or HIPAA-compliant cellular phone applications.

• Applies to dental plans issued or renewed on or after the effective date of the act.