CT SB00005

Requires individual and group health insurance policies to cover telemedicine services (interactive audio, video, or data communication) effective January 1, 2016, applying to coverage types specified in sections 38a-469(1), (2), (4), (11), and (12) of the general statutes.

Coverage for telemedicine must equal coverage provided for in-person consultations and remain subject to the same terms and conditions as other policy benefits.

Limits telemedicine use to situations where healthcare providers are not within reasonable travel time and distance or the insured cannot travel to a provider's office without undue burden.

Prohibits policies from requiring telemedicine services in lieu of in-person consultation.

Requires health care providers to obtain prior consent from patients before providing medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment through telemedicine.