CT SB00979

Department of Social Services shall provide Medicaid coverage for telehealth services that are clinically appropriate, cost-effective, and expand access to medically necessary services or benefit recipients facing undue hardship accessing care.

Commissioner must develop a plan by July 1, 2021 to increase access to medical specialists in southeastern Connecticut, including New London County, through expanded telehealth services, with implementation required by September 1, 2021.

Commissioner shall seek federal waivers or amend the Medicaid state plan as necessary to secure federal reimbursement for telehealth coverage costs, with applications submitted to relevant joint standing committees.

Commissioner may implement policies and procedures to carry out these provisions while formal regulations are being adopted, provided notice of intent is published according to section 17b-10.

Commissioner shall submit a report to joint standing committees by January 1, 2022 on implementation of the plan to expand access to medical specialists in southeastern Connecticut.