MS SB2646

Requires all health insurance and employee benefit plans in Mississippi to cover store-and-forward telemedicine services and remote patient monitoring services at the same reimbursement level as in-person consultations.

Defines store-and-forward telemedicine as asynchronous communication using recorded images and medical data transmitted electronically between providers, and remote patient monitoring as home health services using telecommunications to monitor vital signs, medication adherence, and other clinical data.

Establishes minimum reimbursement rates for remote patient monitoring of $10.00 per day and $16.00 per day with medication adherence management, plus a one-time installation/training fee of $50.00 per patient, limited to Mississippi-based telehealth programs affiliated with Mississippi health care facilities.

Requires patients receiving store-and-forward telemedicine to be notified of the right to interactive communication with distant specialists, with such communication available within 30 days of request or networks are ineligible for reimbursement.

Allows health insurers to charge deductibles and copayments for telemedicine services no higher than for in-person visits, limit coverage to approved provider networks, and requires the "GQ" modifier on claims for asynchronous telemedicine services; effective July 1, 2014.