MS HB1168

Expands the definition of "telemedicine" to include audio-only telephone and email communications, removing previous restrictions that excluded these methods from coverage

Removes the provision allowing health insurance and employee benefit plans to limit coverage to only providers within an approved telemedicine network

Requires health insurance and employee benefit plans to reimburse telemedicine services at the same rate as in-person consultations, prohibiting reduced reimbursement for equivalent services

Mandates coverage for direct patient-to-provider telemedicine consultations, not just provider-to-provider consultations

Effective date of July 1, 2021