During COVID, telemedicine (the ability to get healthcare online via video call or by telephone) was a lifesaver. Especially before the vaccine was available, everyone was at risk when entering a medical treatment facility. The medical community responded by making sure that telemedicine options were available.
In most states, laws were passed to ensure that patients were covered for telehealth visits just like any other form of healthcare. In Florida, the legal measures taken for that purpose have expired. Healthcare providers are left wondering how to best serve their at-risk patients.
What Is Parity Law?
In general, parity law seeks to ensure that all patients are provided insurance coverage equally, no matter what the nature of their ailment. In most cases, it speaks to the treatment of mental health and addiction issues, ensuring patients get coverage for treatment of these disorders as easily as they can for any medical disorder.
What Is the Mental Health Parity Law?
Mental health parity laws make sure that patients who need treatment for mental health issues, including addiction, can get insurance coverage for their care, just as they would if they were to seek treatment for diabetes or cancer.
What Is Telehealth Parity Law?
Telehealth parity laws make sure that insurance coverage is provided for medical appointments that occur over the phone or via a video conferencing call, just as it would if the appointments were in person.
During COVID, telehealth parity laws have been a huge focus in the Florida healthcare world since the governor signed a waiver to ensure that patients would be able to access telemedicine with ease.
Are There Telehealth Parity Laws in Florida?
At the end of June 2021, the governor’s waiver providing for telehealth parity expired. What does this mean for your medical office or healthcare facility? Contact us at Florida Healthcare Law Firm to find out more about your options.