11 LC 33
4172
House
Bill 609
By:
Representatives Dawkins-Haigler of the
93rd,
Stephenson of the
92nd,
and Beasley-Teague of the
65th
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To
amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding insurance, so as to require
health benefit policy coverage for telemedicine services; to provide for
definitions; to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of
Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to provide
for coverage for telemedicine services for Medicaid recipients; to provide for a
definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for
other purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Article
1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to general provisions regarding insurance, is amended by adding a new Code
section to read as follows:
"33-24-59.14.
(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
'Health benefit policy' means any individual or group plan, policy, or contract
for health care services issued, delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in
this state which provides major medical benefits, including those contracts
executed by the State of Georgia on behalf of state employees under Article 1 of
Chapter 18 of Title 45, by a health care corporation, health maintenance
organization, preferred provider organization, accident and sickness insurer,
fraternal benefit society, hospital service corporation, medical service
corporation, or other insurer or similar entity.
(2)
'Telemedicine services' means the use of interactive audio, video, medical, and
public health care supported by mobile devices or other telecommunications
technology by a health care provider to deliver health care services at a site
other than the site of a patient's location, including the use of electronic
media for consultation relating to the health care diagnosis or treatment of the
patient.
(b)
Every health benefit policy that is delivered, issued, executed, or renewed in
this state or approved for issuance or renewal in this state on or after July 1,
2011, shall provide coverage for telemedicine
services."
SECTION
2.
Article
7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to medical assistance generally, is amended by revising Code Section 49-4-156,
which is reserved, as follows:
"49-4-156.
(a)
As used in this Code section, the term 'telemedicine services' means the use of
interactive audio, video, medical, and public health care supported by mobile
devices or other telecommunications technology by a health care provider to
deliver health care services at a site other than the site of a patient's
location, including the use of electronic media for consultation relating to the
health care diagnosis or treatment of the patient.
(b)
The medical assistance provided under this article shall include coverage for
telemedicine services furnished by providers of medical assistance to recipients
of medical assistance."
SECTION
3.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.