Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell
(D-Theresa) announced legislation she authored to expand the availability of
telehealth services has passed the Assembly (A.9129-A).
The bill
would require insurers to cover telehealth services for policy holders,
bringing much-needed health care to rural and underserved communities. The
legislation would also require Medicaid to reimburse telehealth service costs,
ensuring that seniors and those in need also have access to this highly
beneficial and oftentimes cost saving form of care.
“Here in the North Country, long
distances and unpredictable weather make access to quality healthcare a
challenge,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
“By expanding telehealth, families and seniors will have better access
to primary and specialty care without driving hours to the nearest facility,
and provides savings to the healthcare system.”
Denise Young, Executive Director at
Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization said, “We could not be more
pleased. This is truly a monumental step
forward in our healthcare systems’ ability to take care of the people of the
North Country. The use of telemedicine will improve access and integration of
healthcare across the entire region.”
Telehealth
is a rapidly expanding field that can provide health care and medical advice at
a distance using technology. Doctors and health care professionals can be
on-call at all times and ready to answer patient questions, diagnose illnesses
or recommend in-person treatment, while the patient is in a more convenient
location.
David C. Johnson, Certified
Telehealth Liaison at North Country Healthcare Providers said, “Tremendous
news! This is important legislation that
will overcome significant barriers to obtaining vital healthcare services,
especially across the more rural areas of the State.”
The
legislation was informed by recommendations of the North Country Health Systems
Redesign Commission, of which Assemblywoman Russell has been a member since its
formation in late 2013. The Commission was tasked with creating an effective,
integrated health care delivery system for preventative, medical, behavioral,
and long term care services to all communities throughout the North Country.
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