STATEHOUSE (Feb. 18, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted to advance legislation that would make health care more accessible by expanding telehealth options, according to State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers).
Jeter said this proposal would cut red tape to allow providers to see patients virtually for certain conditions. In the spring of 2020, Gov. Eric Holcomb issued an executive order allowing more health care workers, such as dentists and veterinarians, to utilize telehealth services to help Hoosiers take care of their medical needs. According to Jeter, this legislation would make some of those temporary changes permanent.
"Telehealth makes it possible for more Hoosiers to have access to health care that may be out of reach because of lack of transportation or scheduling conflicts," Jeter said. "This legislation would ensure more individuals and families can continue receiving medical services and take care of their health, even if they are unable to visit a facility in person."
According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, more Hoosiers are showing up for their appointments because they can see their doctor virtually. The agency reported roughly 350,000 telehealth claims in first half of 2020, in comparison to the 76,000 claims it saw in 2019.
House Bill 1286 would allow Hoosiers to receive health assessments, diagnoses, intervention, consultations, supervision, clinical services, rehabilitations services and information through telecommunication channels. It would also ensure patients' quality of service remains the same as in-person appointments.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on House Bill 1286. This legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
