In conjunction with the Locke Lord COVID-19 task force, we are reviewing, analyzing, and compiling regulatory updates to provide clients easy access to information during this unprecedented time. If you have any questions on the subject matter below, do not hesitate to reach out. The information below relates to state and federal bulletins, emergency orders, pending/enacted legislation, and other related actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Insurance
Texas: The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) extended the requirement that insurers cover telemedicine services, including mental health visits, at the same rate as in-person visits, through September 12, 2020. The Emergency Ruling, originally published on March 17, 2020, was previously set to expire on July 14, 2020. Under the Emergency Rule, state-regulated health insurers and health maintenance organizations must continue to: pay in-network health professionals at least the same rate for telemedicine services as for in-person services, including covered mental health services; cover telemedicine services using any platform permitted by state law; and not require more documentation for telemedicine services than they require for in-person services.
