Bulletin 2020-04

The record

Jurisdiction

Massachusetts; Division of Insurance · Massachusetts

Level

Sector regulator

Authority

Governor's Order of March 15, 2020; M.G.L. c. 26, § 8A

Issued

2020-03-16 Mar. 16, 2020

Effective

2020-03-16

End

For the duration of Governor Baker's Emergency Order (the state of emergency ended June 15, 2021); telehealth expectations continued under Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2020 and Bulletins 2021-04 and 2021-10 (Ex. 105) (read as 2021-06-15)

In force

Mar. 16, 2020 to June 15, 2021

Quarters

2020 Q22020 Q32020 Q42021 Q12021 Q2

2020 Q22020 Q32020 Q42021 Q12021 Q22021 Q3

Limitation types

Health care orders

Addressees

• all commercial health insurance carriers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HMOs and the Group Insurance Commission

Functions reached

• IN health carriers (telehealth coverage and payment parity)
• TM telehealth of every Massachusetts provider (industries 01-04)
• CB payers

Collection

State insurance and banking regulators AGY-ST-INSURANCE-BANKING

Operative words

On March 15, 2020, Governor Baker issued an 'Order Expanding Access to Telehealth Services and to Protect Health Care Providers' ('Emergency Order') that is effective as of March 16, 2020. This Bulletin provides guidance to Carriers and the Group Insurance Commission regarding how to implement this March 15 Emergency Order... the Division expects Carriers, during the duration of Governor Baker's Emergency Order, to do the following: When delivered via telehealth by in-network providers, forego any prior authorization [requirements and cover medically necessary services delivered by telehealth at rates no lower than in-person rates].

Enforcement

Notes