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Committee adopts amendment to extend audio-only telehealth parity and lays bill over for inclusion
Summary
The committee adopted an A1 amendment extending medical-assistance coverage for audio-only telehealth through July 1, 2028, and expanded the amendment to seek parity with commercial plans; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard Senate File 2743, which would temporarily extend Medical Assistance coverage for audio-only telehealth communications until July 1, 2028, pending federal approval. The bill as introduced extends a current sunset date of July 1, 2025 through 2028.
Sue Abderholden, executive director of NAMI Minnesota, testified in support and described patient experience with audio-only telehealth: "People with mental illnesses actually use this mode, probably the most. ... 82% rated their experience 6 and above," she said, relaying results from a small survey and offering examples of why phone access can reduce missed appointments and crises, especially in rural areas.
Senator Mann offered the A1 amendment to extend the same sunset to commercial plans, seeking parity across payers. Sen. Mann said the amendment "would also extend the same sunset to commercial plans... We want parity between all the plans." Senator Otke indicated she considered the amendment friendly and supported parity. The committee adopted the A1 amendment by voice vote.
Committee members spoke in favor of preserving audio-only access to reduce access barriers and avoid negative impacts if the coverage sunseted. After amendment adoption, the committee laid Senate File 2743 over for possible inclusion in larger legislation or omnibus consideration.
