Governor Signs Bill Expanding Reimbursement for Telehealth Services

Governor Tony Evers has signed a bipartisan bill expanding Medicaid
reimbursement for telehealth services.

Current state law requires Medicaid reimbursement for
mental health services provided through telecommunications. The reimbursement
to all Medicaid-allowed benefits for provider-to-provider consultations and transmitting
patients’ medical data in both real time and not in real time. The bill also
expands Medicaid reimbursement for any services provided through communication
technology covered under Medicare.

State health officials have estimated the changes could
cost between $15 and $29.4 million dollars annually, but notes the costs will
likely be phased in as providers use telecommunication more.

Evers said in a statement that technology can help people
struggling with provider shortages in rural parts of Wisconsin.