The law also requires the inclusion of family caregivers in other locations. | Adobe Stock
The law also requires the inclusion of family caregivers in other locations. | Adobe Stock
Insurance companies will now be required to inform policyholders about their telehealth options, as well as additional information about the respective family caregivers' ability to be included.
The protocol was set in place through Senate Bill 332, sponsored by state Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The law is effective immediately.
"The shift to telehealth during the pandemic has actually been something of an upside for patients who struggle with mobility challenges or a lack of ready access to transportation,” Collins posted on Facebook.
Senate Bill 332 was sponsored by state Sen. Jacqueline Collins.
| Facebook
The law also requires the inclusion of family caregivers in other locations, Collins' website reported. Insurance providers must detail whether a health care provider has the ability and willingness to include a family caregiver who is in a different location than the patient in a telehealth or telemedicine encounter, a related release states.
“This law acknowledges that this is a new normal and that patients need to be informed of their options as they determine their coverage," Collins continued. "I want to thank Gov. Pritzker for signing this into law."
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