Santa Fe, NM – It will soon be easier for people who are in rural communities to visit healthcare specialist in urban areas without having to travel long distances. House Bill 171, “Insurance Coverage for Telemedicine Services,” sponsored by Representative Stephen Easley (D-Santa Fe, Torrance, Valencia & Bernalillo-50) has cleared both chambers of the New Mexico Legislature and is on the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
 
HB 171 seeks to amend the Health Care Purchasing Act, the New Mexico insurance code, the Health Maintenance Organization Law and the Nonprofit Health Care Plan Law to require that telemedicine services be allowed under all insurance coverage. HB 171 passed with bipartisan support, clearing the House with a 67-0 vote and clearing the Senate with a vote of 41-1.
 
"Telemedicine" utilizes digital technology including video and audio to allow a health care provider to consult patients in even the most remote locations in the State. This is a critical tool for New Mexicans where 30 of 33 counties are medically underserved.
 
“Telemedicine services will be a wonderful addition to medical services delivered in New Mexico,” says Rep. Easley. “Telemedicine will give rural New Mexicans access to the best medical advice possible.”