H 5017 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

This bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover and reimburse new telehealth services, including e-consults (provider-to-provider digital advice), e-visits (patient-initiated digital check-ins), and remote monitoring of health data. It directly affects patients seeking virtual care, healthcare providers delivering telehealth services, and insurance carriers. Key provisions mandate coverage for these services without extra prior authorization compared to in-person visits, include interpreter services for non-English speakers or Deaf patients, and require insurers to offer digital health literacy programs for patients with low tech skills. The bill also creates a shared portal for applying to affordable broadband programs to support digital access.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Jul 9, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Feb 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Financial Services
lower
0 primary · 24 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.