A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to require health insurance coverage for telemedicine services.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 3 of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 58‑50‑305.  Coverage for telemedicine services.
(a)	As used in this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)	"Health benefit plan" has the same meaning as G.S. 58‑3‑167(a)(1).
(2)	"Insurer" has the same meaning as G.S. 58‑3‑167(a)(2).
(3)	"Telemedicine" means two‑way, real‑time interactive communication between the patient and the physician or practitioner at the distant site. This electronic communication means the use of interactive telecommunications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment.
(b)	Every health benefit plan shall provide coverage for health care services that are provided through telemedicine if the health care service would be covered were it provided through in‑person consultation between a covered individual and a health care provider. A health benefit plan may not exclude telemedicine services from coverage under the plan solely because the service is not provided through a face‑to‑face consultation."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2015, and applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after that date.