Missouri Senate Passes Legislation Requiring Telemedicine Coverage

The Missouri Senate has approved legislation requiring insurance companies to cover medical services provided electronically if they cover for the same service delivered in person.

Under the legislation, people receiving medical treatment through "telemedicine" would not face higher co-pays or deductibles than they would for a face-to-face doctor visit. Senators voted 34-0 to the send the measure to the House.

The provisions of the act do not apply to certain types of supplemental insurance policies such as accident-only policies or Medicare supplement policies.

The bill is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Kiki Curls, of Kansas City.