Michigan Governor Rick Synder has signed a bill in the state that requires health insurance providers to recognize claims for health services delivered by telemedicine methods. The legislation, House Bills 5408 and 5421, were originally sponsored by state Reps. Gail Haines and Matt Lori and would expand private coverage of telehealth service by preventing insurers from requiring face-to-face contact between healthcare providers and patients for treatment coverage.

“Telemedicine offers an incredible opportunity to easily provide healthcare to Michigan's elderly, disabled and rural communities," Snyder said in a statement. "I applaud the Legislature's initiative to use technology to save lives."

The bills passed with unanimous support in both chambers and earned the support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Association of Health Plans, Priority Health and numerous other organizations.