(AP Illustration/Peter Hamlin)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Governor Shapiro signed legislation Wednesday to help cover the cost of telehealth healthcare services for Pennsylvania residents.

SB739 ensures that health insurers and managed care plans pay for covered health services provided through telemedicine, according to a press release.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care whenever and wherever they need it – and it shouldn't be up to an insurance company to choose what they cover,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “More and more Pennsylvanians are relying on telehealth to see their doctor, and this bill requires insurers to cover telehealth services in the same way they cover traditional in-person services. My administration will continue to work across party lines to expand access to health care for all Pennsylvanians, including those in our rural communities.”

So if a health insurance plan covers a service that is provided in person, it must now also cover that service via telehealth. Additionally, SB 739 creates accessibility standards for telehealth for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Senator Elder Vogel is the lead sponsor of the bill.

“This is a remarkable milestone for Pennsylvania that has been a decade in the making,” said Senator Elder Vogel. “This bill sets the framework for access to telehealth in our state – a healthcare option that our citizens can now explore and use to their advantage. I am grateful to my colleagues, Governor Josh Shapiro, our healthcare providers and other key stakeholders who helped make this bill a reality.”