Extension of Bulletin 2020-1, Insurance Coverage Regarding the Use of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Crisis

MIKE CHANEY Commissioner of Insurance State Fire Marshal MARK HAIRE Deputy Commissioner of Insurance RICKY DAVIS State Chief Deputy Fire Marshal MISSISSIPPI INSURANCE DEPARTMENT 501 N. WEST STREET, SUITE 1001 WOOLFOLK BUILDING JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 www.mid.ms.gov MAILING ADDRESS Post Office Box 79 Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0079 TELEPHONE: (601) 359-3569 FAX: (601) 359-2474 BULLETIN 2020-9 MISSISSIPPI INSURANCE DEPARTMENT EXTENSION OF BULLETIN 2020-1 INSURANCE COVERAGE REGARDING THE USE OF TELEMEDICINE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS April 24, 2020 On March 14, 2020, Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency to address the high risk for an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, in this State. In an effort to encourage the use of telemedicine during this pandemic, the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure on March 15, 2020, issued a Proclamation to encourage all physicians to utilize telemedicine so as to avoid any unnecessary patient exposure to the coronavirus. On March 16, 2020, the Mississippi Insurance Department (“MID”) issued Bulletin 2020-1, “Insurance Coverage Regarding the Use of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Crisis”, directing insurers to adopt procedures that would encourage their policyholders to use telemedicine in an effort to reduce the virus’ spread, and suspending certain limitations applicable to telemedicine services found in Miss. Code Ann. §83-9-351 (Supp. 2019). The directives provided in Bulletin 2020-1 were to be in effect through April 30, 2020, at which time the Commissioner stated he would reassess the situation. The use of telemedicine has been an effective method of limiting citizens’ exposure to the coronavirus, and has contributed to medical clinics and hospitals not being overwhelmed and having the resources necessary to treat coronavirus victims. However, it is the determination of the Commissioner that the need for the continued use of telemedicine continues to be necessary. Therefore, the provisions contained in Bulletin 2020-1 shall be extended through June 30, 2020. Should you have any questions regarding this Bulletin, please contact Bob Williams, Director of the Life and Health Division, at (601) 359-9375, or at Bob.Williams@mid.ms.gov . MIKE CHANEY COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE