SPRINGFIELD – Telehealth services will be expanded and adopted across Illinois – with a focus on disadvantaged communities – because of a law sponsored by State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey).

“Telehealth will not only help patients but doctors as well,” Harris said. “Now appointments can be more efficient when in-person visits are not needed, and disproportionately impacted community members will have access to these services, which were not equitably provided throughout the pandemic.”

This law will prohibit insurers that cover telehealth services from creating restrictions or requirements for these services. Instead, they will be treated the same as an in-person health visits for physical symptoms.

Telehealth services are an efficient way to provide people with remote access to quality health care services. Illinois residents who cannot leave their homes, particularly for fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, can stay home and still receive care from their dedicated physician.  

“Expanding telehealth services makes Illinois health care more equitable,” Harris said. “Illinois is moving forward, and we must embrace the future of health care.”

The law helps minority residents who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to receive telehealth services when Illinois returns to normalcy.  

House Bill 3308 was signed by the governor and is effective immediately.