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H 5017

An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 23 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill expands telehealth access and funds digital equity programs to ensure underserved populations can access remote healthcare services through broadband and provider coverage requirements.

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 5017

Legislative bill overview

H 5017 expands telehealth access and addresses digital equity in Massachusetts by establishing standards for remote healthcare delivery and ensuring underserved populations can participate in virtual care. The bill likely includes provisions for insurance coverage of telehealth services, broadband access initiatives, and requirements for healthcare providers to offer digital care options.

Why is this important

Telehealth expands healthcare access for rural and disabled residents, reduces transportation barriers, and can lower costs. However, digital inequities mean that low-income and elderly populations often lack broadband access or digital literacy, potentially widening healthcare disparities if not deliberately addressed.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance coverage mandates: Requiring parity between telehealth and in-person visit reimbursement may increase insurance costs, potentially raising premiums
  • Broadband infrastructure costs: Establishing digital equity programs requires state funding and infrastructure investment at a time of competing budget priorities
  • Provider burden: Mandating telehealth offerings may create administrative and technical compliance costs for smaller practices and rural clinics
  • Quality and safety concerns: Some medical specialties and patient populations may have legitimate limitations for remote care that the bill must carefully delineate

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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