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H 4340

An Act relative to telehealth parity for nutrition counseling

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Massachusetts bill requiring equal insurance coverage for telehealth nutrition counseling as in-person services to improve preventive care access statewide.

Reporting date extended to Friday, July 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4340

Legislative bill overview

H 4340 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to provide equal coverage for nutrition counseling delivered via telehealth as they do for in-person nutrition counseling. The bill aims to remove barriers to accessing dietitian and nutritionist services by ensuring remote delivery receives the same reimbursement rates, copayments, and deductibles as traditional office visits.

Why is this important

Nutrition counseling is increasingly recognized as critical preventive care for managing chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Telehealth parity for this service expands access for patients in rural areas, those with mobility limitations, and individuals with scheduling constraints, while potentially reducing healthcare costs through preventive intervention.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue that expanding covered telehealth services increases overall premium costs, though proponents counter that preventive nutrition care reduces expensive downstream medical interventions
  • Provider network definition: The bill may create disputes over which nutrition professionals (registered dietitians vs. nutritionists vs. dietary technicians) qualify for telehealth coverage, potentially affecting scope-of-practice boundaries
  • Reimbursement rate parity: Establishing equal payment for telehealth versus in-person visits may face resistance from providers who argue telehealth requires different operational costs, or from insurers concerned about utilization increases

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

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