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HB 1021

Relating to telemedicine medical services and telehealth services covered by certain health benefit plans or provided by a pharmacist.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Matt Shaheen

Texas bill expands insurance coverage of telemedicine and authorizes pharmacists to provide remote healthcare services, increasing accessible care options.

Referred to Insurance
#healthcareproviders(i0387) #insurance--health&accident(i0422) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #telemedicine(s0219)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1021

Legislative bill overview

HB 1021 expands coverage requirements for telemedicine and telehealth services under certain Texas health benefit plans, and explicitly authorizes pharmacists to provide telehealth services. The bill appears designed to increase access to remote healthcare services and clarify which providers can deliver care through digital platforms.

Why is this important

As healthcare increasingly shifts toward remote delivery, this bill addresses insurance coverage gaps that may discourage patients from using telemedicine and removes regulatory ambiguity about pharmacist telehealth roles. This directly affects healthcare accessibility and costs for Texans, particularly in rural or underserved areas where in-person specialist care may be limited.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance coverage mandates: Insurers may argue that mandating telemedicine coverage increases premiums, while consumer advocates contend that removing coverage barriers reduces overall healthcare costs through prevention and early intervention
  • Pharmacist scope of practice: Medical professionals may contest whether pharmacists should independently provide telehealth services without physician oversight, raising questions about patient safety and liability
  • Regulatory clarity: The bill's language regarding which "certain health benefit plans" must comply could create uneven requirements across different plan types, potentially affecting small businesses and individuals differently

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

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