MBIPC Celebrates Passage of Bills Aimed at Ensuring Equitable Access to Health Care Through Telemedicine

Bills were signed into law by Gov. Whitmer last week

BRIGHTON, Mich.—(June 10, 2024)—The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC) today celebrated the passage of a package of bills aimed at ensuring equitable access to health care through telemedicine. The bills were signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week.

“MBIPC supports all efforts that provide Michigan citizens with early and equitable access to healthcare,” said Tom Judd, MBIPC executive director. “Guaranteeing that health insurance adequately recognizes and accepts telemedicine as an effective and efficient treatment ensures patients and providers can work together to improve the health of Michigan citizens.”

Judd said that House Bill 4579, which was introduced by State Rep. Natalie Price and would require reimbursement rates for telehealth services to be equal to office visits for the same services, was of particular importance.

“For many people, it’s not easy to get to the doctor’s office,” Judd said. “For some, it’s effectively impossible. House Bill 4579 will enable providers to serve people in rural areas, people with transportation barriers, and others who lack consistent access to in-person care.”

In addition to Whitmer and Price, MBIPC expressed gratitude to other bill sponsors, including State Rep. Felicia Brabec, State Rep. Christine Morse, and State Rep. Tullio Liberati.

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Members of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council are committed to providing high quality, ethical rehabilitation services, with the mission of achieving the best outcomes for patients. As a trade association established in 1987 and based in Brighton, Michigan, MBIPC offers resource-sharing, information exchange, professional development and education, advocacy for brain injury standards of care and legislation protecting Michigan families, and the promotion of ethical conduct.