State Telemedicine Policy Information

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Nebraska Telemedicine Policy

Nebraska Telemedicine Policy

In recent years, Nebraska has made huge strides in their telemedicine efforts. The state passed a parity law in 2017 that requires private payers to cover telemedicine services. The same year, Nebraska joined the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, making it easier for providers from all over the country to practice medicine in the Cornhusker state. Nebraska is also unique for requiring private insurance and state employee health plans to cover treatment of autism via telehealth. 

State Policy Overview

Medicaid

Yes

Private Payer

Yes

Parity

Yes

Additional State Telemedicine Info

Parity Laws

Nebraska enacted a parity law in 2017 that requires private payers to cover telemedicine services. However, the law does not specify “payment parity,” which means plans are not required to pay providers at the same reimbursement rate for identical telemedicine-based or in-person services by law. Most companies, however, do tend to reimburse at the same rate. 

Medicaid

Nebraska Medicaid reimburses for a variety of medical services provided through live-video, store-and-forward, and remote patient monitoring telehealth solutions. As long as providers are using a HIPAA-compliant telehealth solution and following Medicaid guidelines, the program will reimburse at the same rates as comparable in-person services!

Type Of Telemedicine Covered

Nebraska Medicaid reimburses for video telemedicine, teleradiology, and remote patient monitoring under certain conditions.

Covered Health Services

Nebraska has good coverage for a variety of home health services, including telerehabilitation, mental health services, and autism treatment. Medicaid also reimburses for teleradiology, ACT Team interventions, OT, PT, speech and audiology, podiatry and optometric services. The program does not identify specific medical services eligible for delivery through live video telemedicine. Check your Medicaid Provider Manual for more details.

Eligible Healthcare Providers

To bill for telehealth services, Nebraska health providers must be specifically enrolled as a telehealth site with the state’s Medicaid program. 

Online Prescriptions

Nebraska law allows healthcare providers to establish a relationship with a new patient via telehealth, and prescribe medications based on that consult.

Informed Patient Consent

Written consent is required for all telemedicine services in Nebraska. The state Medicaid program allows for consent to be given and received via email, and has a few specific requirements, such as informing patients whether the consultation will be recorded.

Cross-State Telemedicine Licensing

As of January 2017, Nebraska became part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which expedites medical licensing across state lines. This makes it easier for out-of-state providers to get licensing and provide virtual care in Nebraska! Additionally, Nebraska Medicaid will cover telehealth services provided by out-of-state practitioners when the originating site (patient’s location) is located in Nebraska.

Restrictions On Locations

Unfortunately, Nebraska state law says that telehealth services are not covered if a patient can receive comparable medical care within 30 miles of their home. The only exceptions are in the case of emergencies, or for patients who have medical or mobility issues that make it difficult to get to medical facilities. This restriction, however, does not apply to Nebraska’s Medicaid program.

Reimbursement Rates

Nebraska’s Medicaid program must reimburse telehealth services at the same rate as in-person care.

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