March 19, 2020: Telemedicine Parity Bill Signed Into Law

Governor Jay Inslee signed into law, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5385, which requires providers to be paid the same for services via telemedicine that historically have been paid for in person encounters (Telemedicine Payment Parity). This law applies to all insurance companies both state and commercial. WAMFT leadership reached out to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and ensured this bill does apply to our field.

This law was signed into effect immediately and is a boon to our field and ensures that we as mental health providers are able to continue meeting the needs of the population in this ever changing time - all the while protecting reimbursement rates.