SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is proud to see legislation expanding telehealth services in Illinois signed into law on Thursday. Cullerton was a co-sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.

“From initial consultations with a specialty doctor to mental health check-ins with a therapist, the use of telehealth throughout this pandemic has provided so many more opportunities for people to access health care,” Cullerton said. “I am so glad to see this legislation signed today, because without it, so many people would lose their ease of access to health care.”

Telehealth services were largely used during the COVID-19 pandemic due to emergency federal and state orders. This legislation will maintain and expand telehealth services by requiring insurance companies to utilize similar billing processes for both in-person and telehealth services.

During the pandemic, telehealth services reduced the number of missed appointments while increasing care plan adherence and improving chronic disease management. For those who are homebound or find it difficult to leave the house, telehealth services allow them to check in with their doctors without the stress of leaving their home. Additionally, telehealth services give people easier access to counseling for mental health.

“Telehealth will not only help patients but doctors as well,”  said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), the primary sponsor of the legislation. “Now appointments can be more efficient when in-person visits are not needed, and disproportionately impacted community members will have access to these services, which were not equitably provided throughout the pandemic.”

House Bill 3308 was signed by Governor JB Pritzker on Thursday. The law is effective immediately.