Aetna Cuts Reimbursement For Audio Only, Text-Based Telehealth

Aetna is the first major commercial insurer to cut reimbursement for audio-only and asynchronous text-based telehealth services, prompting concerns the rollback could lead others to follow suit and might sway lawmakers not to permanently cover the services under Medicare. Telehealth companies that focus on providing services through asynchronous text-based conversations are concerned that Aetna’s decision may start a movement among other commercial insurance companies, leaving them without reimbursement in employer-sponsored health plans. The reimbursement cuts are most likely to impact...