The state Senate moved to bolster telehealth services that have become more popular and vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Lawmakers approved a measure that makes peer advocate services through telehealth eligible for reimbursement on a permanent basis, expanding what had been an executive order first issued last year by Gov. Andrew Cuomo for telehealth programs and services. 

Telehealth -- essentially meeting with a health care professional over a video conference service -- boomed during the pandemic as people sought to socially distance, especially as more services became eligible for insurance reimbursement. 

Harckham's bill extends the authorization of recovery advocate services and credentialed family peer advocates for insurance reimbursement after the emergency order for the pandemic is lifted. 

“The success of telehealth evidenced during the coronavirus pandemic is proof that we should continue to offer this flexibility as a care option,” said Sen. Pete Harckham, a Democrat from Westchester County.

“This means requiring insurers to offer proper reimbursement for peer telehealth services, though. Struggling with costs will push people away from help otherwise. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support for this legislation, which will certainly save lives here in the state.”