Enacts new GS 58-50-305, which requires health benefit plans to provide the same coverage for a health care service regardless of whether it is provided in a face-to-face consultation, in-person delivery of services, or through telemedicine. Prohibits health care providers from being required to document reasons for delivering services by telemedicine over an in-person visit. Prohibits an insurer from limiting the type of setting where services can be provided to the patient or by the health care provider for purposes of coverage for services provided by telemedicine.

Requires coverage of services by telemedicine to be at a rate no less than the applicable rate for health care services provided in an in-person consultation or delivery of services. Allows for a health benefit plan to include a deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance requirement for service provided by telemedicine so long as it does not exceed the same applicable to an in-person consultation or delivery of services. 

Effective October 1, 2017, and applies to contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after that date.