Bipartisan Telehealth Bill for Workers Moves Through Congress

August 9, 2023
Hall Benefits Law, LLC

The Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 continues to move through Congress with bipartisan support. The bill supports continued access to telehealth services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing employers to offer standalone telehealth coverage for workers, including part-time, seasonal, and contract workers. The bill aims to increase access to mental health services, remedy provider shortages, particularly in rural areas, and decrease care costs by expanding provider networks.

When the CARES Act was enacted in March 2020, it created a waiver that allowed individuals with high-deductible health plans to purchase telehealth services without affecting their eligibility for HSAs. The most recent omnibus bill extended that waiver until the end of 2024, when it expires. However, the Telehealth Benefit Expansion Workers Act would make that waiver permanent, allowing telehealth services to operate independently, much like dental and vision plans.

However, some members of Congress expressed skepticism about the benefits of telehealth for consumers. According to Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act allows employers to remove telehealth services from their group insurance plans and offer them as separate policies. Doing so removes important consumer protections that normally apply to group health plans, such as those under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For instance, federal law requires that plans provide parity between mental health and medical care services. Standalone telehealth policies would not be subject to such a requirement.

HBL has experience in all areas of benefits and employment law, offering a comprehensive solution to all your business benefits and HR/employment needs. We help ensure you are in compliance with the complex requirements of ERISA and the IRS code, as well as those laws that impact you and your employees. Together, we reduce your exposure to potential legal or financial penalties. Learn more by calling 470-571-1007.

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Hall Benefits Law, LLC

HBL offers employers comprehensive legal guidance on benefits in mergers and acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), executive compensation, health and welfare benefits, healthcare reform, and retirement plans. We counsel a wide spectrum of clients including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, just to name a few. HBL is passionate about advising clients, and we are dedicated to our mission: to provide comprehensive, personalized, and practical ERISA and benefits legal solutions that exceed client expectations.

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