Why It’s a Great Year to Offer In-Person and Virtual Care
In December 2022, President Biden extended telehealth relief through the end of 2024.
Employers who offer high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can now offer pre-deductible coverage for remote services through the end of 2024.
Because of this provision, visit fees are not required.
Here’s what happened:
On December 29, 2022, President Biden extended a provision from the CARES Act that extends telehealth relief through the end of 2024.
Here’s what it means for employers:
The extension of telehealth relief is great news for employers who offer a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). That’s a lot–according to Health Payer Intelligence, that’s two thirds of large employers and more than half of mid-size employers. In short, the provision allows these employers to provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth and remote healthcare services for those with HDHPs and to continue to offer those services through the end of 2024. Furthermore, employees can continue to contribute (or receive contributions) to their HSAs while having greater, easier access to care. It’s a significant relief for those who may have avoided telehealth or remote care due to high out-of-pocket costs.
Remote care and telehealth make it more convenient for people to seek many kinds of care, but particularly mental health therapy services, which are easily delivered remotely. It also means they don’t have to wait in crowded waiting rooms, schedule appointments weeks in advance, or take time off work to get everyday care.
"Pre-deductible coverage helps employees because it allows insurance providers to cover telehealth services without requiring a copay or deductible upfront," said SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs Emily M. Dickens in a recent article from The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). "Employers need the flexibility to design benefit plans that improve employees' well-being and help retain top talent. I am grateful to our members for engaging with lawmakers from across the nation to secure this extension.”
Here’s what it means if you have Nice Healthcare:
It means lower out-of-pocket costs for your employees! Because employers can now provide pre-deductible coverage for remote care services, visit fees are no longer required. Employers who offer Nice or other remote care services can waive visit fees, putting more money back into employees’ pockets, and removing a barrier to getting the right care at the right time. Employees won’t have to weigh their options and debate whether seeking care is “worth it,” as Nice’s services will be completely free for them.
Why we love it:
We at Nice are delighted because the telehealth extension rule supports us in our mission–to make getting amazing everyday care easy and affordable. It increases accessibility while decreasing out-of-pocket costs. When there’s no reason not to seek care, employees and their families are healthier and happier.
If you aren’t already offering remote care services and would like to learn more, contact us any time!