WASHINGTON, February 6, 2023 – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) urged Congress to pass the “Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023” (H.R. 824) to allow employers to offer standalone telehealth benefits to all employees, beyond the end of the public health emergency (PHE), in particular those not enrolled in their employer’s medical plan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor temporarily allowed employers to expand standalone telehealth offerings to individuals ineligible for the full medical/surgical benefit. This relief lasts only until the end of the PHE, which is currently scheduled to end on May 11.
“ERIC member companies are strong supporters of telehealth, which not only served as an essential lifeline to care for tens of millions of Americans during COVID-19, but also has forever changed the way Americans access medical care,” said James Gelfand, President of ERIC, in a letter addressed to Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), sponsors of the legislation. “ERIC enthusiastically supports your bill, as we believe it will increase access to telehealth services, improving employees’ health care and lives. We look forward to working with you and Congress to secure this critical relief for employees, retirees, and their families before the PHE ends.”
Click HERE to read ERIC’s letter to Congress.
