Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023

Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023

This bill allows employers to offer stand-alone telehealth benefits to all employees. This includes employees who are eligible for enrollment in their employer's group health plan.

Such stand-alone plans must comply with certain patient protections, including the prohibitions against (1) exclusion from coverage based on a preexisting condition, (2) discrimination based on health status, and (3) rescission of coverage.

Currently, employers may offer telehealth benefits to employees who are otherwise ineligible for the employer's group health plan. This flexibility applies during any plan year beginning before the end of the COVID-19 emergency.

Bill 118 HR 824, also known as the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023, aims to expand access to telehealth services for workers in the United States. The bill proposes to provide coverage for telehealth services under workers' compensation programs, allowing injured workers to receive medical care remotely.

The bill seeks to address the barriers that workers face in accessing healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas where healthcare facilities may be limited. By expanding telehealth benefits, injured workers can receive timely and convenient medical care without the need to travel long distances or wait for appointments.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve the efficiency of workers' compensation programs by reducing administrative burdens and streamlining the claims process. By utilizing telehealth services, injured workers can receive prompt medical evaluations and treatment, leading to faster recovery and return to work. Overall, the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 seeks to enhance access to healthcare for workers, improve the effectiveness of workers' compensation programs, and promote the use of telehealth services as a convenient and cost-effective healthcare option.