Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2025-01-04T11:12:26Z

Explore the details of House Bill 824 Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/4/2025, 11:12 AM

Summary of Bill HR 824

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 824

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.

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Current Status of Bill HR 824

Bill HR 824 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 2, 2023. Bill HR 824 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on February 2, 2023. Bill HR 824's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 824

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 824

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

Employee benefits and pensionsHealth care costs and insuranceHealth technology, devices, supplies

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 824

Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat benefits for telehealth services offered under a group health plan or group health insurance coverage as excepted benefits.

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