Telehealth And Your HSA: A Guide For HR Professionals

Telehealth has become a popular option for many employees seeking medical care, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It provides a convenient and safe way for individuals to receive medical treatment from the comfort of their own homes.

As an HR professional, it’s important to stay informed on new developments in telehealth and the benefits it offers to employees. One such benefit is the ability to pay for telehealth services using Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars.

The HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals pay for qualified medical expenses. The IRS has recently expanded the definition of qualified medical expenses to include telehealth services. This means that employees can now use their HSA dollars to pay for telehealth services, such as virtual doctor visits, teletherapy sessions, and telepsychiatry appointments.

The use of HSA dollars for telehealth services offers several benefits to employees:

Convenience: Telehealth eliminates the need for employees to travel to a doctor’s office or hospital for medical treatment. This can save time and make it easier for employees to access medical care.

Cost savings: By using HSA dollars to pay for telehealth services, employees can reduce their out-of-pocket expenses and save money on taxes.

Increased access to medical care: Telehealth makes medical treatment more accessible to employees, especially those who live in rural or remote areas.

In conclusion, telehealth services can now be paid for using HSA dollars, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for employees. As an HR professional, it’s important to inform employees of this new development and the benefits it offers. By doing so, you can help improve the overall health and well-being of your workforce.