News Alert: Congress Passes Bill Extending Telehealth for HSAs

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2023 appropriations bills. Passed by the Senate on December 21 and expected to be signed into law by President Biden, the bill passed the House 225 to 201, with one Member voting present.

“I am proud of this bill, which makes critical investments in the programs and services that lower the cost of living for hardworking families, create better-paying jobs, support state and local law enforcement, strengthen our national security, and protect our environment,” said Appropriations Committee Chair and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chair Rosa DeLauro.

Of note to consumer-directed healthcare advocates and consumers, the bill contains a provision allowing pre-deductible coverage of telehealth services in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) through 2024. Without this provision, such coverage would not have been permitted after December 31, 2022.