What the July 4th legislation means for your clients—and how you can leverage it to grow your book.
It’s official—and it’s a game-changer.
On July 4, 2025, Congress permanently enshrined the telehealth safe harbor into law as part of the newly signed H.R. 1 (“The Big Beautiful Bill”), via Section 71306. This long-anticipated move means High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) can now cover telehealth services before the deductible is met—permanently—without putting Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility at risk.
Why This Matters for Brokers
For years, brokers have had to juggle uncertainty. The original telehealth exemption created by the 2020 CARES Act was always temporary—renewed, then set to expire—leaving many employers hesitant to fully invest in virtual care programs.
That uncertainty is now over. Brokers and employers can confidently design HDHPs that include $0 virtual care from day one of the plan year, with no worries about compliance or HSA eligibility.
This means:
• Better plan flexibility: Offer richer benefits without jeopardizing tax-advantaged savings.
• Stronger value for clients: Telehealth becomes a core part of HDHP strategies, not a workaround.
• Real differentiation: Help clients stand out with modern, member-friendly benefit designs.
What This Means for Employees
Employees with HDHPs can now see a virtual doctor, counselor, or care coach before meeting their deductible—without stress, confusion, or out-of-pocket costs.
That means:
• No more choosing between a high bill or skipping care.
• No fear that early virtual visits will disqualify them from HSA contributions.
• An improved benefits experience that promotes access, prevention, and engagement.
Action Steps for Open Enrollment 2025
For brokers preparing for Q4 and open enrollment planning, here’s how to leverage this change:
1. Talk to your clients now. Explain the impact and the opportunity.
2. Update your go-to-market strategies. Incorporate virtual care as a core feature in your HDHP consulting.
3. Partner with the right virtual care provider. AllyHealth’s platform is fully compliant, customizable, and built to drive utilization—with $0 copays, 24/7 access, and full integration alongside HDHPs.
Final Thought
This is the moment to lean into virtual care—permanently. With the legal ambiguity behind us, brokers have a clear path to offer smarter plan designs that protect the bottom line and prioritize employee wellbeing.
Want help building a telehealth-forward HDHP strategy?
Let’s talk. Click here to book a call with a PES rep from your region.
