Washington, DC – The following statement from The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) is in support of the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2021 (H.R. 5981). The statement should be attributed to James Gelfand, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at ERIC:
“The ERISA Industry Committee applauds Representatives Susie Lee and Michelle Steel for their leadership in working to expand first-dollar coverage of telehealth services for employees enrolled in a high deductible health plan.
Large employers were early adopters of telehealth and saw how it opened up access to health care providers for employees and their families. This access has been critical during the pandemic, especially to connect working families with mental health providers. Recent survey data from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that large employers significantly expanded telehealth benefits over the past several years, which shows that employers see the value telehealth can bring. Employers want to ensure their employees can continue having virtual access to care, and the Telehealth Expansion Act will do just that.
ERIC is ready to work with lawmakers to help pass the bill quickly. The new year should start with more Americans being able to virtually access and afford health care, no matter where they live or work. If Congress fails to act on this bill, tens of millions of Americans will have a new barrier to care – this outcome would be simply unacceptable.”
Click here to read ERIC’s letter of support.