By Greta E. Cowart

Employers should carefully read the telehealth extension in the American Relief Act of 2025, signed by President Biden on Saturday.

While the Act continues to fund the government through March 14, 2025, the telehealth extension specifically pertains to changes in the laws governing Medicare, extending the use of telehealth services through March 31, 2025.

However, this legislation does not alter the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which dictate what is permissible coverage under a high deductible health plan. Consequently, unless further legislation is enacted, telehealth will not be a permitted benefit under a high deductible health plan as of January 1, 2025.

Meet Greta

Greta E. Cowart has counseled employers for more than 30 years on best practices in human resources and employee relations related to benefits and executive compensation. In her practice, Greta routinely develops strategies for effective administration of claims and other disputes, including defense of grievances, and in ERISA claim litigation, while also considering applicable labor and employment laws. Greta also provides fiduciary training and review of fiduciary operations to improve the documentation of the fiduciary process.