One of the hottest benefit trends in 2017 is the adoption of
free or low-cost "telemedicine" programs to provide
employees easy and affordable access to medical care. However, you
need to proceed with caution when introducing such a program to
your organization, as it could raise a host of compliance and
excise tax issues.
What Is "Telemedicine"?
The term "telemedicine" generally refers to
health-related services delivered to employees over the telephone
or internet. They typically allow individuals to communicate with a
healthcare specialist on topics such as non-specific wellness
information about health conditions, primary care diagnoses, and
advice regarding prescription drug services. To encourage usage,
employers often subsidize the cost of the services or offer them
free of charge, which could create issues for employees covered by
a Health Savings Account (HSA).
