Latest news with #HSA-eligible
Axios
31-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
GOP tax-spending bill sets path for direct primary care boost
Providers of "direct primary care" who charge patients a monthly fee for unlimited visits and workups are poised to become big winners from the new Republican tax-and-spending law. Why it matters: The law for the first time allows patients to tap their health savings accounts for the concierge-like primary care arrangements, and lets employers extend both benefits, in the belief they're more efficient than the traditional fee-for-service system. The change aligns with a Project 2025 goal to promote more personalized and flexible direct primary care, and a GOP penchant for expanding the use of high-deductible health plans and their tax-advantaged savings accounts. The legislation"takes an impediment out of the way" for employers who want to improve their employees' primary care, said Jim Winkler, chief strategy officer for the Business Group on Health. "It certainly is helpful at a time when employers are very interested in that space." Driving the news: Starting next year, people who have a high-deductible plan and direct primary care membership through their workplace can contribute to an HSA. The ability to invest pre-tax dollars and spend them later on eligible health care expenses can lessen the burden of a large insurance deductible. About 21% of U.S. workers with employer-sponsored health insurance were enrolled in HSA-eligible high-deductible plans in 2024, according to KFF. Until now, the tax code disqualified people who use concierge care from contributing to an HSA. Employers are among those who advocated for the change, which had some bipartisan support, Winkler said. The bill also makes direct primary care membership fees an allowable HSA expense for people who don't get a subscription through their employer. The change opens the direct primary care market to more employers, said Rebecca Springer, director of market development at health care investment bank Bailey and Co. The share of employers offering direct primary care subscriptions grew a staggering 800% between 2017 and 2022, according to a report from direct care software platform Hint Health. Still, a relatively small number of employers offer direct primary care benefits. "It's certainly a tailwind for direct primary care," she added. Yes, but: There are still underlying challenges, tempering expectations of a big boost for the sector, she noted. Direct primary care is still a relatively small segment of health care, and it can be difficult to scale. It's also not very integrated with the broader health system. "What makes a direct primary care model really good for a patient is that they get to spend more time with the physician," Winkler said. Doctors also like the smaller patient loads. "Finding more primary care physicians — and we have a scarcity of that in our country — will be a challenge as this model grows," he said. "It's true of any version of advanced primary care that's rooted in how that physician spend more time with the patient." What we're watching: Whether more physicians start or join concierge care practices going forward. Many have been interested but hesitant to make the leap because until now, there hasn't been a clear financial incentive to help patients afford the services, which can cost up to $150 per month — on top of insurance premiums and specialist copays — for an individual under the new law, said Shawn Martin, CEO of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "Now that that exists, I think you'll see a lot more interest in the model," he said. AAFP's 2024 survey of doctors providing direct primary care found that 94% were satisfied with their overall practice, compared with 57% of doctors not practicing direct primary care.
CNBC
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Trump's 'big beautiful' bill expands access to this 'powerful, yet underutilized' financial tool
Next year, more Americans will have access to a powerful financial tool. Embedded in President Donald Trump's sweeping budget bill are three provisions that expand access to health savings accounts — the tax-advantaged accounts available to those enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. Like a flexible spending account, an HSA is funded through pre-tax dollars and can be used to cover medical costs throughout the year. Unlike an FSA, though, the money doesn't have a "use it or lose it" provision. Rather, the funds sit in an account you own and can take with you should you switch jobs. Another feature that sets HSAs apart: you can invest the money in the likes of stocks, bonds or exchange-traded funds. And if you invest the money in these accounts rather than spending it on pressing health-care needs, that's where some serious advantages kick in, experts say. "An HSA is indeed one of the most powerful, yet underutilized, financial tools available, especially considering its unique triple tax advantage — contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free," Sean Lovison, a certified financial planner and founder of Purpose Built Financial Services, previously told CNBC Make It. "This feature positions HSAs not just as a tool for current medical expenses, but as a strategic component in long-term financial planning." Now, more people can take advantage of these accounts than ever. Here's what's changing. Generally, to qualify for an HSA, you have to be enrolled in an high-deductible plan — for 2025, that means one with a deductible of at least $1,650 for individuals or $3,300 for families. You can't have any disqualifying health-care coverage, be enrolled in Medicare or be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return, among other requirements. Under the new bill, three kinds of people will become eligible for an HSA for whom rules had previously been either murky or prohibitive. Insurance plans available on the Affordable Care Act marketplace generally fall into one of five categories: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and catastrophic. Generally, platinum plans have higher premiums and lower deductibles, and bronze and catastrophic plans (the latter are only available to people under 30 and some people with limited incomes) have lower premiums and higher deductibles. Until recently, enrollees in these plans were HSA-eligible on a case-by-case basis. The new bill makes anyone covered under a bronze or catastrophic plan eligible for an HSA. While catastrophic plans aren't widely used, about 7.2 million Americans are currently covered under bronze plans, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Under the new law, people enrolled in direct primary care services are eligible for an HSA, provided that their coverage meets the other HDHP requirements. Under the DPC model, offered through providers such as One Medical, patients pay a recurring fee for a series of services that don't get billed to insurance — a convention that put it in a legal gray area when it came to HSA eligibility. "This is really more clearing up an ambiguity issue rather than something that's going to be a paradigm shift for folks," says Jake Spiegel, senior research associate at the Employee Benefits Research Institute. "What the bill says is, you can do this and still contribute to an HSA, and that's totally OK." Under pandemic-era legislation, including the CARES Act, high-deductible plans could waive the deductible on telehealth services — regardless of whether they were preventative — and still qualify for HSA eligibility. Those rules lapsed at the end of last year, but the new bill reinstated them and made them permanent. That doesn't mean that high-deductible plans must offer telehealth services for enrollees to be eligible for an HSA. Rather, such plans cannot be excluded simply because they allow participants to receive telehealth without contributing toward the deductible.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health-E Commerce® expands telehealth offerings with LifeMD™ to provide sleep treatments via FSA Store® and HSA Store®
New collaboration delivers 50% off prescription sleep support for new customers who are struggling with insomnia and sleep disruption DALLAS, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Health-E Commerce, the parent brand of FSA Store and HSA Store, the first and leading online stores dedicated to selling only FSA- and HSA-eligible products and services, announced today that it has expanded its telehealth collaboration with LifeMD™, a leader in virtual care. This latest initiative gives FSA and HSA users affordable, convenient access to FDA-approved prescription sleep treatments at a time when better sleep care is urgently needed. According to the CDC, insufficient sleep is linked to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression, which means expanded access to treatment is not just beneficial, it's essential. The arrangement allows new customers who shop at FSA Store or HSA Store to receive 50% off prescription sleep medications from LifeMD, with no in-person appointments required. Following a free virtual consultation, approved patients can have non-addictive, physician-prescribed treatments discreetly delivered to their door, making it easier than ever to address sleep concerns with clinically backed solutions. "The connection between sleep and our overall physical and mental health is undeniable, and poor sleep can even impact our productivity at work and our overall quality of life," said Keri Kaiser, chief revenue officer for Health-E Commerce. "The expansion of our telehealth collaboration with LifeMD gives consumers more options for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and improving sleep health, while saving money by using tax-free FSA- and HSA-eligible services. We're proud to simplify access to care for millions of Americans and to maximize their healthcare dollars." Many individuals who experience poor sleep rely on over-the-counter remedies that may not be effective for persistent insomnia or sleep disruptions. Fortunately, LifeMD's prescription sleep solutions are designed to address the root causes of poor sleep with medications that target sleep onset, duration, and quality, including Ramelteon, Doxepin, and Trazodone. Eligibility for prescription treatments is determined by a licensed LifeMD physician and backed by LifeMD's 4.9-star patient satisfaction rating. "We're proud to expand our telehealth collaboration with Health-E Commerce to give individuals and families who are enrolled in FSAs and HSAs access to clinical support to improve sleep health and their overall quality of life," said Nicholas Alvarez, co-founder and chief acquisition & growth officer at LifeMD. "Everyone deserves access to quality medical care that is convenient and affordable, and by collaborating with FSA Store and HSA Store, we are able to effectively extend the reach of our services to individuals and families across the country." LifeMD's sleep solutions are now available at and alongside other telehealth services for home sleep apnea testing, CPAP devices and supplies, CPAP alternatives, and more. This launch reinforces Health-E Commerce's mission to make tax-free healthcare dollars work harder for the more than 70 million Americans enrolled in pre-tax health accounts. To learn more or access eligible sleep health services and products, visit or About Health-E CommerceHealth-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store, online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill®, a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children's Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding eligibility for important new product and telehealth categories within the list of eligible medical expenses. About LifeMDLifeMD offers telemedicine, access to laboratory and pharmacy services, and specialized treatment across more than 200 conditions, including primary care, men's and women's health, weight management, and hormone therapy. The Company leverages a vertically-integrated, proprietary digital care platform, a 50-state affiliated medical group, and a U.S.-based patient care center to increase access to high-quality and affordable care. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Health-E Commerce Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malaysian Reserve
09-06-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Health-E Commerce® expands telehealth offerings with LifeMD™ to provide sleep treatments via FSA Store® and HSA Store®
New collaboration delivers 50% off prescription sleep support for new customers who are struggling with insomnia and sleep disruption DALLAS, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Health-E Commerce, the parent brand of FSA Store and HSA Store, the first and leading online stores dedicated to selling only FSA- and HSA-eligible products and services, announced today that it has expanded its telehealth collaboration with LifeMD™, a leader in virtual care. This latest initiative gives FSA and HSA users affordable, convenient access to FDA-approved prescription sleep treatments at a time when better sleep care is urgently needed. According to the CDC, insufficient sleep is linked to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression, which means expanded access to treatment is not just beneficial, it's essential. The arrangement allows new customers who shop at FSA Store or HSA Store to receive 50% off prescription sleep medications from LifeMD, with no in-person appointments required. Following a free virtual consultation, approved patients can have non-addictive, physician-prescribed treatments discreetly delivered to their door, making it easier than ever to address sleep concerns with clinically backed solutions. 'The connection between sleep and our overall physical and mental health is undeniable, and poor sleep can even impact our productivity at work and our overall quality of life,' said Keri Kaiser, chief revenue officer for Health-E Commerce. 'The expansion of our telehealth collaboration with LifeMD gives consumers more options for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and improving sleep health, while saving money by using tax-free FSA- and HSA-eligible services. We're proud to simplify access to care for millions of Americans and to maximize their healthcare dollars.' Many individuals who experience poor sleep rely on over-the-counter remedies that may not be effective for persistent insomnia or sleep disruptions. Fortunately, LifeMD's prescription sleep solutions are designed to address the root causes of poor sleep with medications that target sleep onset, duration, and quality, including Ramelteon, Doxepin, and Trazodone. Eligibility for prescription treatments is determined by a licensed LifeMD physician and backed by LifeMD's 4.9-star patient satisfaction rating. 'We're proud to expand our telehealth collaboration with Health-E Commerce to give individuals and families who are enrolled in FSAs and HSAs access to clinical support to improve sleep health and their overall quality of life,' said Nicholas Alvarez, co-founder and chief acquisition & growth officer at LifeMD. 'Everyone deserves access to quality medical care that is convenient and affordable, and by collaborating with FSA Store and HSA Store, we are able to effectively extend the reach of our services to individuals and families across the country.' LifeMD's sleep solutions are now available at and alongside other telehealth services for home sleep apnea testing, CPAP devices and supplies, CPAP alternatives, and more. This launch reinforces Health-E Commerce's mission to make tax-free healthcare dollars work harder for the more than 70 million Americans enrolled in pre-tax health accounts. To learn more or access eligible sleep health services and products, visit or About Health-E CommerceHealth-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store, online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill®, a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children's Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding eligibility for important new product and telehealth categories within the list of eligible medical expenses. About LifeMDLifeMD offers telemedicine, access to laboratory and pharmacy services, and specialized treatment across more than 200 conditions, including primary care, men's and women's health, weight management, and hormone therapy. The Company leverages a vertically-integrated, proprietary digital care platform, a 50-state affiliated medical group, and a U.S.-based patient care center to increase access to high-quality and affordable care. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health-E Commerce® expands telehealth offerings with LifeMD™ to provide sleep treatments via FSA Store® and HSA Store®
New collaboration delivers 50% off prescription sleep support for new customers who are struggling with insomnia and sleep disruption DALLAS, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Health-E Commerce, the parent brand of FSA Store and HSA Store, the first and leading online stores dedicated to selling only FSA- and HSA-eligible products and services, announced today that it has expanded its telehealth collaboration with LifeMD™, a leader in virtual care. This latest initiative gives FSA and HSA users affordable, convenient access to FDA-approved prescription sleep treatments at a time when better sleep care is urgently needed. According to the CDC, insufficient sleep is linked to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression, which means expanded access to treatment is not just beneficial, it's essential. The arrangement allows new customers who shop at FSA Store or HSA Store to receive 50% off prescription sleep medications from LifeMD, with no in-person appointments required. Following a free virtual consultation, approved patients can have non-addictive, physician-prescribed treatments discreetly delivered to their door, making it easier than ever to address sleep concerns with clinically backed solutions. "The connection between sleep and our overall physical and mental health is undeniable, and poor sleep can even impact our productivity at work and our overall quality of life," said Keri Kaiser, chief revenue officer for Health-E Commerce. "The expansion of our telehealth collaboration with LifeMD gives consumers more options for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and improving sleep health, while saving money by using tax-free FSA- and HSA-eligible services. We're proud to simplify access to care for millions of Americans and to maximize their healthcare dollars." Many individuals who experience poor sleep rely on over-the-counter remedies that may not be effective for persistent insomnia or sleep disruptions. Fortunately, LifeMD's prescription sleep solutions are designed to address the root causes of poor sleep with medications that target sleep onset, duration, and quality, including Ramelteon, Doxepin, and Trazodone. Eligibility for prescription treatments is determined by a licensed LifeMD physician and backed by LifeMD's 4.9-star patient satisfaction rating. "We're proud to expand our telehealth collaboration with Health-E Commerce to give individuals and families who are enrolled in FSAs and HSAs access to clinical support to improve sleep health and their overall quality of life," said Nicholas Alvarez, co-founder and chief acquisition & growth officer at LifeMD. "Everyone deserves access to quality medical care that is convenient and affordable, and by collaborating with FSA Store and HSA Store, we are able to effectively extend the reach of our services to individuals and families across the country." LifeMD's sleep solutions are now available at and alongside other telehealth services for home sleep apnea testing, CPAP devices and supplies, CPAP alternatives, and more. This launch reinforces Health-E Commerce's mission to make tax-free healthcare dollars work harder for the more than 70 million Americans enrolled in pre-tax health accounts. To learn more or access eligible sleep health services and products, visit or About Health-E CommerceHealth-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store, online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill®, a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children's Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding eligibility for important new product and telehealth categories within the list of eligible medical expenses. About LifeMDLifeMD offers telemedicine, access to laboratory and pharmacy services, and specialized treatment across more than 200 conditions, including primary care, men's and women's health, weight management, and hormone therapy. The Company leverages a vertically-integrated, proprietary digital care platform, a 50-state affiliated medical group, and a U.S.-based patient care center to increase access to high-quality and affordable care. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Health-E Commerce Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
