AHCP Blog

A Win for Telehealth and Consumers with High-Deductible Plans

Written by AHCP | 8/1/25 3:06 AM

In a long-awaited move, Congress has passed legislation and signed into law a new tax package that provides an important win for consumers: telehealth services can now be covered with first-dollar benefits in HSA-eligible High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs).

This means individuals and families with HDHPs can access telehealth services without having to meet their annual deductible first, and still maintain their HSA eligibility.

This update is a significant step toward modernizing how healthcare is accessed and delivered. And for brokers and agents, it opens the door to serving clients more effectively with products designed to close critical coverage gaps in high-deductible plans.

What This Means for Consumers

High-deductible health plans have become the norm for millions of Americans. It’s a trade-off where lower monthly premiums result in higher upfront out-of-pocket costs. But in many of these plans, even a basic virtual doctor visit is not covered until after the deductible is met, which leaves clients with a big bill for care that could be delivered more efficiently and affordably via telehealth.

Thanks to this new legislation, HDHPs can now cover telehealth visits from day one, providing consumers:

  • Immediate access to care, including urgent or routine concerns
  • Cost savings by avoiding unnecessary in-person visits
  • Reassurance for those managing chronic conditions

To qualify as an HDHP in 2025, a health plan must meet certain IRS-defined thresholds:

  • Minimum deductible for individual coverage: $1,650
  • Minimum deductible for family coverage: $3,300
  • Maximum out-of-pocket limit for individual coverage: $8,300
  • Maximum out-of-pocket limit for family coverage: $16,600

Plans that meet these requirements maintain eligibility for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), offering consumers a valuable tax-advantaged way to pay for medical expenses. The recent change allowing first-dollar telehealth coverage within these plans gives consumers greater flexibility and convenience while avoiding crowded waiting rooms.

A Timely Product for a Changing Landscape

In light of this policy change, AHCP is proud to offer agents and brokers access to a powerful solution for clients with high-deductible plans: the Lyric Health plan in partnership with Allstate Health Solutions.

Designed as a supplemental product that works seamlessly alongside ACA plans or employer-sponsored HDHPs, Lyric helps bridge the affordability and access gaps these plans often leave behind. It’s a smart, consumer-friendly product that offers real value from day one, including unlimited $0 copay virtual visits.

Key Features of AHCP’s Lyric Health Plan

Lyric offers a proprietary virtual care suite, managed directly through Lyric Health. Their platform integrates urgent care, primary care, mental health, dermatology, musculoskeletal care, labs, pharmacy, and more via their own network.

These features make the Lyric Plan an ideal solution for:

  • Individuals and families on high-deductible ACA plans
  • Gig workers and independent contractors
  • Small business employees without robust employer coverage
  • Consumers looking for budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on access

Helping Agents Stay Ahead

As an agent or broker, you're constantly navigating a complex and shifting marketplace. Your clients want affordable options that don’t sacrifice convenience or quality. AHCP’s Lyric Plan, allows you to offer something truly relevant.

With a simple enrollment process, competitive pricing, and broad appeal across demographics, Lyric makes an excellent addition to your portfolio, whether you specialize in ACA plans, the gig economy, or group insurance.

Why Now?

There’s never been a better time to talk to your clients about the benefits of adding telehealth-ready supplemental coverage. The new legislation restores the ability for HDHPs to offer first-dollar telehealth coverage without jeopardizing HSA eligibility, fixing a gap that previously restricted access.

This change also reinforces the broader trend toward consumer-directed, digitally accessible health care, where quality care comes to the patient, on their schedule, at a lower cost.

The Bottom Line

Healthcare is evolving, and policies are finally catching up to meet consumers where they are. With the Lyric Plan, agents have the opportunity to meet this moment, providing high-value, telehealth-friendly solutions that protect both health and finances.

If you’re an AHCP-contracted broker, log into your portal today to learn more and get contracted to sell the Lyric Plan. If you’re not yet working with AHCP, now is the time to join a team that offers diverse, consumer-focused solutions like this.

Let’s make the most of this policy win by delivering real, tangible value to the consumers who need it most.