Small and medium-sized businesses across the United States face a pressing challenge: ensuring their workers remain healthy, engaged, and loyal in an era of soaring healthcare costs and limited access to care. This issue is particularly acute in rural regions, where medical facilities are often distant, and chronic health conditions are more prevalent. Telehealth has emerged as a transformative solution, enabling employers to provide affordable, accessible healthcare benefits that meet worker’s core needs virtual doctor visits, mental health support, and prescription services without the complexity of traditional insurance. Companies like Rexcare are at the forefront, offering streamlined, subscription-based wellness programs tailored to the realities of today’s workforce.
Consider a small factory in rural Kansas. Employees there are resilient, but they face significant barriers to healthcare chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and injuries are compounded by the fact that the nearest hospital might be an hour’s drive away. Rural populations globally contend with higher rates of noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, alongside lower education levels and socioeconomic challenges, leading to poorer health outcomes and elevated mortality rates. For employers, this translates into a stark reality: unhealthy workers mean reduced productivity, higher absenteeism, and costly turnover.
Telehealth changes the equation. By offering virtual consultations, remote health monitoring, and digital tools, it delivers care directly to employees, regardless of location. The U.S. telehealth market is expected to reach $43.78 billion in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 21.9% annually through 2034, reaching $317.19 billion. This surge is driven by the technology’s proven effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth visits skyrocketed 63-fold, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For rural employees, this means accessing a doctor without sacrificing a day’s wages on travel. For businesses, it’s a cost-effective strategy to maintain a healthy, productive workforce.
What do workers truly need from their benefits? Employer searches reveal a clear pattern: terms like “low-cost benefits,” “employee retention,” “mental health professionals,” and “telemedicine access” dominate. These reflect a demand for practical, accessible solutions workers want affordable medications, prompt medical consultations, and mental health resources without navigating insurance mazes. Mental health support, in particular, has become a critical priority, as stress and burnout take a toll on workplace morale.
The numbers underscore this shift. The global telemedicine market, valued at $135.71 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $709.69 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.99%. North America, Rexcare’s primary focus, accounted for 34% of the market’s revenue in 2024. The dominance of web-based telehealth, holding a 45.37% market share, highlights its appeal workers can connect with healthcare providers via their smartphones, making care seamless. For small businesses, offering such benefits is more than a perk; it’s a signal of commitment to employee well-being, fostering loyalty and reducing turnover.
Rexcare stands out in a crowded field of telehealth providers by rejecting the inefficiencies of traditional healthcare models. Unlike competitors such as SesameCare or MDLive, which often rely on insurance frameworks or complex pricing, Rexcare offers a straightforward solution: a subscription-based package of essential wellness services telehealth, mental health support, and prescription access fully funded by employers with no long-term contracts. This model resonates with small and medium-sized businesses, from logistics companies like Nots Logistics to manufacturers like Dynaflux, which need affordable benefits to compete for talent without straining budgets.
Rexcare’s differentiators are deliberate and focused. They prioritize only the most critical employee benefits, eliminate insurance intermediaries to cut costs, and design their services to be affordable for businesses of any size. This approach directly addresses common employer concerns. For those worried about costs, Rexcare’s insurance-free model offers savings compared to conventional plans. For those skeptical about employee engagement, Rexcare points to the intuitive design of their platform and the 63-fold increase in telehealth adoption during the pandemic as evidence of worker demand.
Skepticism persists among some employers. Many have experimented with similar programs only to see low participation, while others believe their existing benefits suffice. Rexcare counters these objections with a focus on usability and relevance. Their platform is designed for simplicity employees can book a virtual therapy session or order a prescription in minutes. A 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that 24% of consumers are willing to switch providers for better virtual health options, signaling strong employee demand. Employers who fail to adapt risk losing workers to competitors offering modern, accessible care.
Cost concerns are equally critical. Traditional benefits plans often burden small businesses with unpredictable expenses. Rexcare’s subscription model, by contrast, is transparent and scalable, focusing on essential services rather than extraneous perks. This is particularly vital in the United States, Rexcare’s target market, where rural employers face unique healthcare challenges. As research on rural health disparities shows, access to care is not a luxury but a necessity for sustaining a viable workforce.
Telehealth is more than a healthcare solution it’s a trust-building tool. When employers provide access to mental health resources or quick medical consultations, they demonstrate a commitment to their worker’s well-being. This is why employee assistance programs (EAPs), a cornerstone of Rexcare’s offerings, are gaining traction. EAPs deliver confidential counseling, stress management, and wellness support precisely what employees seek, as reflected in searches for “improve employee morale” and “worker priorities.”
The market data is compelling. The global telehealth market, valued at $123.26 billion in 2024, is forecasted to reach $455.27 billion by 2030, with a growth rate of 24.68%. North America leads with a 46.58% revenue share, driven by demand for mental health services, chronic disease management, and radiology. Web-based platforms, with a 45.37% share, make healthcare as accessible as online shopping, reducing barriers and boosting engagement. For employers, this translates to lower absenteeism, higher productivity, and stronger retention all achieved without the financial strain of traditional benefits.
The workplace is evolving, and employers must keep pace. Telehealth is not a distant promise it’s a proven, scalable solution that delivers results today. Rexcare’s model demonstrates that meaningful benefits don’t require vast resources. By focusing on what workers need most access to care, mental health support, and affordable prescriptions they empower businesses to build resilient, loyal teams. For small and medium-sized employers, the choice is stark: invest in employee health or risk losing talent to those who do.
Envision that Kansas factory once more. An employee uses Rexcare’s platform to consult a therapist about workplace stress and receives a prescription, all from home. The next day, they’re back on the job, feeling valued and supported. This isn’t just a win for the worker it’s a victory for the business. With the telehealth market poised to approach half a trillion dollars by 2030, the message is clear: the future of worker wellness is virtual, accessible, and essential. Employers who act now will lead the way, fostering healthier workplaces and stronger bottom lines.
Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.
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Healthcare gaps are draining your resources and hurting employee well-being. When health issues go untreated, absenteeism rises, and productivity declines. Rexcare offers a budget-friendly solution. For just $20 per employee monthly, give your team 24/7 telemedicine, prescription savings, mental health support, and preventive screenings. No long-term commitments just quality care that keeps your workforce healthy and your business thriving. With Rexcare, employee healthcare on a budget becomes your competitive advantage! Join RexCare today visit rexcare.com or call (833) 33-GO-REX