US Market News
1月前
Health-E Commerce® Collaborates with Talkspace to Expand Mental Health Services Available on FSA Store® and HSA Store®April 27, 2026 11:05 AM
PR Newswire (US)
Individuals can use insurance and/or flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) funds to pay for virtual therapy with licensed providers; new patients save $100 when using tax-free FSA and HSA fundsDALLAS, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Health-E Commerce®, parent brand to FSA Store® and HSA Store®, the first and leading online stores dedicated to selling only products and services that are eligible with flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) funds, announced today a new telehealth collaboration with Talkspace that will allow individuals to use FSA and HSA funds to purchase virtual mental health counseling through FSA Store® and HSA Store®. First-time patients using FSA or HSA funds will receive $100 off Talkspace services.
"Access to mental health services continues to be a roadblock for individuals and families, with an estimated 37% of the U.S. population living in areas that have a shortage of qualified providers. Telehealth can bridge this gap and help patients get the care they need in a timely fashion, and in the comfort and privacy of home," said Keri Kaiser, chief revenue office for Health-E Commerce®. "Our team is proud to bring these essential services to millions of individuals and to make it easier for them to pay for care with their tax-free funds."Talkspace is a leading provider of flexible, professional mental health services that is trusted by more than 1.2 million members with more than 60,000 five-star reviews. Talkspace quickly and efficiently matches patients with licensed therapists and psychiatrists for needs related to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and more. Patients can switch providers at any time, if needed. Services from Talkspace are covered by health insurance and can also be paid for with FSA or HSA funds. It's important to check with your FSA/HSA administrator to verify what services your plan covers before engaging with a provider."As a leader known for providing quality mental healthcare that is both accessible and affordable, Talkspace is thrilled to collaborate with Health-E Commerce®. Together, we are unlocking vital support for millions of FSA and HSA account holders, empowering them to direct their healthcare dollars toward their mental well-being," said Katelyn Watson, chief marketing officer at Talkspace.To learn more about Talkspace and other FSA- and HSA-eligible mental health support, FSA and HSA eligible, visit FSAstore.com® or HSA store.com®.About Health-E Commerce®
Health-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 product eligibility for important new categories within the list of eligible medical expenses.About Talkspace:
Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) is a virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier lives through access to mental healthcare. Talkspace offers therapy for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management for adults.Members are matched with licensed therapists and can engage in live video, audio, or chat sessions, as well as asynchronous messaging. Services are delivered through a secure web and mobile platform that meets HIPAA and regulatory requirements.Many Americans have access to Talkspace through health insurance plans, employee assistance programs, or as a benefit through an employer, school, or government program.For more information, visit www.talkspace.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-e-commerce-collaborates-with-talkspace-to-expand-mental-health-services-available-on-fsa-store-and-hsa-store-302754308.htmlSOURCE Health-E Commerce
Original: Health-E Commerce® Collaborates with Talkspace to Expand Mental Health Services Available on FSA Store® and HSA Store®
US Market News
2月前
Americans Feel Increasingly Alone Despite Craving Connection, New Survey FindsApril 22, 2026 9:30 AM
Business Wire
Research reveals a ‘Disconnection Dilemma’ as more people choose isolation over conflict, despite a growing desire for community.
Many Americans say they want stronger connections in their lives but are also pulling back from relationships in ways that leave them feeling more disconnected, a new nationwide survey found.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260422939515/en/
Commissioned by Talkspace and conducted by Talker Research, the survey of 2,000 U.S. adults identifies a ‘Disconnection Dilemma,’ a growing trend where the desire for community is being undermined by increased rates of “going no-contact" as well as isolation to avoid difficult conversations.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) say they are more likely to distance themselves from a friend or loved one during difficult moments rather than communicate to resolve issues.
More than one in three Americans (38%) say they’ve gone “no contact” with a friend or family member in the past year — a figure that rises to 60% among Gen Z.
68% say they struggle to build in-person community, and (47%) say they experience loneliness during a typical day.
Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the need for connection
With Mental Health Awareness Month starting in May, the poll brings renewed attention to how relationships can shape our mental well-being. Social isolation and loneliness put a person at risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions, the CDC warns.
“These results suggest that avoiding relationship challenges is becoming more common, but that approach can come with its own risks, making it harder to sustain meaningful connections over time and leading to more loneliness," said Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, the chief medical officer at Talkspace. "Prioritizing communication, setting healthy boundaries, and staying engaged even when it’s uncomfortable can help people preserve the relationships that support their mental wellness.”
Technology is making it easier to opt out of interaction
The survey also found that reduced interaction extends beyond close relationships and into daily life, with many Americans turning to technology to limit in-person contact.
68% use online ordering, self-checkout kiosks (64%), and chatbots/automated help systems (42%) to reduce their interactions with others.
40% say they would rather cross the street than stop and talk to someone they know.
37% will pretend to take a phone call to avoid small talk.
A widespread desire for connection remains
Despite these trends, many Americans say they want stronger connections and more community in their lives.
Nearly one-third (31%) say they want to become more involved in local community-building and activities.
Barriers to these social connections include social anxiety (30%), preferring to spend time alone (30%), or feeling like they don’t fit in (26%).
When asked what defines a healthy relationship, respondents pointed to emotional safety and mutual support — such as feeling comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions (47%) and feeling seen and understood (41%).
The launch of Connection is Crucial, Talkspace’s 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, celebrates the power of interpersonal connections and shares expert advice on how to strengthen bonds for improved mental well-being.
See here for a deeper look at the Talker survey results.
About Talkspace
Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) is a virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier lives through access to mental healthcare. Talkspace offers therapy for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management for adults.
Members are matched with licensed therapists and can engage in live video, audio, or chat sessions, as well as asynchronous messaging. Services are delivered through a secure web and mobile platform that meets HIPAA and regulatory requirements.
Many Americans have access to Talkspace through health insurance plans, employee assistance programs, or as a benefit through an employer, school, or government program.
For more information, visit www.talkspace.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260422939515/en/
press@talkspace.com
Original: Americans Feel Increasingly Alone Despite Craving Connection, New Survey Finds
US Market News
3月前
Universal Health Services, Inc. to Acquire Talkspace, Inc.March 9, 2026 7:39 AM
PR Newswire (US)
Industry-leading virtual behavioral healthcare platform accelerates outpatient strategy with expanded access to careKING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. and NEW YORK, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Talkspace, Inc. (NASDAQ: TALK) for $5.25 per share. The enterprise value for the transaction is approximately $835 million, which UHS intends to finance with borrowings pursuant to its existing revolving credit facility.
Talkspace is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare company, with a network of approximately 6,000 licensed professionals that serve all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. As of December 31, 2025, Talkspace's services were available to more than 200 million individuals through their health insurance plans, employee assistance programs, or as a benefit through their employer, school or government agency. Talkspace generated $229 million in revenue and provided more than 1.6 million therapy and psychiatry sessions in 2025."Talkspace's patient-centric, clinically driven virtual platform perfectly complements the high-quality services delivered at our facilities, enabling us to expand access and offer more flexible, stepped solutions to address the growing demand for behavioral healthcare," said Marc D. Miller, President and CEO of UHS. "This acquisition aligns with UHS' core growth objectives by accelerating our outpatient and telehealth behavioral health strategies, diversifying our payor mix and delivering a comprehensive, technology-enabled continuum of care that supports innovative approaches to mental health services.""Over the past several years, Talkspace has transformed from a direct-to-consumer pioneer into a scaled, insurance-covered behavioral healthcare platform trusted by patients, providers, payors and employers," said Jon R. Cohen, MD, CEO ofTalkspace. "This transaction reflects the next logical step in expanding access to affordable, high- quality mental healthcare by integrating outpatient virtual care into a modern behavioral health ecosystem."Strategic and Financial BenefitsTalkspace's 6,000 providers and trusted virtual behavioral health platform will support the creation of the industry's first nationally scaled, end-to-end continuum in behavioral healthcare. These new capabilities deliver a patient-centered virtual offering that facilitates seamless transitions across care settings and improves access for payors and consumers alike.Excluding one-time costs related to the acquisition, the transaction is expected to be slightly accretive to UHS' adjusted net income attributable to UHS per diluted share (as defined below) duringthe first twelve months post-closing and increasingly accretive thereafter. The acquisition broadens UHS' access to commercially insured populations nationwide, serving to diversify payor mix while laying a scalable platform for sustained growth through expanded and new outpatient and virtual behavioral health services.Transaction Timing and ApprovalsThe transaction was unanimously approved by the respective Boards of Directors of UHS and Talkspace.The transaction, which is expected to close during the third quarter of 2026, is subject to approval by Talkspace's stockholders, satisfaction of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.Webcast InformationUHS management expects to discuss the acquisition during its presentation at the Leerink Partners Global Healthcare Conference on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 8:00am ET. A link to the webcast can be found in the investor relations section of thecompany's website at www.uhs.com .AdvisorsUHS' financial advisor is J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and its legal counsels are McDermott Will & Schulte and Stevens & Lee.Talkspace's financial advisor is Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and its legal counsel is Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking" statements based on UHS and/or Talkspace's management expectations. Numerous factors, including those disclosed herein, those related to healthcare industry trends and those detailed in UHS and Talkspace's respective filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC") (as set forth in Item 1A-Risk Factors, and Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, in UHS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and Talkspace's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024), may cause the results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and therefore actual results may differ materially. Those risks and uncertainties include: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement or the failure to satisfy the closing conditions; the possibility that the consummation of the proposed acquisition is delayed or does not occur, including the failure of Talkspace's stockholders to approve the proposed merger; uncertainty as to whether the parties will be able to complete the merger on the terms set forth in the merger agreement; uncertainty regarding the timing of the receipt of required regulatory approvals for the merger and the possibility that the parties may be required to accept conditions that could reduce or eliminate the anticipated benefits of the merger as a condition to obtaining regulatory approvals or that the required regulatory approvals might not be obtained at all; risks related to the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for Talkspace will be made; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive transaction agreement relating to the proposed transaction, including in circumstances which would require Talkspace to pay a termination fee; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the parties or others following announcement of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; challenges, disruptions and costs of closing, integrating the business and achieving anticipated synergies, or that such synergies will take longer to realize than expected; failure to retain key employees of Talkspace during the period prior to closing or thereafter; failure to retain a significant portion of Talkspace's providers or relationships with payors, risks that the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement disrupt current plans and operations that may harm the parties' businesses or divert management's attention from the parties' ongoing business operations; the amount of any costs, fees, expenses, impairments and charges related to the merger including costs and use of capital related to financing the merger; and uncertainty as to the effects of the announcement or pendency of the proposed merger on the market price of UHS' and/or Talkspace's common stock and/or on their respective financial performances. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements which reflect UHS and/or Talkspace's management's view only as of the date hereof. Neither UHS nor Talkspace undertakes any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Additional Information and Where to Find ItThis communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed acquisition of Talkspace by UHS. In connection with the proposed transaction, Talkspace intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, including Talkspace's proxy statement in preliminary and definitive form. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF TALKSPACE ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING TALKSPACE'S PROXY STATEMENT (IF AND WHEN AVAILABLE), AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO, CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders are or will be able to obtain the documents ( if and when available) free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or from Talkspace's investor relations webpage at https://investors.talkspace.com/ .Participants in the SolicitationTalkspace and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be "participants" in the solicitation of proxies from Talkspace's stockholders in favor of the proposed transaction. Information about Talkspace's directors and executive officers is set forth in Talkspace's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2025 Annual Meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2025. To the extent holdings of Talkspace's securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in such 2025 proxy statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information concerning the interests of participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of Talkspace's stockholders generally, will be set forth in Talkspace's proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction when it becomes available.Universal Health Services, Inc.One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since our inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, our annual revenues during 2025 were approximately $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™; and in 2025, ranked #271 on the Fortune 500®; and ranked #355 among U.S. companies on Forbes Global 2000 World's Largest Public Companies.UHS is h eadquartered in King of Prussia, PA, and, through its subsidiaries, has approximately 101,500 employees andoperates 29 inpatient acute care facilities, 346 inpatient behavioral health facilities and 168 outpatient and other facilitiesand ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. It acts as the advisor to Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust (NYSE:UHT).For additional information visit www.uhs.com .From Fortune , ©2025, 2026 *Fortune * Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.TalkspaceTalkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare. Talkspace pioneered the ability to text with a licensed therapist from anywhere and now offers a comprehensive suite of mental health services, including therapy for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management (18+). With Talkspace's core therapy offerings, members are matched with one of thousands of licensed therapists within days and can engage in live video, audio, or chat sessions, and/or unlimited asynchronous text messaging sessions.All care offered at Talkspace is delivered through an easy-to-use, fully-encrypted web and mobile platform that meets HIPAA, federal, and state regulatory requirements. Most Americans have access to Talkspace through their health insurance plans, employee assistance programs, our partnerships with leading healthcare companies, or as a free benefit through their employer, school, or government agency.For more information, visit www.talkspace.comContacts
UHS
Investors: Darren Lehrich, darren.lehrich@uhsinc.om
Media: mediarelations@uhsinc.comTalkspace
Investors: talkspaceir@icrhealthcare.com
Media: Press@talkspace.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-health-services-inc-to-acquire-talkspace-inc-302708096.htmlSOURCE Universal Health Services, Inc.
Original: Universal Health Services, Inc. to Acquire Talkspace, Inc.