HRA FAQs
General Information
What is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
Who is eligible to participate in an HRA?
When can I begin participation in the HRA?
How do I enroll in the HRA?
How do I know how much is contributed to my HRA each Plan Year?
How can I determine my HRA balance?
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement under my HRA?
How will I receive reimbursement of eligible services?
How long will it take to receive reimbursement for my claim?
Must all of my claims be submitted before the end of the Plan Year?
Are expenses eligible if services are provided prior to my effective date in the HRA?
Can I submit a claim for a medical service prior to paying for it?
Can I submit a claim for a medical service before the service is provided if I have already paid for it?
How does reimbursement of orthodontia expenses work?
Will payment from my HRA be paid directly to the provider?
What happens to any amount left in my HRA that I do not use by the end of the Plan Year?
What happens if I become ineligible to participate or retire during the Plan Year?
What is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) is part of the benefit plan offered to you by your employer. Each year, your employer contributes a certain amount of money to an HRA setup for you to help pay for certain medical services provided to you, your spouse or your dependent(s).
Who is eligible to participate in an HRA?
Eligibility requirements for an HRA are indicated in your Plan Highlights.
When can I begin participation in the HRA?
You can begin participation in the Plan as indicated in your Plan Highlights.
How do I enroll in the HRA?
On the date you become eligible to participate, you will be automatically enrolled in the HRA. You will continue to participate in the HRA until you become ineligible (e.g. no longer meet the eligibility requirements, terminate employment or retire).
How do I know how much is contributed to my HRA each Plan Year?
At the beginning of each Plan Year, your employer will notify you of the amount they will contribute to your HRA for that Plan Year.
How can I determine my HRA balance?
| • | Your account balance will be displayed on the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) issued with each reimbursement check/Direct Deposit advice. |
| • | Account information can be accessed 24/7 online using the secure account inquiry system. |
| • | You can call Benefit Resource Participant Services at 1-800-473-9595, Monday - Friday, 8 am - 8 pm (Eastern Time). |
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement under my HRA?
You can use your HRA for the reimbursement of certain eligible medical expenses not covered or reimbursed by any other source, whether provided to you or your dependent(s). Your Plan Highlights specifies the types of expenses that are eligible for reimbursement from your HRA. Services provided for cosmetic reasons and those that are merely beneficial to one’s general health are not eligible.
Eligibility of expenses is governed by the IRS and those guidelines are used by Benefit Resource, Inc. The services of an attorney are utilized if an additional opinion is needed or research is required to clarify the eligibility of an expense.
How will I receive reimbursement of eligible services?
After a medical service is provided, you will need to submit a completed and signed claim form with the supporting documentation to Benefit Resource who will review your claim and issue you a reimbursement for eligible expenses. If you elect Direct Deposit reimbursement, funds will be deposited directly into your bank account and a Direct Deposit advice will be sent to you to notify you that this has been done. Otherwise a check will be mailed to you.
There is no minimum claim submission amount, but your Plan may have a minimum reimbursement amount (usually $15). If a claim is submitted for less than the minimum, it will held until the total of all eligible claims submitted exceeds the minimum.
How long will it take to receive reimbursement for my claim?
Claim reimbursements are processed every Wednesday and will include claims received by Benefit Resource at least 5 business days prior to the processing day. If you elect Direct Deposit reimbursement, funds should be available in your account on Friday (unless your bank delays availability of electronically transferred funds). Reimbursement checks and Direct Deposit advices will be mailed to you on the Friday following Wednesday’s processing.
Must all of my claims be submitted before the end of the Plan Year?
No. Claims for eligible services must be received by Benefit Resource within the timeframe indicated in your Plan Highlights.
Are expenses eligible if services are provided prior to my effective date in the HRA?
No. Services must be provided after the timeframe indicated in your Plan Highlights.
Can I submit a claim for a medical service prior to paying for it?
As long as the service has been provided, a claim can be submitted for reimbursement regardless of whether or not payment has been made.
Can I submit a claim for a medical service before the service is provided if I have already paid for it?
You should submit your claim after that service has been provided since reimbursement is based on date the service was provided and not based on date of payment. (Note the IRS exception for orthodontia below.)
How does reimbursement of orthodontia expenses work?
IRS regulations allow reimbursement of eligible orthodontia expenses based on date of payment, date of service or payment due date on statements/coupons. (Note that reimbursement of other eligible dental procedures is based on dates of services.)
Will payment from my HRA be paid directly to the provider?
No, payment will be made to you. You are still responsible for paying the provider.
What happens to any amount left in my HRA that I do not use by the end of the Plan Year?
Refer to your Plan Highlights regarding the balance of any funds remaining in your HRA after the timeframe indicated in your Plan Highlights.
What happens if I become ineligible to participate or retire during the Plan Year?
If you become ineligible or retire during the Plan Year, your Plan Highlights specifies timeframes and other important information regarding your HRA.