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 do I submit an expense for reimbursement?
How will I receive reimbursement of eligible services?
Is there a minimum claim amount?
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 for services provided prior to my effective date in the HRA eligible for reimbursement?
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 my HRA claims 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 Participant Login. |
| • | You can call Benefit Resource Participant Services at (800) 473-9595, Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm (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 do I submit an expense for reimbursement?
After a medical service is provided, you will need to submit a completed and signed claim form with supporting documentation to Benefit Resource. You can do this in one of two ways:
| • | Log in at the Benefit Resource website and select Online Claim Entry. Complete your claim form, then either upload it to Benefit Resource or print it so you can fax or mail it to Benefit Resource. (This option is only available if allowed by your plan.) |
| • | Complete a paper claim form and fax or mail it to Benefit Resource. |
Acceptable supporting documentation for medical claims must include the following information:
| • | Name of provider |
| • | Date of service/date product was purchased |
| • | Type of service/product (drug name required for prescription claims |
| • | Your out-of-pocket expense for the service/product (amount not covered or reimbursed elsewhere) |
| • | Name of employee or dependent for whom the service/product was provided |
For services covered in whole or in part by insurance, the expense must first be submitted to your insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will issue an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to you, indicating your out-of-pocket cost and the amount covered by your insurance. When you submit your claim, include this EOB with your completed claim form.
How will I receive reimbursement of eligible services?
After receiving and reviewing your claim, Benefit Resource will issue a reimbursement for your 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.
Is there a minimum claim amount?
There is no minimum claim amount; however, your plan may place a minimum on the reimbursement acount (usually $15). If your eligible claim amount is less than the minimum, it will be held until additional claims are submitted.
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 Friday.
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 time frame indicated in your Plan Highlights.
Are expenses for services provided prior to my effective date in the HRA eligible for reimbursement?
No. Services must be provided on or after your effective date in the plan, as 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 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?
No, you need to wait until after a medical service has been provided before submitting your claim. (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 dental services is based on the dates of service.)
Will my HRA claims 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 funds remaining in your HRA at the end of a plan year.
What happens if I become ineligible to participate or retire during the plan year?
Refer to your Plan Highlights regarding the status of your HRA if you become ineligible or retire during the plan year.