Using HRA Benefits

The HRA option features a company-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that helps you pay eligible health care expenses, including your deductible, prescription drugs and covered health services. Keep in mind that the HRA option does not cover amounts above the eligible expense. You are responsible for those costs.

So how do you use your HRA when you need care? It’s simple: UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will automatically pay the balance of your eligible medical and prescription drug expenses from your HRA, if available. You don’t need to do anything. Still, it’s good to know how your HRA works when you use network providers, see out-of-providers or go to the pharmacy.

With network providers

If you receive care from a network provider, chances are your provider will balance bill you after your claim is processed. In other words, you won’t be expected to pay at the time of your appointment; you’ll receive a bill in the mail. If your network provider does ask you to pay at the time of service, feel free to push back and say you’d rather pay after the claim has been processed. Keep in mind that your providers will not know your HRA balance.

With out-of-network providers

If you use an out-of-network provider, he or she may ask you to pay the entire bill up front. You’ll pay out of pocket, and then file a claim to be reimbursed from your medical benefit and HRA.

At the pharmacy

CVS/caremark and UHC have a real-time balance exchange for your HRA. As a result, your prescription drugs will be paid from your available HRA balance automatically. Because the payment is automatic, you will not be able to use coupons or let a third party pay for your prescriptions.

If you have questions about the HRA option or your HRA, please visit myuhc.com or contact UHC at 1.844.234.7924.

Remember: any remaining 2015 HRA balance will transfer from Aetna or Humana to UnitedHealthcare in early April.