Maximizing Health Reimbursement Arrangement Benefits- Tips and Tricks

Maximizing Health Reimbursement Arrangement Benefits- Tips and Tricks

Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) have been around for a while now, and have been growing in popularity as a way for companies to help their employees pay for healthcare expenses. With the right strategy, you can maximize your HRA benefits and cut your healthcare costs considerably. In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of your health reimbursement arrangement.

Understand Your Plan

The first step in maximizing your HRA benefits is to understand how your plan works. There are two main types of HRAs: integrated and standalone. Integrated HRAs are typically paired with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), while standalone HRAs can be used with any type of health insurance plan.

It’s important to understand what expenses are eligible for reimbursement under your HRA plan. Generally, HRAs can be used to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. In addition, many HRAs can also be used to cover expenses not covered by your insurance plan, such as dental and vision care.

If you’re not sure what expenses are eligible for reimbursement under your HRA plan, be sure to check with your HR department or the plan administrator. And, if you’re not sure what expenses are eligible for reimbursement under your insurance plan, be sure to review your plan documents carefully.

Take Advantage of Preventive Care

One of the best ways to maximize the benefits of your HRA is to take advantage of preventive care services. Many HRAs cover preventive services, such as annual wellness visits, mammograms, and colonoscopies, at 100% without requiring you to meet your deductible.

By taking advantage of these services, you’ll not only keep yourself healthy but also save money in the long run. Preventive care can help catch health problems early when they’re easier to treat, avoiding more costly medical expenses down the road.

Submit Claims Promptly

Another key to maximizing your HRA benefits is to submit claims promptly. Most HRAs have specific time frames for submitting claims, so you don’t want to miss out on reimbursement just because you forgot to submit your claim in time.

Be sure to keep track of your expenses throughout the year, and submit your claims as soon as possible. This will not only help you maximize your HRA benefits but also make it easier to stay organized when tax season rolls around.

Final Thoughts

Maximizing your HRA benefits may seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and some smart strategies, you can cut your healthcare costs considerably. Be sure to understand your HRA plan and what expenses are eligible for reimbursement, take advantage of preventive care services, and submit claims promptly to get the most out of your HRA benefits. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your healthcare dollars and staying healthy.