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How Does a Health Reimbursement Account Work?

Updated: Apr 20, 2023

Disclaimer: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.


In the last several years, different group health insurance plans have emerged to help give employers more inexpensive options to care for their employees. Some of these benefits were designed specifically to make it easier for small businesses to offer benefits packages that include affordable coverage options.


A health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a health savings account (HSA) is a component of a Consumer-directed health plan (CDHP). A CDHP is designed to give employees who typically do not spend much time at the doctor’s office more control over their healthcare spending. For employers, the advantage of a CDHP is controlled healthcare spending.


CDHP Enrollment Restrictions


Because they offer unique tax advantages, CDHPs have strict guidelines administered by the IRS. Not eligible to enroll in a CDHP is anyone:


  • with a flexible spending arrangement (FSA)

  • who is a dependent for tax purposes

  • enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare or TRICARE

  • enrolled in another comprehensive medical plan

  • enrolled in a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account


A CDHP provides similar healthcare coverage to traditional plans, but eligibility and cost-tracking are unique to these consumer-directed plans.


Who Benefits from CDHP?


Because of the unique qualifications of these plans, they are not right for everyone. Those who benefit most from a CDHP are:


  • Looking for a low monthly premium

  • Interested in tax savings by spending pre-tax money on healthcare

  • Willing to verify qualified services, supplies and medication

  • Able to keep track of their healthcare expenses for possible IRS audit

  • Not facing ongoing medical needs or costs, such as those with chronic conditions


The combination of a CDHP and HRA or HSA can be a cost-saving measure for employers. Health insurance premiums go down when switching to a high-deductible plan. Establishing an HRA in combination with a high-deductible health insurance plan can increase the savings and extend more flexible benefits to employees.


How Does Health Savings Account Compare to Health Reimbursement Account?


HSA is an account while HRA is just a payment “arrangement.” In an HRA, the employer allocates funds for each employee to cover medical expenses, but those funds are owned by the employer until they are spent.


While they are both designated for medical expenses, HSA and HRA have different requirements and restrictions.


Funding — HRA must be funded solely by the employer, while HSA can have any combination of employer and employee funding.


Portability — HRA funds revert to the employer upon severance, but HSA funds are owned by the employee and can move with them to another employer.


Excess balance — Since an HSA is owned by the employee, the disposition of unused money at the end of the year is at the employee’s discretion. HRA funds, however, are managed by the employer who may choose to roll them over at the end of the year or not.


Plan design — While HRAs can be linked to a high-deductible health plan, HSAs must be. HSAs cannot be used to pay health plan premiums and are limited by maximum out-of-pocket expenses. HRAs have no such restrictions.


HRAs give the employer maximum flexibility and potential tax savings. Funds do not need to be allocated to a separate account. Instead, employee medical expense claims can be paid out to the general account, and those reimbursements are tax-deductible.


Getting Help with CDHP & Complimentary Plans


To learn more about HRAs and HSAs and find out about cost-effective ways to offer a rich benefits package to your employees, contact Northern Insuring. Our knowledgeable insurance employees will provide you with options for insurance coverage for you and your employees.


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