Can I have a health flexible spending account (FSA) and an HRA?

Yes, but you must (and should) use up your health FSA funds before using your HRA funds. Health FSA funds are subject to annual use-or-lose or carryover limitations.

Can I have a health savings account (HSA) and an HRA?

Yes, and you can use either one in any order (no ordering rules). However, if your HRA is fully claims eligible, you and any other covered individuals are ineligible for HSA contributions. To qualify for HSA contributions, you must elect “limited HRA coverage.” You must also be covered by a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and have no other first-dollar coverage. 

Only HDHP premiums and dental, vision, and orthodontia expenses and premiums may be reimbursed from your HRA while it’s limited for HSA contribution purposes. You can switch back to full HRA coverage after you stop making or receiving HSA contributions. Certain limitations may apply.

To learn more, watch our How Your HRA Coordinates with Other Benefits video.

How does my HRA coordinate with Medicare?

Medicare should be primary if you are no longer working for the employer who set up your HRA. Make sure we have your separation date on file. log in online and look inside the box with your account balance. If you don’t see your separation date, please provide it to us. Click the envelope icon at the top right of your screen to use our Secure Messaging Center, or contact our Customer Care Center.

Medicare is usually secondary if your HRA is fully claims eligible and you’re still working for the employer who set it up. This means your HRA is primary, and you must use it all before Medicare will pay claims. Medicare can even take your HRA funds to cover prior Medicare claims.

To protect your HRA, you can elect “limited HRA coverage” for you and/or any other covered individual on Medicare. This will make Medicare primary while you’re still working. Only coverage would be limited to the following premiums and expenses: Medicare, Medicare Supplement, dental, vision, orthodontia, and long-term care expenses and premiums may be reimbursed from your HRA while it’s limited for Medicare coordination purposes. When you stop working, you can switch your HRA back to full coverage, and Medicare will remain primary.

To learn more, read our Medicare Coordination and Your HRA handout and watch our How Your HRA Coordinates with Other Benefits video.

How can I qualify for the Premium Tax Credit (subsidy)?

If your HRA is fully claims eligible and you want to qualify for the Premium Tax Credit, you may need to elect “limited HRA coverage” or use up your remaining HRA balance. There are other Premium Tax Credit eligibility requirements you must meet. Go to Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit on the IRS’s website to get the basics.

Only dental, vision, orthodontia, and long-term care expenses and premiums may be reimbursed from your HRA while it’s limited for Premium Tax Credit purposes.

To learn more, read our Premium Tax Credit and Your HRA handout and watch our How Your HRA Coordinates with Other Benefits video.

How do I elect “limited HRA coverage?”

Use our Limited HRA Coverage Election form. Submit your completed form as instructed on the form. Complete and submit a new form when you’re ready to switch back to full HRA coverage.

Forms are available online. Just log in and click Resources.