Personalize the article templates below to educate your employees about the health reimbursement account. You have the option of sending this information out as one article or four mini-updates. Each article is designed so that you can include as much or as little information as you need.
Article #1 – Announcing the HRA. Send before Open Enrollment.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
about your health reimbursement account (HRA)
This year, [Insert Company Name] is pleased to announce that effective [Month XX, 20XX], we will transition to our new health care plan, [Insert name of health care plan] from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). And this year, we’re pairing our health plan with an HRA fund to help you pay for your medical care. During the open enrollment period, you’ll receive more specific information regarding your HRA plan design. In the meantime, here are answers to some general questions you may have.
What is an HRA?
An HRA is a specific type of fund account that can be combined with a health care plan to allow you or your dependents covered under your health plan to be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket eligible medical expenses. Your employer determines which expenses will be eligible for reimbursement from among the qualified medical expenses as defined by the IRS. Contact your benefits administrator for a list of your company’s eligible medical expenses.
How much is contributed to my HRA?
[Insert Company Name] is contributing a specific amount to your HRA. So when you, or any of your dependents covered under your health plan, have an eligible medical expense, you can be reimbursed from your HRA. Plus, your HRA funds can be used toward satisfying the deductible for your health plan.
Individual health plan: $X,XXX contributed to your HRA
Family health plan: $X,XXX contributed to your HRA
What do my HRA funds cover?
You can use your HRA funds to pay for eligible medical expenses as determined by [Insert Company Name] based on IRS guidelines. During open enrollment, we will discuss these eligible medical expenses, which may include:
Doctor office visits
Eligible out-of-pocket expenses
Coinsurance
Copayments
Deductibles
Article #2 (Funding option information)
YOUR HRAis simple to use
Your HRA is simple and convenient to use. When you visit your provider, you can use your HRA funds to pay for eligible medical expenses.
[Optional section for First-Dollar Funding]
Upfront HRA payments
You can use your HRA funds to pay for eligible medical expenses –even before you meet your deductible. Meanwhile, you’ll pay less out-of-pocket for services when you visit a participating Blue Cross NC health care provider. You have the freedom to go outside the network, but keep in mind that you may pay more for out-of-network services.
In-network coverage1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Your employer contributes $X,XXX to your HRA, and you are reimbursed for eligible medical expenses up to that amount. / After you use all of the HRA funds, you then pay $X,XXX out-of-pocket for eligible medical expenses, until your $X,XXXdeductible is met. / When your deductible is met, you pay XX% coinsurance for eligible medical expenses, and the medical plan pays XX%. / You continue to pay coinsurance for eligible medical expenses until your out-of-pocket limit of $XX,XXX is reached. / When your out-of-pocket limit is reached, the medical plan pays XXX%of eligible medical expenses until the end of the benefit year.
How your HRA works with your medical plan
[Optional section for Last-Dollar Funding]
Last-dollar HRA payments
Once you meet a portion of your deductible, you can use HRA funds to pay for the remainder of the deductible. Meanwhile, you’ll pay less out-of-pocket for services when you visit a participating Blue Cross NChealth care provider. You have the freedom to go outside the network, but keep in mind that you may pay more for out-of-network services.
[Optional section for Last Dollar Funding, cont.]
In-network coverage1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
You pay the first $X,XXX out-of-pocket for elgible medical expenses. / Then, your employer contributes $X,XXX to your HRA, and you are reimbursed for eligible medical expenses up to that amount, until your $X,XXXdeductible is met. / When your deductible is met, you pay XX% coinsurance for eligible medical expenses, and the medical plan pays XX%. / You continue to pay coinsurance for eligible medical expenses until your out-of-pocket limit of $XX,XXX is reached. / When your out-of-pocket limit is reached, the medical plan pays XXX%until the end of the benefit year.
How your HRA works with your medical plan
[Optional section for Shared Funding]
Shared HRA payments
You can use your HRA funds to pay for a percentage of the care you receive – even before you meet your deductible. Meanwhile, you’ll pay less out-of-pocket for services when you visit a participating Blue Cross NC health care provider. You have the freedom to go outside the network, but keep in mind that you may pay more for out-of-network services.
How your HRA works with your medical plan
In-network coverage1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Your employer contributes to your HRA and reimburses XX% of each eligible medical expense, until your $X,XXXdeductible is met. / When your deductible is met, you pay XX% coinsurance for eligible medical expenses, and the medical plan pays XX%. / You continue to pay coinsurance for eligible medical expenses until your out-of-pocket limit of $XX,XXX is reached. / When your out-of-pocket limit is reached, the medical plan pays XXX%until the end of the benefit year.
You payXX% of each eligible medical expense, until your $X,XXXdeductible is met.
[Optional section for Bridged Funding]
Bridged HRA payments
You can use your HRA funds to pay for eligible medical expenses – even before you meet your deductible. Then, you’ll need to meet a portion of your deductible before you can use additional HRA funds to pay for the remainder of the deductible. Meanwhile, you’ll pay less out-of-pocket for services when you visit a participating Blue Cross NC health care provider. You have the freedom to go outside the network, but keep in mind that you may pay more for out-of-network services.
How your HRA works with your medical plan
In-network coverage1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
Your employer contributes $X,XXX to your HRA, and you are reimbursed for eligible medical expenses up to that amount. / When you have used the HRA funds contributed by your employer, you pay $X,XXX out-of-pocket. / Then, your employer contributes an additional $X,XXX to your HRA, and you are reimbursed for eligible medical expenses until your $X,XXXdeductible is met. / When your deductible is met, you pay XX% coinsurance for eligible medical expenses, and the medical plan pays XX%. / You continue to pay coinsurance for eligible medical expenses until your out-of-pocket limit of $XX,XXX is reached. / When your out-of-pocket limit is reached, the medical plan pays XXX%until the end of the benefit year.
[Optional section for Modified Bridged Funding]
Modified Bridged HRA payments
You can use your HRA funds to pay for eligible medical expenses – even before you meet your deductible. Then, you’ll need to meet a portion of your deductible before you can use additional HRA funds to pay for the remainder of the deductible. Meanwhile, you’ll pay less out-of-pocket for services when you visit a participating Blue Cross NC health care provider. You have the freedom to go outside the network, but keep in mind that you may pay more for out-of-network services.
[Optional section for Modified Bridged Funding, cont.]
How your HRA works with your medical plan
In-network coverage1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
You pay $X,XXX out-of-pocket for eligible medical expenses. / Then, your employer contributes $X,XXX to your HRA, and you are reimbursed for eligible medical expenses up to that amount. / When you have used all of the HRA funds contributed by your employer, you pay $X,XXX out-of-pocket for covered eligible expenses until your $X,XXXdeductible is met. / When your deductible is met, you pay XX% coinsurance for eligible medical services, and the medical plan pays XX%. / You continue to pay coinsurance for eligible medical expenses until your out-of-pocket limit of $XX,XXX is reached. / When your out-of-pocket limit is reached, the medical plan pays XXX%until the end of the benefit year.
Article #3
Convenient payment options for health reimbursement account (HRA) expenses
You have a number of choices for reimbursement through the HRA.
Pay the Provider: Your provider will automatically be paid directly from your HRA, eliminating the need for filing claims for eligible qualified medical expenses.
Pay the Member: You will be paid directly from your HRA, eliminating the need for filing claims for eligible medical expenses.
Paper or Electronic Claim Reimbursement: You can mail or fax a paper claim for reimbursement, or reimburse yourself directly by visiting BlueConnectNC.com and clicking the Manage Your Account link. Please note that a service fee may apply for paper check payments, so we encourage you to enroll in direct deposit.
[First-Dollar Only] Debit Card: You can pay for eligible medical expenses conveniently at the point of service. Your HRA debit card eliminates the need to submit a subsequent claim and wait to be reimbursed. Remember to keep a record of all debit card transactions. You may be asked to provide a receipt for any purchase made with your HRA debit card.
Article #4
MANAGING your HRA
Introducing HealthEquity®, your fund administrator
Blue Cross NC makes it easy for you to get the most from your HRA funds. Once you enroll, you’ll receive a welcome kit in the mail from HealthEquity, your HRA fund administrator. Included will be detailed instructions for accessing your account on the web and via mobile phone – the easiest way to see your claims and account status and pay your share of your health care bills. If you don’t have Internet access, you can call a HealthEquity expert specialist any hour of every day at 877-713-7682.
Access anytime, anywhere
You can manage both your Blue Cross NC health plan and your HRA fund online and on-the-go. VisitBlueConnectNC.comto view your health benefits and claims, and to check your HRA balance. Click on the Manage Your Account link for instant access to the HealthEquity HRA member portal. Here, you can access and manage all accounts, send payments and reimbursements, submit claims and view claims status, and manage your debit card transactions, where applicable. You also have easy, on-the-go access to your HRA with the HealthEquity mobile app available for iPhone® and Android™ devices.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
AND ACCESSIBILITYNOTICE
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) provides:
+ Free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as: qualified interpreters and/or written informationinotherformats(largeprint,audio,accessibleelectronic formats,otherformats.)
+ Free language services to people whose primary language is not English, suchas:qualifiedinterpretersand/orinformationwritteninotherlanguages
If you need these services, contact:
Customer Service
Call: 1-888-206-4697, 1-800-442-7028 (TTY and TDD)
If you believe that Blue Cross NC has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex, you can file a grievance with:
Blue Cross NC, P.O. Box 2291, Durham, NC 27702 Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator-Privacy,
Ethics & Corporate Policy Office
Call: 919-765-1663, 1-888-291-1783 (TTY)
Fax: 919-287-5613
E-mail:
Youcanfileagrievanceinpersonorbymail,faxoremail.Ifyouneedhelpfiling a grievance, the Civil Rights Coordinator-Privacy, Ethics & Corporate Policy Office is available to help you. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, availableat:
Online:
Mail: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F HHH Building Washington, D.C. 20201
Call: 1-800-368-1019, 1-800-537-7697 (TDD)
Complaint forms are available online at:
This notice and/or attachments may have important information about your application or coverage through Blue Cross NC. Look for key dates. You may need to take action by certain deadlines to keep your health coverage or help withcosts.Youhavetherighttogetthisinformationandhelpinyourlanguage at no cost. Call Customer Service: 1-888-206-4697.
Discrimination is Against the Law
Blue Cross NC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
Blue Cross NC does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD®, and the Cross and Shield symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross
and Blue Shield Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. NDM4L1001 v12. 6/15/2017, U13382a
ATTENTION: If you speak another language, language assistance services, free of charge, are available
to you. Call 1-888-206-4697 (TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al
1-888-206-4697(TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
注意:如果您講廣東話或普通話,您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電1-888-206-4697
file://localhost/tel/1-888-206-4697(TTY: 1-800-442-7028) 。
CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số
1-888-206-4697(TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
주의: 한국어를사용하시는경우, 언어지원서비스를무료로이용하실수있습니다.
1-888-206-4697(TTY: 1-800-442-7028)번으로전화해주십시오.
ATTENTION : Si vous parlez français, des services d'aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le 1-888-206-4697(ATS : 1-800-442-7028)
ملحوظة: إذا كنت تتحدث اللغة العربية، فإن خدمات المساعدة اللغوية تتوافر لك بالمجان. اتصل برقم
1-888-206-4697 . المبرقة الكاتبة:1-800-442-7028 .
LUS CEEV: Yog tias koj hais lus Hmoob, cov kev pab txog lus, muaj kev pab dawb rau koj. Hurau
1-888-206-4697(TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы говорите на русском языке, то вам доступны бесплатные услуги перевода. Звоните 1-888-206-4697(телетайп:1-800-442-7028).
PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng Tagalog, maaari kang gumamit ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang bayad. Tumawag sa 1-888-206-4697(TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
સુચના: જોતમેગુજરાતીબોલતાહો, તોનિ:સુલ્કુભાષાસહાયસેવાઓતમારામાટેઉપલબ્ધછે. ફોનકરો
1-888-206-4697 (TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
ចំណាំ៖ប្រសិនបើលោកអ្នកនិយាយជាភាសាខ្មែរសេវាកម្មជំនួយផ្នែកភាសាមានផ្តល់ជូនសម្រាប់លោកអ្នកដោយមិនគិតថ្លៃ។សូមទំនាក់ទំនងតាមរយៈលេខ៖1-888-206-4697 (TTY: 1-800-442-7028)។
ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsch sprechen, stehen Ihnen kostenlos sprachliche Hilfsdienstleistungen zur Verfügung. Rufnummer: 1-888-206-4697 (TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
ध्यानदें: यदिआपहिदीबोलतेहहैंतोआपकेलिएमुफ्तमेंभाषासहायतासेवाएंउपलब्धहैं।
1-888-206-4697 (TTY: 1-800-442-7028) परकॉलकरें।
ໂປດຊາບ: ຖ້າວ່າທ່ານເວົ້າພາສາລາວ, ການບໍລິການຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອດ້ານພາສາ, ໂດຍບໍ່ເສັຽຄ່າ, ແມ່ນມີພ້ອມໃຫ້ທ່ານ. ໂທຣ1-888-206-4697 (TTY: 1-800-442-7028).
注意事項:日本語を話される場合、無料の言語支援をご利用いただけます。1-888-206-4697
(TTY: 1-800-442-7028)まで、お電話にてご連絡ください
BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD®, and the Cross and Shield symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross
and Blue Shield Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. NDM4L1001 v12. 6/15/2017, U13382b