Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – For Businesses with 5 or more employees
Q. What is Blue by Design Health Reimbursement Arrangement
(HRA)?
A. Blue by Design HRA is a consumer-directed health care option from Blue Cross
and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS). Blue by Design gives members more control
over how they spend their health care dollars by providing a comprehensive
health plan, along with an employer-funded health reimbursement arrangement
(HRA) that they manage. This is coupled with Blue by Design HRA online tools
that help members make wise decisions about contracting providers, prescription
drugs and general health issues. Members will have the resources and information
they need to better manage their health and health benefits.
Q. What does “crossover” mean?
A. Crossover is the convenient electronic feature of Blue by Design HRA that
connects providers, the health plan, and the HRA fund. If a member has crossover,
claims are submitted electronically from the health plan to the reimbursement
account, which means less paperwork for the member. Members also have the
option of having reimbursements sent to them as a check or deposited directly
into a checking or savings account, without completing any paperwork.
Q. How is a member reimbursed for payments made to providers?
A. If a member has crossover, he or she will receive reimbursements through
an automated submission from BCBSKS. Otherwise, the member will need to complete
a claim form and mail it to the address provided on the form, along with
a copy of the explanation of benefits that shows the care received and
the charges the member is responsible for. Members can find claim forms on
the SelectAccount Web site.
Q. What is “rollover”?
A. Rollover means that the employer allows an employee to carry over all or
part of the HRA funds to the next year if a balance remains at the end of
the current plan year. The next year’s employer-funded amount would
then be added to the rolled-over amount, giving the employee more account
money to help pay the deductible amount for that year. Check the plan materials
to see if rollover is available.
Q. Is an HRA subject to taxes?
A. No. For more information about this type of account and government regulations,
consult a tax advisor.
Q. Will a health care provider be paid automatically from
the HRA account?
A. No. The member will be responsible for paying the health care provider.
The member has the option to request that reimbursement amounts be deposited
directly into his or her personal checking or savings account. Otherwise, the
member will receive a check, payable to him or her, mailed to the member's
home.
Q. Will the member have to pay the doctor before he or
she can receive my account reimbursement?
A. We’re committed to processing claims promptly. Even so, there may
be situations in which a member will receive a bill from the doctor before
receiving funds from the HRA. In these situations, we suggest the member speak
with his or her doctor regarding a mutually acceptable payment plan.
Q. Is my personal health information protected?
A. Blue by Design HRA complies with all state and federal regulations for protecting
the privacy of our members, so our members can rest assured that their personal
information is secure.
Q. Who does a member call about claims questions?
A. The member can simply call customer service at the number on the front of
the member ID card for questions about a specific claim, or check the status
of a claim in our secure
section.
Q. How can a member keep track of their accounts?
A. With Blue by Design HRA members can obtain regular updates on HRA accounts.
Members can access this information at any time through the SelectAccount Web site. There, a member can receive quarterly balance updates
and account status reports that provide balance information and claims detail
for a given plan year (available upon request).
Q. What is preventive care?
A. Preventive care refers to services that help members stay healthy. Things
like immunizations, regular physicals, mammograms and cholesterol testing,
can help prevent illness and reduce health care costs. It’s a win-win
for an employee and employer.
Q. Will BCBSKS help members manage their health, as well
as their health benefits?
A. Yes. Our members need accurate information about health care services and
how much they cost so they can make informed decisions about their health and
how to spend their health care dollars. That’s why Blue by Design HRA
offers a variety of tools and informational resources online that can help
members live healthier and manage their benefits better. We believe that if
our members have the right information and resources, they can make wiser health
care decisions.