Don’t Leave Healthcare Money Unclaimed: How to Use Your HRA and RHCA Funds

If you are an eligible Stellantis/FCA retiree, you may have healthcare reimbursement funds available that you have not yet used. Retirees with balances in a Healthcare Retirement Account (HRA) or Retirement Healthcare Account (RHCA) may have accumulated funds that can be used for qualified healthcare expenses.

If you have been paying eligible expenses out of pocket without submitting claims, now may be a good time to review your account balances and past medical costs.

Understanding the HRA

Chrysler introduced the Healthcare Retirement Account (HRA) for Medicare-eligible retirees in 2007.

Each year, Chrysler, now Stellantis/FCA US LLC, provides eligible retirees, spouses and surviving spouses with tax-free medical reimbursement credits for qualified healthcare expenses. Unused credits can roll over from year to year.

There is an important reason not to ignore these funds.

At the date of death, the HRA account is closed. Survivors may request reimbursement for qualified expenses of the retiree or spouse for up to one year. After that period, remaining HRA funds are lost.

Understanding the RHCA

Some retirees also have funds in a Retirement Healthcare Account (RHCA) that they contributed to while working. These funds are held with Merrill Lynch.

Withdrawals for qualified healthcare expenses are tax-free, but unlike the HRA, the RHCA does not provide automatic reimbursement. Retirees must submit claims.

Upon death, RHCA funds transfer to a spouse, if applicable. Otherwise, they transfer to beneficiaries and are generally taxable to them.

Are You Receiving Automatic HRA Reimbursements?

Via Benefits Accounts, or VBA, is Chrysler’s benefits administration partner.

Since 2022, VBA has provided automatic reimbursement of the basic Medicare Part B premium for eligible retirees and spouses enrolled in direct deposit. These reimbursements are paid from the available HRA balance.

However, automatic reimbursement does not include IRMAA — Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts. Those additional Medicare Part B and Part D charges must be requested separately with supporting documentation.

Retirees who were not enrolled in automatic reimbursement may also find unpaid Medicare Part B amounts listed under Expense Reimbursement on the VBA website or phone app.

What Expenses May Be Eligible?

Depending on your account terms, qualified expenses may include:

• Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, including IRMAA

• Medicare Parts A, B, C and D deductibles

• Medicare Supplement or Medigap premiums

• Medicare Advantage premiums

• Health insurance copays and other eligible medical expenses

• Long-term care insurance premiums

• Dental and vision premiums and expenses

• Other qualified medical expenses allowed under the plan

The amount you can claim depends on your available balance and the expenses you can document.

Start by Checking Your Account Balances

Before gathering years of paperwork, determine how much is available in your HRA or RHCA.

Your balance will help you decide how far back you need to search for eligible expenses. You only need enough documentation to support the amount you are requesting.

Gather Documentation

If you have a significant unused balance, you may need records from several sources.

Via Benefits Accounts

Review your VBA account or contact Via Benefits if you are not receiving automatic Medicare Part B reimbursement.

Via Benefits Accounts: 800-483-7283

Social Security

If you no longer have your annual Benefit Verification Letters, you may request Medicare Part B and Part D premium information, including IRMAA.

Social Security: 800-772-1213

Insurance Companies and Providers

You may also need documentation from:

• Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage insurers

• Long-term care insurance carriers

• Medical, dental, vision and hearing providers

• Your own personal payment records

These documents may help support reimbursement claims for eligible expenses.

How to Submit a Claim

To request reimbursement, complete the appropriate Via Benefits expense claim form for your HRA or RHCA and include the required documentation.

Claim forms are available through Via Benefits by phone or through the Via Benefits Accounts website.

Providing annual billing information and proof of payment can help support timely processing. Retirees should consult Via Benefits for specific eligibility and documentation requirements.

Don’t Assume an Older Expense Is Too Old

If you have a substantial unused balance, it may be worth reviewing expenses from previous years.

According to the NCRO newsletter, RHCA reimbursement eligibility begins when you are retired and at least age 55. HRA eligibility begins when the account is funded after you enroll in Medicare.

Take the Time to Review What You Have

These accounts may contain healthcare dollars already available to you.

Start with three steps:

1. Check your HRA and RHCA balances.

2. Review eligible healthcare expenses you have paid.

3. Collect the documentation needed for reimbursement.

A little record gathering now could help you make better use of healthcare funds you have already accumulated.

For more information about filing HRA and RHCA claims, visit NCRO.org and look for the Reimbursements section.

If you need additional assistance, contact the NCRO Insurance Committee at Inscom@ncro.org.

Important: Account rules and individual circumstances may vary. Confirm eligible expenses, balances and documentation requirements with Via Benefits and the appropriate plan administrators before submitting a claim.