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Individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs)

This innovative solution provides an expansion of HRA health benefits for employees. It represents a more modern model of health insurance.

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How it works

The idea behind ICHRAs is based on reimbursing employees for insurance rather than buying it for them. It allows employers to structure reimbursements based on employee class, family size, employee age, or to provide everyone the same amount. An IHCRA can cover
insurance premiums and out of pocket healthcare expenses if the employer chooses to offer that via their ICHRA plan. 

Features include:healthcare expenses if the employer chooses to offer that via their ICHRA plan. 

  • Employers design their plan, including defining who is eligible and establishing reimbursement limits.
  • Employees purchase their own qualified individual medical plan.
  • Employees submit claims for reimbursement.
  • Employers reimburse employees for valid claims.
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Submit claims and receive reimbursement

Employees can pay for eligible health care expenses with a personal credit card, check or cash. Then they submit a claim by email, mail or fax. Along with the claim, they send a receipt that shows:

  • The name of the doctor or other service provider, pharmacy or store
  • The date of service or purchase
  • A description of the service(s) or item(s) purchased
  • The amount charged (or what the employee is responsible for paying)
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ICHRA claim form

Download form (PDF 114kb)
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Frequently asked questions

  • An individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA) is an expansion of health reimbursement account/arrangement (HRA) services. It is offered through your employer. You will need to check with your benefits department or human resource representative to determine if you are eligible for this plan. 

    OR

  • Yes, it is a type of HRA. It provides you with pre-tax contributions to use toward IRS-eligible expenses including medical, prescription, dental, vision and qualified over-the-counter expenses not paid by your group benefit plan.

    OR

  • An ICHRA is a benefit offered by an employer. You will need to check with your benefits department or human resource representative to determine if you are eligible for this plan. 

    OR

  • Examples include doctor’s visits and copays, prescriptions, dental treatment, eyeglasses and lenses, and more. Use our qualified medical expense search tool on the Optum Bank website under the Resources tab to see qualified medical, dental and vision expenses. The expenses for ICHRA as the same as the expenses for an FSA. 

    You can search for eligible expenses in IRS Publication 502. 

    Note: Employers can choose what they want their ICHRA to reimburse including:

    • Insurance Premiums Only
    • Insurance Premiums + Qualified Medical Expenses
    • Qualified Medical Expenses Only

    Make sure you check your plan information as to what exactly is available for reimbursement under your ICHRA benefit. 

    OR