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OPM.gov / Insurance / Healthcare / Health Savings Accounts
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Health Reimbursement Arrangement

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

If you select an HSA-qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP) and you are not eligible for an HSA, you will be given an HRA.  This is not a bank account, but a virtual fund that receives the premium pass through credits from your health plan.   The premium pass through credits are the same as the HSAs in the same plan.  Most health plans credit the funds to the HRA on an annual basis in January.  Funds in your account will help pay your qualified medical expenses, including Medicare premiums or other qualified medical expenses not covered by your health 

Features of an HRA include:

  • Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses
  • Carryover of unused credits, without limit, from year to year
  • You can have an HRA if you’re enrolled in Medicare or a healthcare flexible spending account (HCFSA)Credits in an HRA do not earn interest
  • Credits in an HRA are forfeited if you switch health plans, or if you leave federal employment other than to retire
  • Your HRA is administered by the health plan
  • You cannot make voluntary contributions to the HRA

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