This article applies to you if you have a Via Benefits reimbursement account, sometimes known as a Health Reimbursement Arrangement*.
Note: Automatic Premium Reimbursement isn’t available to participants receiving ICHRA benefits.
If your plan is eligible, Automatic Premium Reimbursement automatically reimburses your monthly medical and Part D premiums. There’s no need to submit a request through the website, mobile app, or paper form.
If Part B premiums are an eligible expense, you may also be able to use Automatic Premium Reimbursement for those costs. Read Medicare Part A and Part B Premium Reimbursement to learn more.
Automatic Premium Reimbursement applies only to premium payments. For copay reimbursement options, refer to Submitting Reimbursement Requests.
Automatic Premium Reimbursement Process
You pay your plan premium to the insurance carrier.
The carrier transmits an electronic receipt for the payment to Via Benefits.
Via Benefits reimburses you for the premium, up to the available balance in your reimbursement account.
For information about partial payment, refer to your Explanation of Payment.
Turning Automatic Premium Reimbursement On or Off
If you want step-by-step instructions for turning Automatic Premium Reimbursement on or off, select one of the following methods:
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for Automatic Premium Reimbursement:
You have qualified for the reimbursement account offered by your former employer or benefits provider.
You are enrolled in a qualifying insurance plan (e.g., Medicare) through Via Benefits Insurance Services.
Automatic Premium Reimbursement Availability
To determine if Automatic Premium Reimbursement is available for your medical plan, Part D, or Medicare Part B premiums, follow the directions provided in the Turning Automatic Premium Reimbursement On or Off section.
If an OFF/On toggle appears to the left of a plan’s name in your reimbursement account, the plan is eligible for Automatic Premium Reimbursement.
You can use Express Reimbursement to be reimbursed for your premium expenses if your plan doesn't support Automatic Premium Reimbursement.
If you prefer not to use Automatic Premium Reimbursement or Express Reimbursement, consider submitting a Recurring Premium Reimbursement.
Paying Your Premium
Social Security Deduction
We recommend not using Automatic Premium Reimbursement if your Medicare Advantage or Part D premiums are paid through Social Security deduction. Delays in payment verification can delay your reimbursements and may require you to submit reimbursement requests manually.
Exception: Medicare Part B premiums can be reimbursed through Automatic Premium Reimbursement, even when deducted from Social Security, because payment verification is not required.
Directly to the Carrier
Automatic Premium Reimbursement works best when you pay the insurance carrier directly and don't have the premium deducted from your Social Security payment.
Reimbursement Payment Options
You can receive reimbursements by direct deposit or paper check. Via Benefits recommends direct deposit because it:
Deposits reimbursements directly into your checking or savings account instead of mailing a paper check.
Delivers funds faster than mailed checks.
Provides convenient access to your reimbursements, even when you're away from home.
Offers greater security than receiving checks through the mail.
To learn how to set up direct deposit, see Setting Up or Updating Direct Deposit on the Website or Setting Up or Updating Direct Deposit on the Mobile App.
Reimbursement Time Frames
When to Expect Your First Reimbursement
If you enroll in a new plan and turn on Automatic Premium Reimbursement, it may take up to six weeks to receive your first reimbursement.
If you have not received your first reimbursement after six weeks, contact Via Benefits at 1-866-322-2824 (TTY: 711). We can work with your insurance carrier to help determine the cause of the delay.
When to Expect Future Reimbursements
After your first reimbursement is processed, subsequent reimbursements should be received within four weeks.
*Via Benefits reimbursement accounts are administered by Extend Health, LLC.