Medical Expense Reimbursement

This article applies to you if you have a Via Benefits reimbursement account (sometimes known as a Health Reimbursement Arrangement).*

Reimbursement for premium expenses often uses up your account balance. If you still have remaining funds, you can submit reimbursement requests for eligible out-of-pocket expenses.

You may be reimbursed for an out-of-pocket medical expense as long as it's an eligible expensesuch as an office visit, prescription copay, dental treatment, hearing aids, and more. Your Reimbursement Guide provides additional details about what is considered reimbursable.

You can also view eligible expenses in your Account Details on the website.

  1. Sign in to Via Benefits.

  2. On the Home page, in the Funds and Reimbursement section, select View Accounts. 

  3. Select Show Account Details.

  4. A side panel will open with your eligibility information.

 

You can request reimbursement by submitting a reimbursement request through the Via Benefits Accounts mobile app, on the website, or by using a Reimbursement Request Form. Using a Reimbursement Request Form is not recommended. It’s less secure and may take up to 10 days longer than submitting your request online.

For details about what documentation you must include with your request, read Documentation Requirements for Reimbursement.

Expenses Incurred in a Foreign Country

Expenses incurred in a foreign country may be eligible for reimbursement if the care is medically necessary. If your supporting documentation is in a foreign language, the five required elements (provider name, participant name, date of service, type or description of service or product, and documentation showing the participant’s financial responsibility) must be translated into English. You must also convert the expense from the foreign currency to U.S. dollars. You can complete the translation and currency conversion yourself. A formal translation isn't required.

Medication ordered from another country, such as Canada, and consumed within the U.S. isn't an eligible expense.

Transportation Expenses

Transportation or travel expenses might be reimbursable, depending on your former employer’s reimbursement guidelines. Your Reimbursement Guide provides more details on reimbursable expenses.

Eligible Transportation Expenses

Transportation expenses are eligible for reimbursement when they're essential to receiving medical care.

Eligible expenses may include:

  • Subway, bus, taxi, train, or plane fares

  • Rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft)

  • Ambulance services

  • Parking or toll fees

  • Mileage

  • Transportation expenses for someone who must accompany the patient to treatment, such as a parent, nurse, or caregiver

Documentation Requirements

All of your transportation expenses must have a corresponding expense for medical care, such as an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier, a provider receipt, or a pharmacy receipt.

In addition, receipts or statements are required for all transportation expenses except mileage and parking meters. These receipts must include the expense amount, dates of travel, provider name, and addresses for both departure and destination.

Mileage Logs

Your proof of mileage must be kept in a mileage log or similar document. 

A mileage log should include:

  • Origin or starting address (usually your home address)

  • Provider's address (where medical care was incurred)

  • Total distance traveled between locations, in miles

  • Expense dates

  • Expense recipient (who the expense was for)

  • Requested amount (mileage rate x miles traveled)

    • 2026 mileage rates

      • Business use: 72.5 cents/mile

      • Charity use: 14 cents/mile

      • Medical or military moving: 20.5 cents/mile

  • Type of service (e.g., office visit, emergency room, chemotherapy)

Accepted mileage documents include a printout from an online map service, such as Google Maps, a handwritten document, or an Excel or Word printout.

Mileage Log Examples

Handwritten or Computer-Produced Mileage Log 

 

Google Map Printout

 

*Via Benefits reimbursement accounts are administered by Extend Health, LLC.


Previous
Previous

Paying Medicare Part A and Part B Premiums

Next
Next

Short-Term Medical Plans