As medical care costs are rising, it seems like the more we pay for insurance, the more we have to pay on our own. All these expenses probably have you wondering if you can get reimbursed for all the bills your insurance won’t pay. Let’s examine what medical services and costs can be reimbursed through your insurance.
What is an out-of-pocket medical expense?
An out-of-pocket medical expense is when you have to pay for a medical service without the help of your insurance. Some examples of this would be your deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and any medical bills you have to pay yourself.
Once your deductible is met, your insurance will cover all of your medical expenses for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, you will be fitted with the bill before this is met. The amount you pay depends on how high your deductible is. If you aren’t sure what your deductible is, it is a good idea to call your insurance to find out.
What medical costs can I get reimbursed?
There are some medical costs that you can get reimbursed for. Let’s take a look at what options you might have available to you.
Talk to Your Employer
If you get your health insurance through your job, the first place to start is by talking to your employer or HR department. They will be able to guide you through which of your out-of-pocket costs can be reimbursed.
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Next, you will want to determine if your employer has a health reimbursement arrangement. This is a health benefit that can cover some of your out-of-pocket expenses. All the reimbursable expenses are listed in the IRS’s Publication 502.
The exciting thing about an HRA is that there are over 200 covered services that you can apply for reimbursement.
Other programs that can help cover these costs are a health savings account (HSA) or even health insurance stipends.
Some of the expenses that may be eligible for reimbursement include the following:
- Health insurance premiums
- Prescription drugs
- Doctor’s visits
- Eyeglasses and/or contacts
- Dental exams
Sometimes health insurance companies have patients pay for their medical costs upfront and have them submit the bill to be reimbursed. If you aren’t sure if you need to submit a claim for your medical bill, give your insurance a call to find out what is required for your particular health plan.
Ways to Avoid Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenses
The best way to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket healthcare expenses is by reviewing your insurance policy.
First, check which medical costs your health insurance plan actually covers. This will help you avoid getting unexpected bills in the mail.
Next, you will want to review your deductible and how much you have to pay out-of-pocket before you meet it. The Affordable Care Act has put a cap on the maximum out-of-pocket expenses that policyholders are responsible for.
Finally, you want to make sure that you are staying in-network when receiving your health care. Your insurance company can help you understand which providers are in your network and will be covered. However, if you don’t want to wait on hold for hours with your insurance, UBERDOC can help!
Fast Access to Health Professionals
If you need help finding in-network doctors, UBERDOC can help! UBERDOC allows you to get the care you need in an easy and affordable way. We offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments, ensuring that you have access to the healthcare you need, no matter how busy or restrictive your day is. To find out more about how UBERDOC can help you, contact us today!
