 Read Julie's story to find out how you can use your HSA at the doctor's office*.
Meet Julie
Julie is in her early 40s and opened an HSA when she opted for a high-deductible health plan during her company's benefits enrollment period.
She always has an annual physical, which her plan pays for 100%. But between physicals, she twists her ankle while running. She uses ice packs and an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, but the pain persists. So she makes an appointment to see her doctor.
The Doctor Visit
When Julie gets to the doctor, she gives her health plan card to the receptionist, so that he knows she doesn't owe a copayment at the time of her visit. When she sees the doctor, they discuss her sore ankle and her doctor recommends an X-ray.
Julie quickly checks on her health plan Web site to find a radiology lab that is in her network, and she makes an appointment. The X-ray rules out anything serious, and Julie’s doctor recommends she stays the course with rest and over-the-counter medication.
When her health plan processes the claims, she receives an explanation of benefits detailing what she owes for her doctor’s visit and her X-ray as well as how much she has paid of her deductible. She receives bills from her doctor and from the radiology lab for the network-negotiated rates for their services.
Paying the Bill
Because Julie's doctor and the radiology lab accept MasterCard, she is able to use her Optum BankSM Health Savings Account Debit MasterCard® to pay the bills. She also could use online bill payment for no additional cost.
* Hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only. All events, persons and results described herein are entirely fictitious and amounts will vary depending on your unique circumstances. Any resemblance to real events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Current rates are variable and may change at any time. Consult a qualified legal, tax or financial advisor for your specific situation. |