HRAs - Verifying Qualified Dependents?

[Guest bdswdc]

Can anyone provide clarification on the requirements to assure reimbursements from HRAs are designated to cover expenses of the actual participant, spouse, or eligible dependents? It's clear how providers can limit reimbursement by type (ie. Section 213 expenses) but not so clear on the expense source. For example, if a provider offers reimbursements via a debit card what responsibility do they bear to make sure the individual isn't using the card for someone other than eligible dependents? Does the participant bear the end responsibility? Would the plan itself be at risk if there were issues along this line? thanks!!!

[Ron Snyder]

While its arguable that under an HSA the responsibility for documentation lies with the participant who would have to report any uncovered withdrawals as taxable income, such would not be the case with an HRA.

With such a situation, it would seem to be questionable to use a medical debit card for such transactions. Perhaps a medical credit card would be more appropriate where the TPA could receive the documentation and could request needed materials to adjudcate the claim so that it could be peid personally rather then by the HRA charge if it was ineligible.

Yes, the plan itself would be at risk.