Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Paying for Your Care with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)


​A staff member recently asked me this question. I know I'll be responsible for paying the allowed amount until I reach my deductible, but how will I know what that is?
Image from insurance.com

At the time of service, remind your provider that you're in a high deductible health plan and explain that you don't know exactly where you are relative to meeting your deductible and what the allowed amount will be. Ask them to submit the claim to UHC and then bill you. 

You may encounter a few high tech providers that can instantly submit a claim and see how much of your deductible you've met and the allowed amount. They are likely to request payment at the time of your visit. This is more likely to happen if you're having out patient surgery or being admitted to a hospital. 

Either way, you can use your HSA debit card to pay your portion of the cost. If you're billed for services, you can also go onto myuhc.com and make your payment after reviewing the explanation of benefits. 

Pharmacy claims are a little different. The pharmacists will know what you owe and you'll have to pay that amount when you pick up your prescription(s).

United Healthcare shared this piece with us in the helpful Welcome Kit we received when we enrolled in the the Choice Plus with HSA at ASHA.

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