Visa HRA Card

The Visa HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) card makes it simple for you to access employer-provided funds to pay for eligible healthcare expenses, such as co-payments, deductibles, and medications. After your employer establishes an HRA, you receive an embossed Visa HRA card. The level and frequency of employer funding contributions are determined by your employer.

Using Visa HRA Cards

When you need to pay for eligible expenses, present your Visa HRA card to the merchant, doctor, pharmacy, or other qualified healthcare service provider, and the funds are deducted directly from your HRA account.

IRS Requirements for HRA Cards

Effective January 1, 2008, the IRS is requiring select retailers—including supermarkets, grocery, discount stores, wholesale clubs and mail-order merchants—to identify healthcare-related items at the time of purchase through a process called an Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS). To meet these new requirements, many retailers have already changed their point-of-sale systems. However, some may have not; this may include retailers where you have used your card in the past. You’ll find a list of IIAS participating retailers at the SIGIS website. (Note: Most drug stores and pharmacies are also required to implement an IIAS by July 1, 2009.)

You will be able to continue to use your Visa HRA card at IIAS-participating retailers that meet the IRS requirements. In addition, you will not need to submit receipts for your purchases at these participating retailers. However, you will no longer be able to use your Visa HRA cards at non-healthcare retailers (e.g., supermarkets, grocery stores, discount stores, wholesale clubs, and mail-order merchants) if they have not taken steps to comply with IRS requirements. Consult your HRA administrator for more information.

Note: The new IRS requirements do not apply to healthcare retailers such as doctors, dentists, or hospitals. You can continue to use your card at these healthcare providers just as you do today.

To explore the finer details of Visa healthcare cards available ask your HR department or employer about Visa HRA cards, or read the Frequently Asked Questions.