Timely tips for using your HRA

Stay on top of your plan 

Use Aetna Navigator^® (your secure member website) to check fund balances and activity for your HRA. This way, you’ll understand how much of your fund is available at any time. You can also review your remaining deductible – or get a summary of your benefits. Aetna Navigator is ready to help you 24/7. So use it whenever you like to manage your health and your health benefits.

How to handle doctor payments

Most times, you won't need to make a payment when you go to your doctor. That's because doctors are generally asked to wait for payment until after we have processed a claim. So you should also wait before making any payment. It's best to make a payment AFTER your claim has been paid by Aetna.

The reason why? Aetna works out a price with your doctor. In fact, the amount Aetna agrees on is usually much less than what the doctor typically charges. When it comes time to make a payment, you’ll save money with Aetna’s negotiated amount.

In some cases, however, your doctor may ask for payment. If you are in the deductible portion of your plan, for example, doctors might ask you to make a payment when you receive care.

It’s also smart to keep track of health care payments made for you. Just go to your secure member website. You can see what's being billed to you by doctors and hospitals. Plus, you can check the payments that Aetna is making for your care.

Did you know?

You can save money by going to a doctor in Aetna's network. That's because Aetna negotiates prices with network doctors. To find a doctor in our network, visit your secure member website and go to DocFind. You can also use this website to see actual rates for some doctors. And you can get estimated costs for some common types of medical care.

Planning for the future

If you don’t use all your HRA now, you might save some of it for later. That’s because HRA plans let you roll over unused funds from one year to the next. Check to see how much of the fund your employer will allow you to roll over.

Did you know?

You could pay less for prescription drugs by using a mail-order service for maintenance medications. And you may save even more by using generic drugs (if available). That's not all. With an Aetna plan, you can use our discount program to save money on eyeglasses, fitness equipment and health club memberships.

Make use of preventive care

Think of preventive care as an investment in your good health. The money you spend now on checkups and tests can help you to avoid serious health concerns later on. Best of all, your plan is likely to cover preventive care at 100 percent. So you can get the care you need at little or no cost. Don't miss the opportunity to use these important benefits.

Get ready for a medical procedure

Of course, you've got plenty to think about before a medical procedure. And your good health is always the first concern. But you should also spend some time thinking about ways to manage the costs of your care. Here are some suggestions.

• Shop around
  Would you buy the first car you look at? Probably not. So it's smart to compare hospital costs – if you have choices available. You may find that two hospitals with similar levels of quality charge very different prices for the same medical procedures. Use our DocFind^® online directory to check costs for doctors and hospitals.
• Ask questions
  The more you know, the better off you’ll be. You can put yourself in the best position to make decisions that are right for you and your family. 
• Double check
  Remember that a medical procedure involves many services. Your primary doctor is just one part of a larger team. Your care may include other specialists, such as surgeons. And the hospital bill covers much more than just your room and board.  There are other costs, including tests, anesthesia and medications, to be considered. 
• Start saving
  Another way to prepare for a medical procedure is to open up a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), if it’s available. This account lets you put money aside for future medical costs.  And you can get tax advantages while you build up your savings.

Want to learn more?

To make the most of an HRA, sign up for your secure member website. You can use it to manage your health and your health benefits. Plus, it’s available whenever and wherever you are – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s easy to get started. Just go to www.aetna.com. Click on “Register Now” in the “Members: Secure Information” section.

Health benefits and health insurance plans are offered and/or underwritten by Aetna Health Inc., Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health of the Carolinas Inc., Aetna Health Insurance Company of New York, Aetna Health Insurance Company and/or Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna).  In Maryland by Aetna Health Inc., 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06156.  Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for their own products.

This material is for information only and is not an offer or invitation to contract. An application must be completed to obtain coverage. Rates and benefits vary by location. Aetna HealthFund HRAs are subject to employer-defined use and forfeiture rules, and are unfunded liabilities of your employer. Fund balances are not vested benefits. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to www.aetna.com.