A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) is an employer-funded account that reimburses you for eligible medical expenses when you participate in the TU Wellness Annual Health Incentive. The HRA is paired only with the HRA medical plan and is administered by HealthEquity.
Where Do My Incentives Go?
HRA plan members receive account deposits into their HRA for eligible medical expenses. HDHP participants receive deposits into their HSA, and POS participants receive gift cards. For current amounts and how to earn them, see TU Wellness (Annual Health Incentive).
How HRAs Work
- Participate in TU Wellness activities (e.g., annual physical, Health Risk Assessment, coaching, challenges) during the calendar year.
- As you complete activities, incentive dollars are credited to your HealthEquity HRA (for HRA plan members).
- Use your HRA funds to reimburse eligible medical expenses (see list below). Submit a claim or use your benefits debit card when applicable.
Eligible Medical Expenses
- Medical copays
- Medical prescriptions
- Medical deductibles
- Medical out-of-pocket maximum amounts
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medical items*
- FSA Store items*
*OTC and FSA Store items may decline at the register when using the benefits debit card due to merchant coding. See the “OTC Reimbursement Tip” accordion below for an easy workaround.
- The HRA is available only with the HRA medical plan.
- All Tulane medical plan participants can join TU Wellness activities; however, where rewards are deposited depends on your plan:
- HRA plan: HRA account deposit (via HealthEquity)
- HDHP: HSA account deposit
- POS: Gift cards (Tango Rewards Mall)
- Employment eligibility includes:
- Full-time employees scheduled to work at least 7 months
- Part-time employees working ≥ 50% of a full-time schedule and expected to work at least 7 months
Using Your HRA (Claims & Card)
- Reimbursements are processed through your HealthEquity portal.
- You can pay providers directly with the benefits debit card when eligible, or pay out-of-pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement (“Reimburse Me” in HealthEquity).
- If you become ineligible (e.g., employment changes), your card is deactivated; submit claims manually for any remaining eligible expenses incurred while covered.
OTC Reimbursement Tip (When the Card Declines)
Some merchants code OTC/FSA Store items in a way that declines the benefits debit card. Here’s the workaround:
- Pay out-of-pocket at checkout.
- Upload the itemized receipt in your HealthEquity account under Reimburse Me.
- Receive reimbursement from your HRA once approved.
- HRA reimbursements are tax-advantaged; you cannot also claim the same expenses as deductions on your income tax return.
- Gift card rewards (POS plan) may be taxable; see the TU Wellness page for details and current disclosures.
For incentive amounts, rules, and activity details, visit hr.tulane.edu/wellness.
