Medical Reimbursement Accounts

If you do not qualify for Healthy San Francisco, the money your employer pays to the City on your behalf will be used to fund a Medical Reimbursement Account for you.  You can use the funds to pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision care expenses.

If you are assigned a Medical Reimbursement Account: 

1. Within 4-6 weeks you will receive program materials from the Medical Reimbursement Account vendor, and confirmation that an account has been established in your name. You will be able to use the funds in your account to get reimbursed for medical expenses that occur after the Medical Reimbursement Account enrollment date, which is the date your employer’s check clears the bank.
   
   
2. To begin using the Medical Reimbursement Account, follow the simple reimbursement procedures as outlined in the program materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How for back can I submit a reimbursement request to a Medical Reimbursement Account?
  Reimbursement requests for a health expenditures may only go back as far as your Medical Reimbursement Account enrollment date, which is the date your employer’s check clears the bank. Receipts for qualified medical expenses that occurred on or after this enrollment date may be submitted as a claim for reimbursement.   Receipts for medical expenses incurred prior to this enrollment do not qualify for reimbursement.

  For example:  If your enrollment date is July 1, 2008, only health expenditures made on or after July 1, 2008 will be reimbursed.

  Note:  Reimbursement requests for expenditures made on accounts that have been closed after 12 months of inactivity will not be honored, regardless of the existing balance at the time of closure.

• How long does it take for me to be reimbursed for a medical Expense?
  Assuming that all forms and receipts have been properly submitted, claims are usually processed within 3 to 5 business days.
   

• Which types of medical expenses are reimbursed through a Medical Reimbursement Account?
  Medical Reimbursement Account funds may be used for doctor visits, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, prescription glasses, contacts or contact solutions, and dental supplies to name a few.

  When you receive the program materials in the mail, you may contact the Medical Reimbursement Account vendor or visit the vendor website for a more substantial list of reimbursement allowables. 

• If I leave my place of employment, can I cash out my Medical Reimbursement Account?
  No. If you leave your place of employment, you may continue to withdraw funds from the Medical Reimbursement Account until funds are depleted.  At no time can you cash out a Medical Reimbursement Account.

• Must medical services or purchases be conducted within San Francisco to qualify for Medical Reimbursement Account withdrawal?
  No. There are no service area limitations for qualified reimbursements. 

• Will a Medical Reimbursement Account reimburse health insurance premiums?
  Yes, health insurance premiums are reimbursable through the Medical Reimbursement Account.
  
  

• How do I set up a Medical Reimbursement Account?
  After your employer’s payment has been received by the City, you will receive a welcome letter from the Medical Reimbursement Account vendor with instructions on how to set up an account.
  
  You can set up your Medical Reimbursement Account by completing and submitting the necessary forms either online or through the mail by hardcopy.

• How do I get reimbursed for medical expenses?
  You may fax or mail a claim form and receipts to the Medical Reimbursement Account vendor. Reimbursement is made to you by check or direct deposit into a checking or savings account, whichever you prefer.
  
  All claim forms can be accessed online or sent by the vendor via mail.