The Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), a benefit offered to Union Coalition-represented employees, took effect January 1, 2010. It allows eligible retirees and their eligible dependents to get reimbursed tax-free for out-of-pocket covered medical expenses. It rewards good attendance, preserves sick leave and can help provide a more comfortable retirement.

New HRA tool makes things simple

The HRA is funded by Kaiser Permanente, based on the number of unused banked sick days at retirement. This animated tool and calculator shows how much those days could be worth.

HRA basics

Please use the materials on this page to learn more about the benefit. Team co-leads and stewards are encouraged to discuss the benefit with employees

• HRA fast facts: A one-page summary of how HRAs work.
• HRA 101: A 16-page presentation explaining what HRAs cover, who can participate, and more.

NOTE: New legislation includes changes to eligible over-the-counter (OTC) expenses for pre-tax accounts. As of January 1, 2011, a prescription (provider's directive) is need for over-the-counter medicines, drugs and biological treatments to be reimbursed through HRAs.

Health Reimbursement Account brochure and list of participating unions
A guide to the Health Reimbursement Account that applies to all affected regions, as well as an excerpt from the brochure that lists the participating unions.

• HRA brochure
• List of participating unions

Frequently Asked Questions
The HRA is funded by HRA-convertible sick leave hours, which vary according to different collective bargaining agreements. The FAQs here are customized for different groups of employees.

• For employees in the Attendance Program
• For employees with an "annual refresh" provision to their sick leave program
• For employees in the Extended Sick Leave program
• For Georgia region employees, who follow a unique system of sick leave accrual
• Health Reimbursement Account

PowerPoint presentations
Use these region-customized presentations to help employees in Southern California, Northern California and Georgia understand the new benefit.

• Southern California
• Northern California
• Georgia
• Northwest

Cover letters to participating LMP employee groups
Kaiser Permanente began to notify affected employees in Southern California, Northern California and Georgia about the new benefit the week of Nov. 30, 2009, with the following letters.

• Southern California
• Northern California
• Georgia

Read more!

New value to banked sick leave