The dreaded lost receipt. We’ve all been there. We’re trying to save money and use our FSA or HSA accounts, so we tuck away that medical receipt in a safe place for later. But when the time comes and the receipt is nowhere to be found, panic may set in.
Don’t worry, there are options!
- Check with your Insurance Carrier. Your insurance carrier is generally able to provide you with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for any services that have run through your insurance. If you did not receive an EOB automatically by mail, you can also contact the carrier and request to have one sent to you. Generally, you will also have access to an online login at the carrier where you can obtain a copy.
- Check with your Provider. Medical providers and pharmacies must maintain detailed documentation. They will maintain a history of your services and prescription purchases. Many clinics and medical facilities provide online access to look-up, review expenses and often pay expenses online.
- Use your card at an IIAS merchant to avoid the need for receipts. An IIAS merchant uses an inventory management system to uniquely identify eligible medical expenses. Generally, large retailers and pharmacy chains are registered as an IIAS merchant. Search for an IIAS Merchant near you through the Sigis Store Locator.
- Be proactive. If you suspect that you may be asked for a receipt, Benefit Resource encourages you to proactively upload your receipts through the BRIMOBILE app. This allows you to upload the receipt when you have it in hand. You avoid all requests for documentation and eliminate the risk of losing the receipt.
If All Else Fails
No one wants to have to deal with losing their medical receipts—especially when time is limited and money is at stake! But don’t worry—there are ways around this issue if it arises while claiming expenses from your FSA or HRA account. Requesting a duplicate copy from either the provider itself or your insurance company is usually all it takes, but if that doesn’t work then filing an appeal may also be an option depending on the specifics of how expenses must be documented within the terms of your plan. With some patience and effort you can still get reimbursed even after losing that important medical receipt!
If any of these options do not work, our Participant Services team is available to walk you through options to repay the expense or submit substitute claims.
