Introduction
Health expenses after retirement can be stressful, especially when you’re on a fixed income. That’s why many retirees under the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust are taking full advantage of the HRA benefit available at uawtrust.org/ HRA benefit. If you’re a retired auto worker covered by the Trust, you may eligible for a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that helps pay for your medical costs.
But how does the uawtrust.org/ HRA benefit really work? In this article, we will explain the entire process—from eligibility and enrollment to reimbursement and claim submission. Whether you’re new to the Trust or just need a refresher, this guide written in simple English to help you understand and make the most out of your benefit.
What Is UAWTrust.org/ HRA Benefit?
🧾 Definition of HRA
HRA stands for Health Reimbursement Arrangement. It’s a type of account funded by the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust that helps retirees pay for certain medical expenses not fully covered by their insurance.
You don’t put any money into it—the Trust does. The money in this account can be used to pay for out-of-pocket costs like:
- Prescription drugs
- Doctor visit copays
- Dental or vision services
- Medicare premiums
- Medical equipment
🌐 Accessing Your HRA
To access your HRA information, visit uawtrust.org/hra. This page gives you detailed instructions, forms, and contact support for your HRA account.
Who Is Eligible for the HRA Benefit?
✅ Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for the HRA benefit if:
- You are a retired UAW member covered by the Trust
- You a enrolled in a Medicare plan offered through Via Benefits
- You have a qualifying medical plan and meet the age and retirement criteria
Once you’re eligible, the Trust will automatically create an HRA account for you.
📬 Notification and Enrollment
You will receive a letter or welcome packet from Via Benefits, explaining your HRA setup, benefit amount, and how to get started.
How Does the HRA Benefit Work?
💳 HRA Account Funding
Each year, the UAW Trust deposits a certain pre-set dollar amount into your HRA. This amount varies based on your:
- Medicare enrollment
- Coverage plan
- Years of service
In 2025, many retirees receive over $1,500 annually to cover medical expenses.
📤 Claim Submission
You must submit eligible claims to get reimbursed from your HRA account. You can do this in three ways:
- Online Portal: Log into your Via Benefits account
- Mobile App: Take a photo of your receipt and submit via app
- Mail or Fax: Submit printed forms and receipts
Via Benefits reviews your claim and sends money directly to your bank account or via check.
What Expenses Are Covered?
💡 Eligible Medical Costs
You can use your HRA to get reimbursed for a wide variety of IRS-approved healthcare expenses, including:
- Medicare Part B and Part D premiums
- Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans
- Dental checkups and procedures
- Vision exams and glasses
- Hearing aids and batteries
- Prescription copays
- Chiropractor visits
- Physical therapy
A complete list is available at uawtrust.org/hra under eligible expenses.
❌ What’s Not Covered?
Not everything is eligible. You cannot use your HRA for:
- Cosmetic procedures
- Gym memberships
- Over-the-counter meds without a prescription
- Non-medical services
Step-by-Step: How to Use Your HRA at uawtrust.org
🧭 Step 1: Set Up Your Account
Go to uawtrust.org/hra and follow the link to Via Benefits. Register with your personal details and health plan info.
📥 Step 2: Submit a Claim
- Upload receipts
- Fill out claim form
- Submit online or via mail
Make sure the receipt includes date, provider name, amount paid, and service details.
📝 Step 3: Track Reimbursement
After submission, you can track your claim:
- Online dashboard
- Email updates
- Phone support
Reimbursements are generally processed within 10 business days.
Benefits of Using the UAWTrust.org/ HRA Benefit
🎯 1. Free Money for Healthcare
You don’t contribute a cent. The Trust funds your HRA yearly—use it or lose it!
🧠 2. Stress-Free Medical Payments
No need to worry about out-of-pocket bills. Your HRA takes care of them.
💬 3. Personalized Support
Via Benefits offers phone assistance and live chat to help you through the process.
📱 4. Easy to Use on Mobile
Use the Via Benefits mobile app to take a photo of your receipt and submit within minutes.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
⚠️ 1. “My Claim Was Denied!”
Double-check that your receipt includes all required details: date, type of service, and amount.
Make sure it’s an eligible expense.
⚠️ 2. “I Lost My Login Info”
Go to Via Benefits login page and use the password reset option.
Call their support team for recovery help.
⚠️ 3. “Where’s My Money?”
Claims are processed in 7–10 business days.
Check your bank account and email for updates.
Contact support if it’s been more than 2 weeks.
Digital Tools to Make Life Easier
📲 Via Benefits Mobile App
- Upload receipts
- Track claims
- Check HRA balance
- Receive push notifications
🖥️ Online Dashboard
- View full claim history
- Download tax forms
- Update contact and bank info
Tips to Maximize Your HRA Benefit
✅ Use Auto-Reimbursement
Enroll in premium auto-reimbursement so that Medicare or insurance premiums are automatically reimbursed every month.
✅ Submit Monthly
Don’t wait until year-end. Submit your receipts monthly for faster and easier tracking.
✅ Keep Good Records
Save all receipts, Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), and provider bills in case they’re needed.
✅ Check Year-End Deadlines
Unused funds may not roll over, so use your HRA before December 31.
Conclusion
Healthcare costs can add up quickly, but the uawtrust.org/ HRA benefit gives retirees peace of mind. It’s an easy-to-use, Trust-funded account that covers many out-of-pocket health expenses. You don’t need to pay into it—the money is already there waiting for you.
By understanding how to access and use your HRA benefit, you can take full control of your health finances in 2025. Whether you need help with Medicare premiums or dental bills, this benefit is your tool for a better, healthier retirement.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let your HRA funds go to waste. Visit uawtrust.org/hra today, set up your account, and start submitting your claims. Take full advantage of this powerful benefit designed for UAW retirees just like you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ What is uawtrust.org/ HRA benefit?
It is a Health Reimbursement Arrangement provided by the UAW Trust to help retirees cover approved healthcare expenses.
❓ Who is eligible for the HRA?
Retirees who are part of the UAW Trust and enrolled in a Medicare plan via Via Benefits are eligible.
❓ Do I need to put money into my HRA?
No, the Trust fully funds the HRA for eligible retirees.
❓ How can I submit my HRA claims?
You can submit claims through the Via Benefits website, mobile app, or by mail/fax.
❓ What happens if I don’t use my HRA funds?
Most HRA funds do not carry over, so you should use them before the year ends.
❓ Can I use HRA money for dental and vision expenses?
Yes, many dental and vision services are eligible for reimbursement.
❓ How long does it take to get reimbursed?
Reimbursements are typically processed in 7–10 business days.
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