Using your Kaiser Visa card
Effective January 1, 2023, you can use your Kaiser Permanente Visa Health Payment card outside of the Kaiser Permanente pharmacy. In addition to using your health payment card at the Kaiser pharmacy, you can now also use it at the dentist, eye doctor and for other eligible health expenses and eligible over-the-counter items at big-box retailers.
TIP: If you use your health payment card at a big-box retailer, pay at the pharmacy register.
Pharmacy registers are typically set up to recognize eligible items and will accept the card. Front registers might reject the card.
Ways to get reimbursed
If you pay for a service or for an eligible health expense using your own money and you need to be reimbursed, there are two ways to file claims for reimbursement from your Health Account or Health Care FSA:
- By logging on to Kaiser’s website and uploading, faxing, or mailing your supporting documents to Kaiser
- Through Kaiser’s smartphone app—KP HRA/HSA/FSA Balance Tracker—available through the iPhone/iPad app store and the Google Play Android Store
Be sure to keep a copy of all your receipts before you submit them to Kaiser.
Watch the Reimbursements with Kaiser video to learn more about filing a claim.
You’ll have up to 180 days to verify expenses. If you haven’t verified your expense after 180 days, Kaiser Permanente will suspend your card.
If you elected to participate in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the money in your FSA will be used first to reimburse you for any out-of-pocket health care expenses—since the FSA has a “use it or lose it” rule. Kaiser will automatically debit your FSA first to pay for any out-of-pocket medical expenses, and then will debit your Health Account if you don’t have enough in your FSA to cover the expenses. For additional information, view Kaiser's HRA plan FAQs.
Kaiser will automatically pay your Kaiser provider; you do not have to file any claims or deposit any checks when you get care from Kaiser.
For medical expenses
You don’t have to file a claim if you use a Kaiser provider. After you receive care, Kaiser will process your claim, send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and then automatically debit your Health Account or Health Care FSA to pay any charges you owe for services. If you don’t have enough funds in your account(s), Kaiser will bill you, and you’ll be responsible for paying Kaiser what you owe with your own money.
For prescriptions
Generally, you won't need to file a claim for reimbursement to pay for prescriptions. You may use your Kaiser Visa Health Payment Card at the Kaiser pharmacy. Your prescription will be paid for with your Health Account credits and — if you elected the Health Care FSA — your annual FSA contribution.
For mental health and preventive substance abuse expenses
Carelon Behavioral Health (formerly Beacon Health Options) will file a claim for reimbursement for you with Kaiser. If you have enough in your Health Account or Health Care FSA to cover what you owe, you’ll be reimbursed. Otherwise, you’re responsible for paying your provider amounts you owe.
For dental and vision expenses
Effective January 1, 2023, you may use your Kaiser Visa Health Payment card when you check in for a visit at the dentist or eye doctor, or when you get a bill.
For health care services outside of Kaiser Permanente facilities, such as dental visits, you’ll need to provide an Explanation of
Benefits (EOB), bill or itemized receipt to validate your health care expenses.
Kaiser Permanente will send reminders if you need to verify your expenses. You’ll need to log in to your account at kp.org/healthexpense and click File a Claim. Then follow the required steps. To verify your expenses were eligible, you’ll need to provide an Explanation of Benefits (EOB), bill or itemized receipt.
You’ll have up to 180 days to verify expenses. If you haven’t verified your expense after 180 days, Kaiser Permanente will suspend your card.