New Mobile App For Reimbursement Accounts

Smartphone users can now manage reimbursement accounts on the move, anytime and anywhere.

WageWorks, the company that administers Duke's health care reimbursement accounts, has released "EZ Receipts," a new mobile application that allows users to take pictures of receipts and upload them to assist with verification of purchases or submission of health care reimbursement claims. 

The app, which is free, also allows users to check account balances for both health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts. EZ Receipts is available now for download on the Apple App Store, Android Market and BlackBerry App World.

"Not everyone has easy access to a scanner or a copier to make copies of receipts," said Sylvester Hackney, associate director of benefits at Duke. "This new app is just one more way to make submitting receipts easy."  

After installing the free app on a mobile device, users log on to their password protected WageWorks account. (An account must first be created through the WageWorks website). Through the app, users can then take a photo of a receipt, enter the date and amount of the WageWorks card transaction, and hit submit. The receipt information is held in a WageWorks database and used to help verify any health card transaction that is not automatically accepted. The app can also be used to submit a photo of a receipt following a notice from WageWorks regarding an unverified transaction.

WageWorks verifies the majority of transactions, such as co-payments and pharmacy deductibles, at the time of purchase. However, unusual amounts may trigger a verification process that requires the user to provide a receipt. If the cardholder does not provide a receipt within 90 days, the WageWorks card is suspended until the matter is cleared up. 

Hackney said submitting photos of WageWorks card receipts can reduce the chance that a WageWorks card will be suspended because of an unverified transaction. 

In addition to the app, WageWorks has introduced a new mobile version of its website, available at m.wageworks.com. The site enables users to verify their enrollment status, check card balances, and view alerts and status updates, after logging on to their password-protected account. It is not currently possible to submit claims through the mobile site. 

Faculty and staff may enroll in health and dependent care reimbursement accounts only during open enrollment. This year's open enrollment will be from Oct. 24 through Nov. 5. Because reimbursement accounts use pre-tax dollars, faculty and staff can save about $30 to $40 for every $100 spent on eligible expenses. Information about signing up for reimbursement accounts is included in the open enrollment packets mailed to employees' homes this month or on the Duke Human Resources website.