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ICHRA & QSEHRA: Can spouse Medicare premiums be reimbursed and how do employees submit them

This article is for employees participating in an ICHRA or QSEHRA through Take Command Health who want to request reimbursement for a spouse's Medicare premiums.

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Written by Mel Vazquez-Martinez

Spouse Medicare premiums may be reimbursable through an ICHRA or QSEHRA if the spouse is an eligible dependent under the HRA and the employer's plan design allows dependent expenses to be reimbursed.

Are spouse Medicare premiums eligible for reimbursement?

Yes, if the spouse is an eligible dependent under your HRA

Spouse Medicare premiums are generally eligible for reimbursement when:

  • The spouse qualifies as your tax dependent or eligible covered family member under the HRA

  • Your employer's HRA allows reimbursement of dependent expenses

  • The Medicare premiums are incurred during an eligible coverage period

  • Required documentation is provided

Eligible Medicare premiums may include:

  • Medicare Part B premiums

  • Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) premiums

  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) premiums

ICHRA: A spouse who is Medicare-eligible qualifies for Medicare premium reimbursement under an Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) if they are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Supplemental plan premiums may also be eligible if permitted by the HRA.

QSEHRA: A spouse’s employer group health plan premiums can also be reimbursed under a Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA) if both the employee and family meet the allowances. For 2026, the maximum annual QSEHRA reimbursements are $6,450 for individuals and $13,100 for families.

When spouse Medicare premiums are not eligible

Reimbursement may not be available in certain situations

Spouse Medicare premiums may not be reimbursable if:

  • The spouse is not an eligible dependent under the HRA

  • The employer's plan only reimburses employee expenses

  • Required documentation is missing

  • The premium was incurred outside the eligible plan period

If any of these conditions apply, reimbursement may be denied.

What documentation is required?

Employees must provide proof of both coverage and premium amount

Acceptable documentation generally includes:

Proof of Medicare enrollment

Examples:

  • Medicare card

  • Medicare enrollment letter

  • Medicare Advantage enrollment confirmation


Proof of premium amount

Examples:

  • Social Security benefit statement showing Medicare deductions

  • Medicare billing statement

  • Carrier invoice for Medicare Advantage or Medigap coverage

  • Premium payment confirmation

Documentation must clearly show:

  • Name of the covered individual

  • Coverage type

  • Premium amount

  • Coverage period

How to submit spouse Medicare premiums for reimbursement

Follow these steps in your employee portal

Step 1: Log in

Sign in to your Take Command employee account.


Step 2: Navigate to reimbursements

Open the reimbursement or claims section of your account.


Step 3: Submit the premium documentation

Upload:

  • Proof of Medicare enrollment

  • Documentation showing the premium amount

  • Any additional information requested during submission


Step 4: Verify dependent information

Confirm that your spouse is listed correctly as an eligible dependent if required by your employer's plan.


Step 5: Submit the request

Review the information and submit the reimbursement request for processing.

Important Considerations

  • Separate Plans: A spouse’s Medicare premiums can still be reimbursed even if they are enrolled in a different plan than the employee (e.g., individual plan vs. family plan).

  • Plan Restrictions: HRAs like ICHRA are subject to IRS regulations. They cannot reimburse premiums for spouses enrolled in group health plans through their employer.

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