AutoPay is a Take Command feature that helps pay eligible health insurance premiums automatically, reducing the need for employees to make monthly premium payments and submit reimbursement requests.
What is AutoPay?
AutoPay is a premium payment feature that allows eligible health insurance premiums to be paid automatically.
With AutoPay:
Premium payments are automated.
Insurance carriers receive premium payments directly.
Employees typically do not need to pay premiums out of pocket first.
Employees generally do not need to submit monthly premium reimbursement requests.
AutoPay creates a simpler premium payment experience for eligible health plans.
How does AutoPay work?
AutoPay follows a streamlined payment process:
An employee enrolls in an eligible health insurance plan.
AutoPay is established for the policy when applicable.
Premium payments are sent to the insurance carrier.
Coverage remains active as long as eligibility and funding requirements are met.
Payment timing is determined by the insurance carrier's billing schedule.
Who can use AutoPay?
AutoPay is available only for eligible plans and program configurations.
Availability depends on factors such as:
Employer benefit design
Enrollment method
Insurance carrier requirements
Plan eligibility
Not all plans, carriers, or benefit arrangements support AutoPay.
Is AutoPay available for QSEHRA and ICHRA?
AutoPay is generally associated with eligible ICHRA implementations.
AutoPay is not available for all HRA arrangements and may not be available under certain plan configurations.
If you are unsure whether AutoPay is available for your benefit, review your enrollment information or contact Support.
How is AutoPay different from reimbursement?
The main difference is who pays the premium first.
AutoPay
With AutoPay:
Premiums are paid automatically.
The insurance carrier receives payment directly.
Employees generally do not need to pay premiums out of pocket.
Monthly premium reimbursement submissions are typically unnecessary.
Traditional reimbursement
Without AutoPay:
The employee pays the insurance carrier directly.
The employee submits proof of payment.
The reimbursement request is reviewed.
The employer reimburses the employee according to plan rules.
How do employees use AutoPay?
The experience varies based on how coverage is obtained.
Easy Enroll
If Take Command assists with enrollment:
Enrollment and payment setup are generally coordinated during the enrollment process.
Employees typically do not need to take additional payment setup actions.
Self Enroll
If employees enroll directly with the insurance carrier:
Additional setup steps may be required.
Employees may need to confirm enrollment information.
Employees should follow any AutoPay instructions provided during enrollment.
Do employees still need to provide proof of coverage?
Sometimes.
Requirements depend on the enrollment method and benefit configuration.
Employees may be required to:
Verify active coverage
Confirm enrollment information
Complete eligibility requirements
AutoPay does not eliminate coverage verification requirements.
Does AutoPay cover medical expenses?
No.
AutoPay is designed for eligible health insurance premium payments only.
AutoPay does not pay:
Copays
Deductibles
Coinsurance
Prescription expenses
Dental expenses
Vision expenses
Other medical expenses
These expenses may still require reimbursement through standard HRA processes if they are eligible under the employer's plan.
What does AutoPay not do?
AutoPay does not:
Function as a debit card
Provide a spending account for healthcare expenses
Cover non-premium medical expenses
Replace eligibility requirements
Guarantee coverage approval
Replace health insurance enrollment
Employees must still maintain qualifying coverage and satisfy plan requirements.
What happens if AutoPay is not available?
If AutoPay is not available for your plan:
Pay premiums directly to your insurance carrier.
Maintain proof of payment.
Submit reimbursement requests when required.
Follow your employer's reimbursement process.
The reimbursement process varies by benefit design.
Key takeaway
AutoPay is a Take Command feature that helps pay eligible health insurance premiums automatically. When AutoPay is available, premiums are generally paid directly to the insurance carrier, reducing the need for employees to make monthly premium payments and submit premium reimbursement requests.