health professional shortage area (HPSA)

Region based on a population per physician ratio. Three types of HPSAs are primary medical care, dental, and mental health. Physicians who perform services in HPSA areas receive incentive payments (also known as a bonus payment program ). When billing, they must indicate their services were provided in an incentive-eligible HPSA by using a modifier. HPSAs replaced health manpower shortage areas (HMSAs).

Health promotion

Types of medical advertisements to help change behaviors that improve health and prevent disease such as those that influence self-care and lifestyle modifications. Promotions can appear as health information, education, diagnostic screening, and health care interventions.

health reimbursement account (HRA)

Type of account to which only the employer can contribute and in which workers do not put their own funds. It is used to pay medical expenses for employees. An employer may keep the money in the account if a worker quits. Also see consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) .
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HRAs are similar to FSAs in that they allow account holders and their dependents to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses with pre-tax dollars that are provided by an employer. Unlike FSAs, and at the end of the year unused funds remain in the account for later use.

health savings account (HSA)

Type of tax-favored savings plan in which a working person can deposit money in an HSA and deduct the amount of the deposits from taxable income. Withdrawal from an HSA is tax free when used for qualifying medical expenses. Money left unspent in an HSA may be rolled over year after year. HSAs are open to anyone younger than 65 years of age who enrolls in a high-deductible (e.g., more than $1000/individual or $2000/family) health plan (HDHP). Employers pay the monthly premiums. Also see consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) .
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HSAs are similar to FSAs and HRAs in that they allow account holders and their dependents to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses with pre-tax dollars that are either provided by an employer or through a voluntary salary reduction agreement. Unlike FSAs, and at the end of the year unused funds remain in the account for later use. To be eligible to contribute to an HSA, a person must be enrolled in a high deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Health services

Medical services, given to individuals, that provide health care that may contribute either directly or indirectly to the physical or mental health and well-being of patients. These may be physicians’ services, hospital services, acupuncture, alternative therapies, assisted living care, chiropractic care, dental care, drugs, home nursing care, skilled nursing care, and vision care.

Health statement

Form or section of a form that an insurance applicant completes to verify his or her own and dependents’ health so that they can obtain membership in a managed care plan or become insured by an insurance company.