Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions for members who are currently enrolled in the HDHP or are considering enrollment and opening an HSA.

 

  • What if I am not enrolled in the HDHP, OR I am currently enrolled in the HDHP with no HSA?
    • Members enrolling in a HDHP can notify their employer of their interest in pre-tax HSA payroll deductions by answering “Yes” to the following HDHP survey question on the SHBP Enrollment Portal:

    “Are you interested in opening a Health Savings Account (HSA) through Optum Bank that will be funded through your pre-tax payroll deduction?” 

    After selecting “Yes”:

    • Complete registration and follow the instructions in the email you will later receive from your employer explaining how to open an Optum Bank HSA.
    • Provide your employer with the desired amount to deduct from each pay period on a pre-tax basis.

    OR

    • Contact your employer to request assistance with opening your pre-tax HSA with Optum Bank.
    • Provide your employer with the desired amount to deduct from each pay period on a pre-tax basis.

     

    Note: Selecting “Yes” to the survey question on the SHBP Enrollment Portal DOES NOT automatically open a Health Savings Account (HSA) through Optum Bank. It simply notifies your employer of your interest in establishing an account, prompting follow-up communications.

  • What if I am currently enrolled in the HDHP with an Optum Bank HSA and contributing post tax dollars?
    • UnitedHealthcare will ensure your existing Optum Bank account is transitioned to your designated group number and payroll location. You DO NOT need to open a new account.
    • Provide your employer with the desired amount to deduct from each pay period on a pre-tax basis.

     

    Note: Consider discontinuing existing post tax contributions to your Optum HSA Bank Account to ensure the annual IRS threshold is not exceeded.

  • What if I am currently enrolled in the HDHP with an HSA using a different financial institution and contributing post tax dollars?
    • Contact your employer to request their assistance with opening your HSA with Optum Bank to begin making your pre-tax HSA payroll contributions.
    • Provide your employer with the desired amount to deduct from each pay period on a pre-tax basis.
    • Once your Optum Bank HSA is active, please contact Optum Bank at 866-234-8913 for assistance to consolidate your HSA funds under your new Optum Bank HSA.

     

    Note: Consider discontinuing existing post tax contributions to your Optum HSA Bank Account to ensure the annual IRS threshold is not exceeded.

  • When can I enroll in an HDHP?
    • A member may only enroll in an HDHP during Annual Enrollment or upon experiencing a Qualifying Event.
  • What if I did not notify my employer of my interest in pre-tax HSA payroll deductions by answering “Yes” to the following HDHP survey question on the SHBP Enrollment Portal:

    “Are you interested in opening a Health Savings Account (HSA) through Optum Bank that will be funded through your pre-tax payroll deduction?” 

    • You will not be able to make changes to your survey question outside of processing your OE/ROCP election or declaring an election due to a Qualifying Event. 
  • How do I contact Optum Bank for questions specific to my HSA?