Independent guide

HCR on a pay stub: Health-care reimbursement

HCR can label a reimbursement of eligible health expenses. It is not another name for an HSA, and the earlier combined phrase “HCR … HSA” should be read as…

Last updated September 13, 2026

Browse health, insurance and disability deduction codes.

HCR can label a reimbursement of eligible health expenses. It is not another name for an HSA, and the earlier combined phrase “HCR … HSA” should be read as two separate entries. An HRA, health FSA and HSA have different funding rules.

How to read this entry

Use the meaning Health-care reimbursement alongside the column heading. An earnings amount, an employee deduction and an employer-cost memo can have different effects even when their labels look similar.

Example on a pay statement

A $45 approved medical claim reimbursed by a plan should match the claim record. Its appearance does not prove that $45 was deducted from this paycheck.

Examples illustrate the checking method. They are not a personal tax calculation or a promise of a particular benefit.

What to check with payroll

Ask which arrangement made the payment and whether the row is a claim reimbursement, contribution or informational entry.

Compare related entries

Read the health, insurance and disability deduction codes guide to compare the entries in this part of your statement. Use the full pay stub code directory when a second abbreviation is unfamiliar.

Reference and scope

Official guidance on health, insurance and disability deduction codes provides background on the underlying rules. The actual plan, tax year, jurisdiction and payroll record determine how the rules apply.