Have you ever checked your bank statement and spotted a mysterious HGB Select Louisville KY or HGB select charge on debit card? It can be pretty alarming, especially if it pops up without any clear explanation.
You’re not alone in this, many people, particularly those connected to the military or government services, have wondered the same thing.
Understanding the HGB Select Charge
First off, let’s decode what “HGB Select” actually stands for. HGB is short for Humana Government Business, a division of Humana Inc. based in Louisville, Kentucky. They’re a major player in handling health insurance payments for the U.S. government, specifically for military families and reservists.
The “Select” part refers to a specific health plan under the TRICARE system, which is the healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.
If you’ve seen this charge on your debit card, it’s likely tied to a monthly premium payment for TRICARE Reserve Select. This plan provides coverage for National Guard and Reserve members who aren’t on active duty.
Humana processes these payments on behalf of the government, and that’s why the charge shows up with their name and location. It’s not some random scam, it’s a standard billing descriptor for these services.
Think of it like this: when you sign up for a health plan, you agree to automatic deductions to keep things running smoothly. But if you’re not expecting it, it can feel like a surprise bill.
The good news? Once you know the context, it’s easier to verify and manage.
How Does TRICARE Reserve Select Work?
TRICARE is essentially the military’s health insurance powerhouse, covering everything from doctor visits to hospital stays. The Reserve Select option is designed for reservists who need reliable coverage between deployments. It’s affordable compared to civilian plans and offers benefits like low copays and access to a wide network of providers.
To enroll, you typically set up payments through the regional contractor’s website, Humana handles this for many areas, including the East Region.
After your initial payment, everything switches to automatic. You can choose electronic funds transfer from your bank account or direct charges to your debit or credit card. That’s where the HGB Select charge comes in: it’s the monthly pull for your premium.
Premiums are calculated based on your coverage level.
For 2025, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Coverage Type | Monthly Premium (2025) |
|---|---|
| Member Only | $53.80 |
| Member and Family | $274.48 |
These amounts are prorated from the annual fee and can vary slightly if you’re overseas or have special circumstances. Remember, these are just the premiums, there might be deductibles or copays on top, but the HGB charge specifically covers the base premium.
If you’re a spouse or dependent, the charge might show up under a slightly different name, like HGB TRS or HGB Prime, but it’s all part of the same system. Prime is another TRICARE option with even more comprehensive coverage, often at a higher cost.
Why Is It Showing Up on Your Debit Card?
Debit card charges for HGB Select happen because you (or someone authorized on your account) selected card payments during enrollment. It’s convenient, no need to remember due dates but it can catch you off guard if the plan was set up years ago or transferred from another payer.
Common scenarios include:
- Recent Enrollment: If you or a family member just joined the Reserves, the first charge might hit unexpectedly.
- Automatic Renewal: Plans renew annually, and payments continue seamlessly unless you cancel.
- Family Coverage Changes: Adding a newborn or spouse could bump up the amount, leading to a larger deduction.
- Overseas Assignments: Reservists abroad might have payments routed through Humana for consistency.
One thing to note: the charge might appear in various formats on your statement, such as “CHKCARD HGB SELECT LOUISVILLE KY” or “POS Debit HGB SELECT.” This is just how banks code transactions, but it all points back to Humana.
If it’s a one-time thing, it could be a setup fee or adjustment. But recurring charges mean it’s ongoing coverage. Either way, don’t panic—most of these are legit, but verification is key.
Is This Charge Legitimate? How to Check
Seeing an unfamiliar charge doesn’t automatically mean fraud, but it’s smart to double-check. Start by logging into your TRICARE account on the official website (tricare.mil) or Humana Military’s portal at humanamilitary.com. You’ll need your sponsor’s ID or enrollment details to access it.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to verify:
- Review Your Enrollment: Check if you or a family member is enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select. Look for confirmation emails or letters from Humana.
- Contact Humana Directly: Call their customer service at 1-800-444-5445 (for the East Region) or check the number on your statement. Have your card details ready—they can confirm the charge in minutes.
- Check with Your Bank: If it’s a debit card, your bank can provide more transaction info or even temporarily block future charges while you investigate.
- Look for Supporting Documents: Past bills or enrollment forms should match the amount and frequency.
If everything lines up, great, it’s just routine billing. But if it doesn’t match, report it as unauthorized. Banks often refund suspicious charges under their zero-liability policies, especially for debit cards.
Pro tip: Set up alerts on your banking app for any transaction over a certain amount. This way, you’ll get a text or email right away and can act fast.
What If It’s Not Yours? Steps to Dispute and Protect Yourself
Sometimes, charges like this could stem from identity theft or a forgotten shared account (like an ex-spouse’s plan). If verification shows it’s not legitimate, act quickly to minimize damage.
Follow these steps:
- Dispute with Your Bank: Most banks have a 60-day window to dispute debit card charges. File a claim online or by phone—provide any evidence, like lack of enrollment proof.
- Cancel the Plan if Applicable: If it’s tied to an old TRICARE enrollment, contact Humana to disenroll. You’ll need to submit a form through milConnect (the military’s online portal).
- Monitor Your Accounts: Freeze your debit card and watch for other unusual activity. Consider a credit freeze too, as health insurance fraud can affect your score.
- Report to Authorities: If fraud is suspected, file with the FTC at identitytheft.gov and your local base’s legal office if you’re military-affiliated.
In rare cases, scammers might mimic these charges, but true HGB Select ones always come from Humana’s verified systems. Staying vigilant helps keep your finances secure.
Tips to Manage and Avoid Future Confusion
Once you’ve sorted out the HGB Select charge, here are some practical tips to stay on top of similar surprises:
- Switch Payment Methods: If debit card charges stress you out, opt for electronic funds transfer—it’s just as automatic but pulls from your checking account without the card risk.
- Budget for Premiums: Factor these into your monthly expenses. Use apps like Mint or YNAB to track recurring bills.
- Update Contact Info: Keep Humana and TRICARE informed of address or card changes to avoid payment failures or extra fees.
- Review Annually: During open season (usually fall), reassess your plan. You might qualify for lower-cost options or need to adjust coverage.
- Educate Family Members: If you’re the sponsor, make sure dependents know about these charges to avoid double disputes.
By being proactive, you turn what could be a headache into a non-issue. Many reservists swear by these habits for smooth sailing.
FAQs About HGB Select Charge on Debit Card
Q. How do I stop HGB Select charges on my debit card?
A. To stop them, log into your Humana Military account and update your payment method or disenroll from TRICARE Reserve Select. If unauthorized, dispute with your bank first, then contact Humana at 1-800-444-5445 to cancel.
Q. Can HGB Select charges be for something other than TRICARE?
A. Typically, no. HGB stands for Humana Government Business, and these charges are almost always for military health premiums. But always verify with Humana to rule out errors.
Q. What if the charge amount doesn’t match my premium?
A. This could be due to prorated fees, late adjustments, or family additions. Check your TRICARE statement online; if it still doesn’t add up, call Humana for a breakdown.
Conclusion
Dealing with an HGB Select charge on debit card can feel confusing at first, but as we’ve seen, it’s usually just the system doing its job for TRICARE coverage. By understanding the basics, verifying quickly, and managing your payments wisely, you can avoid stress and keep your health benefits intact.
If you’re in the Reserves or supporting a service member, these charges are a small price for peace of mind. Take a moment to review your statements today, it might save you a bigger hassle tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Always consult with Humana Military, your bank, or a professional advisor for personalized guidance on charges or enrollments. Premium amounts are based on 2025 rates and subject to change.