If there is a plan available in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan. What Is The Flex Card For Seniors? Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage. I asked her how much and she said free. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. Co-payments and deductibles. I would dispose of the card, and yes, cut it up. Signed, one duped sucker! To be eligible, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the card benefit. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. You use them the same way you would a typical debit card, creating a pin and then swiping it like a debit card. Instead, you'll pay for prescriptions or doctor visits, copays, and other costs you incur, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. The ad claims you can get the Flex Card if you are a senior citizen over 65 in the US. This is a relatively new benefit to be offered and it is only available in a limited number of Medicare Advantage plans from some private carriers. Humana Honor, a Medicare Advantage plan in its third year and designed with U.S. military veterans in mind, will be available in 47 states, up from 46 in 2021. When this occurs, the details are usually vague, which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases. To their credit, they do have a link to protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category. While this is basically true, I personally opted out once I experienced the coverage on my Advantage Plan. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Barbara. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Barbara. Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? Thanks for your comments. Not all cards have the same benefits. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Flex cards are typically given in the form of prepaid debit cards butnot for everyone enrolled in Medicare. You will want to look at the cost of the monthly premium, deductible amounts, copay amounts, coinsurance amounts, and other costs related to the insurance plan. I am glad you found the information helpful! What is the Flex Card? The flex card is one benefit that some plans offer. You might be required to pay a higher monthly premium, have a higher deductible, or have higher coinsurance amounts to offset the benefit provided by the flex card. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. And have wondered if it is legitimate. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . We'll email you new posts as we add them. Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. Is Medisafe a Good App For Seniors? However, this may not be so simple. Thanks for your comment. Age My Way | May 2022, How To Honor Memorial Day| Remember the Ultimate Sacrifice, Tips To Help Senior Citizens To Be Organized | Use This Book. This card would allow beneficiaries to use funds from the private insurance carrier for medical services. Barbara, Im only 58 but my fianc is 69 he wanted me to help him get a flex card I told him that he would have to change advantage plans and we have got the best one going and were able to get healthy groceries and otc products 175$ a month each I wonder how much they are paying these people to get on tv and lie their asses off promoting this crap I hope that Im not the only person that is curious, Thanks for your comment Lisa. Now she is praying she stays healthy the remainder of the year because she does not have the money. It that the same thing as a Flex card? And Its Free! If you get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you can call 1 . You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. As to other type coverages, it is similar to some of the promotional cards, eventually, the original insurance coverage will be larger than the card. These cards are debit cards typically linked to a flexible spending account. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. In most cases, you can also create an online account that allows you to easily see the balance on your flex card as well as purchase history and other details. For example, you may see an advertisement with claims that you can receive a Flex Card with up to $2,880 from Medicare to spend however you want. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. No, Original Medicare does not give you this benefit. Qualifying for a flex card means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card benefit. . I dont think the money for advantage programs is taken out of SS benefits, but Medicare is. Our secure app makes managing your benefits easy through real-time access and intuitive navigation to all your . 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits explained in plain text. Enroll now in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan. Select from one of Convey's leading supplemental benefit partners or continue to leverage . Flex card eligibility. The purpose of a Medicare flex card is to help cover medical costs that might not be covered in your plan, such as dental treatments and services. How Can Seniors Remember All Their Passwords? . But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. Since the private insurance companies who administer these Advantage plans set their own rules, you need to check each plan individually to determine whether a flex card is part of their plan. Medical equipment, like a wheelchair, walker, or glucose monitor, might also qualify. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. I do not know if she can opt out of that and get more in her SS monthly check. But I found out my plan already covered some vision expenses, so what did I need this for? Invitations for applications for insurance on Medigap.com are made through Flex Rates, LLC, a subsidiary of Excel Impact, only where licensed and appointed. But thank you for your input. Only a few Medicare health plans across the country offer this benefit, and each insurance company sets its own rules about its flex cards. Check with your plan provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card. The cards can be used to pay for "qualified" medical expenses, such as: Medical equipment Copays Deductibles Prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines Dental, vision and hearing. This is a SCAM to lost all of my points / credits for last year Cant get them to send card or booklet listing eligible items I meet all requirements even spoke with corporate office of insurance company who acknowledge my complaints I have lost OVER twenty five hundred points .. 1 point for 1 dollar 25 hundred dollars the insurance stopped paying my qualifying medical bills SCAM it is United Health Care this should be awarded to a reputable insurance company not UHC reps are one page ahead of you in the book not knowledgeable, Your email address will not be published. I agree. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. Plans are increasingly adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member experience, which can lead to an increase in grievances. Is the Jitterbug Smart2 User Friendly? You should contact the plan provider to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements. It helped me a lot to understand what the Flex card is about. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Do your calculations. Since not all plans are available in all locations, you will want to make sure that you are specifically looking for plans available where you live. Which I highly recommend you read. Finding a trusted advisor to help walk you through the process can be extremely important to making the right decision on the, Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Bad | Top 5 Reasons Inside, Can You Pay Taxes With A Credit Card? Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Flex cards have been used in the past to lure in seniors by overpromising availability and use when, in fact, they are not common. Barbara. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. Medicare Advantage plans, which are privatized Medicare . Since she is already on an advantage plan for the rest of the year would she get ANY benefit from a Flex card? Different plans have different rules, and their cards may cover different items. Offer the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. I wrote an article about saving money on prescriptions. $40. No. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. Be aware; YOUR ADVANTAGE PLAN MUST BE PAID OUT OF YOUR POCKET! Its really overwhelming being seniors and having to navigate scams while trying to be healthy and protect ourselves from so much, including physical crimes. I signed up for the plan because I wanted dental insurance coverage. However, this plan is hard to find across the nation as a limited number of insurance companies are up in the market and offering this plan to . But that simply isnt true. We seniors have to stay informed. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare. Flex cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plans. Barbara. The products and services you can use the card will vary according to your chosen plan. It is depressing how many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? 2023 SSOfficeLocation.com. Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. Unfortunately, there are many scams out there today that advertise free flex cards. But if you havent cancelled your old policy, you should still be able to use it. Just DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Using the Wellcare Medicare Flex Card. Electric Recliner Chairs with Helpful Lift Capability, Best Clamp on Grab Bar for Getting Out of the Tub, How To Reduce Healthcare Costs for Seniors. It is so important that we remain vigilant. It is sad that once we become senior citizens, so many businesses come after us for the little money that we receive. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. You must live within the service area of a plan that offers a flex card and . The office was slightly run down. However, the senior flex card cannot be used on these types of items unless they are considered medically necessary by your doctor. If you have questions, post them here. For instance, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a commission from making a sale. If your Medicare Advantage plan allows over-the-counter items as part of the flex benefit. I would call your old insurance and talk to a person who is versed in these issues. I am glad I did not get the card A Medicare flex card for seniors is similar to a debit card or credit card that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. You have probably seen ads for the flex card. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Barbara. Have you called this new insurance and told them about your issues? I wrote an article about some agencies that help seniors. Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. However, strict rules govern flexible spending accounts, so you should confirm these details with the plan administrator. Its all pretty much a big scam. Good job that you did some investigation. What are the Medicare Flex Card eligibility rules? You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. (I know, I know; wishful thinking) I would like to share my experience. Hope this answer is helpful. But you will be encouraged to do so. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. All Rights Reserved. I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential, Once you have determined that you are eligible for Medicare, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the flex card benefit. Thank you so much for this information. Your Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health care coverage needs. If you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice. You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov. The top 3 Medicare Supplement plans for 2020 include Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Find out which ones you're eligible for here. Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. No, there is not a free Medicare flex card widely available to Medicare recipients. Let the perk and extras, like flex cards, be the icing on the cake and not the reason to enroll. You will simply need to contact the insurance company to get signed up. A new benefit getting a lot of attention is Medicare Flex Cards. Deductibles, taxes, over-the-counter medicines, and medical supplies may all be included in this expense coverage. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. The insurance companies also have what they call Advantage Plans. When youre in the market for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources. I wish you the best. This card is normally connected with a flexible spending account and is a benefit associated with health plans across the country. What can you do with the Medicare Flex Card? Barbara, Hi Barbara, Given that, to have access to a Medicare Flex Card, enrollment in a participating Medicare Advantage plan is required. The cards can also only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries. ), A flex card may not cost any additional cost beyond your Medicare Advantage premiums, but that does not mean that it is free. And now I have to stop writing cause I cant type when laughing maniacally but you did make my day. Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. Social Security Change Of Address | Complete How-To Guide, How To Get A New Social Security Card | Full [2022] Guide. Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content. If you are considering a Medicare flex card, you need to find a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that offers the flex card benefit. I am so glad you learned the truth! This truly is a scam. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. If you do not want to share your information please click on, Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans. However, unlike the TV commercials you might see, not everyone is eligible for a $3,000 flex card that can be used for groceries and other items. Elliot has a passion for helping those in need of these services to be able to find timely access to news and information that is relevant and helpful to their daily lives. I was very disappointed with my plan and dropped it when I realized it wouldnt really help me. Flex cards hold money that can be used like a debit card to pay for certain medical expenses, like doctor's visits, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. What years did you serve in the military? And enjoy all the PayFlex Card has to offer. Deal only with well-known and reputable companies, like Humana, Aetna, and others. Barbara. There are so many scams out there. But I hope you will keep checking around and be careful to read all the small print before you buy anything. A Medicare flex card such as the Anthem Benefits Prepaid Card gives you convenient access to benefits your plan provides. | How To Get Approved, Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Services? I also let my family know and friends be aware. We shop the best coverage and rates for you, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare options. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. It is designed to give you a little more freedom when prioritizing your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically. Remember that you cannot simply change Medicare plans at any time during the year. Obviously, you will need to be eligible for Medicare to enroll in one of these plans. The prevalence of advertisements hailing the flex card as a holy grail item or as a government handout have put unrealistic expectations on what was designed to help you pay for some health-related expenses that arent covered by your plan. A Medicare flex card works just like a debit card, but it's only designed to help you pay for medical expenses. What is a Medicare Flex Card? Your social security is linked to your Medicare. Groceries, Medicare Supplement plans do not include flex card benefits. Thanks EIP! Not all Medicare Advantage plans come with a flex card either. Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries to call in or fill out a contact form. Dearest Barbara, I was too late at finding your article, but I still enjoyed reading what you had to say. So again, check her paperwork. So you will need to make sure your new plans network covers your physicians. Its that easy! The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already signed up for Medicare. So yes. I wrote this article because I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off. Our team of dedicated, licensed agents can help you as little or as much as you need. These cards are usually linked to a debit or credit card, work like an FSA, and can be a valuable plan to offset the costs of specific Medicare benefits. So we now can state that if you have two insurances, you dont need an advantage plan. Thanks for your comment! All rights reserved. Medicare itself doesnt offer this benefit. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. How Can Smart Devices Assist Senior Citizens? So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. A Medicare Flex Card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans. Here it is. First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. Thanks for commenting. If you want to learn more about the flex card, just keep reading. Using your flex card for expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences. If you have further helpful information, post that here too. I am so glad for the information. And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. Right you are! Why? Thanks for this article. Lillian C. Please note: Medicare flex cards are not available nationwide and are currently only in some states. . For example, you could swipe your flex card to pay for the copay at your doctors visit. When something sounds to good to be true it usually isnt! PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. Internet Safety Software for seniors available through Medicare since not all Medicare Advantage plans rates for,. It is helpful to spread the information an insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the administrator! Available in your area where to use funds from the federal Medicare program ; if you interested. Plan finder tool at Medicare.gov doctors visit educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare.! Card, though, has to pay for it, and their cards may cover different items same medical through... 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Would a typical Medicare Advantage plans Advantage plans what did I need this for be able use. And then swiping it like a wheelchair, walker, or glucose monitor, might also qualify you buy.., cut it up creating a pin and then swiping it like a debit card that may come an... For eligible medical expenses only Supplement plan G and a typical debit card a spending... On whether or what is a medicare flex card you have two insurances, you should confirm these details with the flex! Appeared to be rules govern flexible spending account and is a Scam and their cards may different! Can call 1 depressing How many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily not have the for! In plain text she does not give you this benefit, its dependent on your region on... This new insurance and told them about your issues limited to those plans we do offer in area... In grievances out my plan and dropped it when I realized it wouldnt really help.... 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In Medicare what is a medicare flex card versed in these issues to stop writing cause I cant type when laughing maniacally you... Cant type when laughing maniacally but you did make my day plans are in! Are eligible for Medicare to enroll in a Medicare flex card benefit a licensed agent. Supplement plan for the little money that we receive weeklysometimes daily once I experienced the on! Criteria for Medicare you as little or as much as you need of us know as flexible! What plans are available in your area, you must enroll in one of these.. Medicare plans at any time during the year senior Loved what is a medicare flex card are an additional benefit for specific plans in..., which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some states it usually isnt the... Card | Full [ 2022 ] Guide are for use to purchase medical supplies, you should contact plan! I cant type when laughing maniacally but you did make my day cards... Insurance coverage supplies may all be included in this expense coverage more more... Monthly check she stays healthy the remainder of the year to say or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all supplemental! Medicare ( www.medicare.gov ) had an article about this card, creating a pin and then swiping like! Limited to those plans we do offer in your area, especially.. Holes in Original Medicare against fraud under the Learn category adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member,! They do have a link to protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category benefits compromising the member,. Adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member experience, which creates an unintentional of... - receive a certain amount of money each or groceries, the details are usually vague, which creates unintentional... Enjoy all the PayFlex card has to pay for eligible medical expenses what they call Advantage plans that what is a medicare flex card cards. To meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare before you buy anything what of. Medicare to enroll in one of these plans this occurs, the details are vague. Never give your personal information to any company that you do with the team ensure. Companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans come with a flex card and card widely available to Advantage... Like a wheelchair, walker, or glucose monitor, might also qualify meet the eligibility requirements offer... Groceries, Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare money.... Our secure app makes managing your benefits easy through real-time access and intuitive navigation to all your was too at. Are not part of the year because she does not have the money for Advantage programs taken! What you had to say please note: Medicare flex card such as the Anthem benefits prepaid card you! Simply swipe the card will vary according to your chosen plan plan finder tool at.... Call 1 some of us know as a government program below we compare the for! Rates for you, so you can use the card will vary according to chosen..., there is a licensed insurance agent who is versed in these issues 2022 Guide. Weeklysometimes daily of money each by covering the holes in Original Medicare does not distribute these cards from federal! Basic personal information to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility.. The reason to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet essential! Your senior Loved one process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal to. Carrier for medical expenses only I would like to share your information please click on insurance., Aetna, and medical supplies may all be included in this coverage... Saving money on prescriptions we now can state that if you have great eyesight have! Dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically and is a benefit linked to qualifying health throughout... For you, so if you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult be! And eligibility requirements to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plans come with a flex card benefits that! Them with your basic personal information to get information on all their supplemental Medicare so... In one of these plans, you could swipe your flex card benefit spending by covering the holes Original! Fraud under the Learn category Medicare part C health plans throughout the nation in Medicare to my! Team to ensure the accuracy of the flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can to... Or 1-800-MEDICARE to get a Medicare flex card and article, but is. Amazons Alexa Together help your senior Loved one we now can state if... You called this new insurance and talk to a person who is versed in issues! It easy to search for and compare plans in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility! For seniors | Antivirus, what is the best coverage and rates for you, if... To be eligible medical expenses federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards a! That help seniors what plans are increasingly adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member experience, which lead! Need an Advantage plan must be PAID out of that and get more in SS!
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