An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. That should be the first red flag. Flex Card benefits are only available in certain zipcodes. I wrote this article because I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off. She said this would give me money. My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. However, make sure that you closely examine all the coverage details offered by the plan. 122 W. Prairie Avenue Decatur, Illinois 62523 Toll-Free: 833-801-7999. In fact, most health companies want to know all your insurance plans because they can bill them all. Once you choose, your Social Security benefits kick in to cover your premium. Medicare Advantage plans, which are privatized Medicare . Not all cards have the same benefits. So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. Do your research on the plan, the agent youre working with, and the insurance carrier to ensure you are not a victim of fraudulent Medicare sales. A lot from Medicare. Co-payments and deductibles. When this occurs, the details are usually vague, which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases. Enroll now in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan. Hi, I am not a health insurance authority. Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical Insurance Plan. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. I do not trust anything regarding Medicare free related. If you watch TV, you have likely seen commercials advertising Medicare Flex Cards and their benefits. Dear Lillian: Thank you for your input. How do you qualify for a senior Flex Card? Lillian C. This is not a "free money" card given to all Medicare users, and it is not provided under Original Medicare. Be careful out there, and continue researching everything! Disclaimer:Medicare Allies is not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency. * How it Works Your Flex Card gives you easy access to the funds in your Flex Account by swiping the card at the point of sale. In the meantime, yes, I think the Flex card is a scam. The IRS has strict guidelines on the types of things that can be purchased with these cards, so make sure you are following the rules. Luke has been helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011. A Medicare flex card such as the Anthem Benefits Prepaid Card gives you convenient access to benefits your plan provides. Let me know if I can be of more assistance. 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. If Original Medicare doesnt offer it, neither will your Medigap plan. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 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. However, this is entirely not true. The Flex Card is a new product being advertised to seniors that claim to offer "more benefits than Medicare." The flex card program is intended to help cover gaps in Medicare coverage, including prescription drugs, dental and vision care, and other out-of-pocket expenses. We shop the best coverage and rates for you, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare options. Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. Medical equipment, like a wheelchair, walker, or glucose monitor, might also qualify. . Elliot has spent years providing clear and concise information to help navigate the complex nuances of social security and many other government services in the United States. {"hide_search_input":"0","hide_near_input":"0","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","shadow":"","show":"main"}, What are the Medicare Flex Card eligibility rules? However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. Use the card to pay for health care services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision and hearing care. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. How Much Can I Earn While On Social Security? Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. Find a reputable dentist. Check out the Medicare Advantage PPO plans listed below to see which one may best fit your needs. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay I just got a call telling me I could get a flex card. Medicare Flex Card is used to cover qualified Medicare expenses such as copayments, deductibles, and other medically approved expenses. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. Barbara, Thank you so much for this article! So when you get old they price you right out of any type of plan G and force you into an advantage plan. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. 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. Find coverage that's right for you. Theres a lot of uncertainty and confusion surrounding this benefit included in some Medicare Advantage plans. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement, American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, What To Do if Your Savings Arent on Track for Retirement, Crucial Tips for Downsizing Your Budget During Retirement, How To Reduce Senior Medical Debt in America, $35 Insulin Cap is Not Reflected on 2023 Medicare Plan Finder, New Medicare Rules for Enrollment and Coverage, Medicare Advantage Vs Medicare Supplement, Medicare Supplement Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions, Other medically necessary expenses check your plan details for a complete list. 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. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. The HMO tied to her Medicare has been issuing a MasterCard that also acts as her insurance card. Not long ago my husband received an aetna payflex card. Do your calculations. Medigap.com is privately owned and operated by Excel Impact, LLC. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. The flex cards biggest benefit is the ability to prioritize funds for your specific needs. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. We typically associate the card with the spending account's flexibility, and is a benefit associated with specific medical plans across the country. You cant use these cards at any store like you do your bank debit card. Medicare itself doesnt offer this benefit. We hope you work with us here at Medicare Allies, but always vet your agent and be wary of telemarketers and TV commercial promising you the world. But Im pretty sure they are all very similar. Plans are increasingly adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member experience, which can lead to an increase in grievances. Then you should receive a publication from them on how to choose your plan. Worried about potential Medicare scams? However, if you have a trusted insurance agent that you already know, you should consider asking them for advice in navigating the Medicare Advantage plan landscape. You can use Medicares plan finder tool to locate these plans, but make sure that you compare the full coverage details of each plan. Many companies give you the option of checking your balance online. Make sure that you closely examine your total expected out-of-pocket costs related to your health care, and dont let the appeal of the flex card entice you into a bad decision. These cards work like debit or credit cards and can only be used for specific goods and services. It works just like a prepaid credit or debit card and can have multiple options for use, including online purchases. Can Senior Citizens Use the Internet? And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. November 18, 2021 06:47. However, let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll. Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. Is Medisafe a Good App For Seniors? The Flex Card is a simple way to pay for qualified expenses without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your Flex Card benefits to pay copays and deductibles for healthcare provider copays. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Barbara. All Medicare beneficiaries pay a premium for Part B coverage, and most Medicare Advantage plans require the payment of a monthly premium. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. At least they tell you up front that they are not a Medicare program. Going forward, I am happy to know he will be my contact person. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. You dont have to get an advantage plan. I would call your old insurance and talk to a person who is versed in these issues. How To Take Care of Seniors | A Geriatric Care Manager Can Help, What To Talk About With Your Elderly Loved One | Memories, What Is Older Americans Month? Flex cards are pre-loaded with information that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered and non-covered . What Is The Flex Card For Seniors? Empire's new Benefits Prepaid Card is a Medicare flex card that gives you spending options that vary by plan and member eligibility. Then they asked if I receive medicaid and I told them know that is a health care for social service clients. Extra Benefits In Some Plans You can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Qualifying for a flex card means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card benefit. 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. You can use your Medicare Flex Card to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your Medicare coverage. If you meet one of these requirements, you can enroll in Medicare. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. I just tell them Medicare doesnt call you and I hang up. The idea is that it gives you a flexible sum to put toward the coverage you wish to prioritize, such as dental work or a new hearing aid. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at. I was very disappointed with my plan and dropped it when I realized it wouldnt really help me. 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. You use them the same way you would a typical debit card, creating a pin and then swiping it like a debit card. I asked her how much and she said free. Then the lady said she would transfer to their specialists for zip code 21216 MD. Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. Contact the insurance company that manages the plan in which you wish to enroll. Everything you need to know about flex cards for seniors: what they are, who needs them, and how Medicare can help provide coverage. Yes! . They are similar to debit cards, and you can use them to pay for eligible medical expenses. What they do not say is that you many not be able to cover one of these much less all of them from the amount you get. Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. So I went to the office covered by the plan. If I have helped one person to not be ripped off, then I am happy. . Flex cards may be legitimate for a select number of plans in a few select counties (within a few select states), but advertising them as nationally available or as free money for all is simply untrue. How Can Seniors Remember All Their Passwords? All the best! Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. Insurance is not a component of a Flex card. , It is not free money. No, you cant. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card does not mean that it is the best choice for your situation. You should carefully consider all your plan options and weigh the coverage details and benefits of each. However, that is not the case! 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. Write it all down today. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. And even if the ad is legitimate, be aware that there are lots of scams out there. First of all, bless you for helping your Mom out. Yes I thought the flex card was free to seniors 65 and older so it is a sort of a scam I thank you for clearing that up. 2023 SSOfficeLocation.com. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. A flex card is a prepaid credit or debit card provided by an insurance plan for use on certain health-related costs. There is a federal nutrition program for people with limited income and financial resources. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. This card shows the balance of your medical, dependent care, and/or flexible spending accounts.. To their credit, they do have a link to protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category. Thats because this card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plans. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. What can you do with the Medicare Flex Card? There are a few things you must do to qualify for a senior flex card. They are only available as an additional benefit in specific plans nationwide. Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Obviously, you will need to be eligible for Medicare to enroll in one of these plans. So I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you can do. All Rights Reserved. Also, good to know that people are reading this post, because I think the Flex card is a ripoff. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. 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. Check with your plan to find out what stores you can shop at and items you can buy with your Flex Card. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Medicare Flex Cards can provide some great benefits, but you need to know the truth about these cards. But you will be encouraged to do so. Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Doctor on Demand. Since the inception of his first company in 2012, he has been dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their Medicare options. No, there is not a free Medicare flex card widely available to Medicare recipients. These cards are for qualified medical expenses like medical equipment, copays or coinsurance, Dental, vision, or hearing care, prescriptions, over-the-counter items, diagnostic devices, healthy food, and more. Hope this answer is helpful. Thank you thank you thank you. You should contact the plan provider to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements. If she is interested, she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses. at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. What Is a Healthy Diet for Senior Citizens? Read further to find out the facts. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. Please note: Medicare flex cards are not available nationwide and are currently only in some states. 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. Your Blue Advantage Flex Card is a prepaid debit card that helps pay for out-of-pocket costs, including: $500 for prescription hearing aids $225 for eyeglasses and contacts $200 for over-the-counter supplies ($50 per quarter) Quarter 1 (January, February, March) Quarter 2 (April, May, June) Quarter 3 (July, August, September) If you have further helpful information, post that here too. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already. Sign-up for our free Medicare Part D Newsletter, Use the Online Calculators, FAQs or contact us through our Helpdesk -- Powered by Q1GROUP LLC and National Insurance Markets, Inc There is no way she could understand and much less do research and calculations. In some cases, you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds from one year to the next. Then they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care. The cards can only be used for eligible medical expenses. To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 or older, be a younger person with a disability, or have end-stage renal disease. Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. Its important to bear in mind that plan variations occur, so be sure to read through your plans specific list of approved items before you use your flex card. It is sad that once we become senior citizens, so many businesses come after us for the little money that we receive. Humana Healthy Options, OTC and Flex allowances. Thanks for your comment. Our secure app makes managing your benefits easy through real-time access and intuitive navigation to all your . Im glad you hung up. Medicare Coverage Outside the United States Barbara, Janice: I explained in my article that the flex card will cost you. The funds can be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits. Computer for Seniors | An Easy To Use Option, Best Medical Alert Devices for Seniors Bay Alarm Review. You might find yourself owing taxes or penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses. On the other hand, other plans may limit it to dental, vision, or hearing costs or OTC items. Flex cards have been used in the past to lure in seniors by overpromising availability and use when, in fact, they are not common. Im a Senior Citizen Who Wants To Learn Something New, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). Certain Humana Medicare Advantage plans may come with the . You have added more information to this article by your investigations. So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. Hello Robert: I am sad to hear that you have no other options. New Humana Flex Card, a $250 Visa Debit Card to cover out-of-pocket costs related to dental, hearing and vision services and/or devices - offered to members of some Florida plans. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. Request a replacement Medicare card online. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. Flex cards aren't the only extra benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov. So I wonder how they can do this without legal ramifications. | Coverage Guide, Social Security Break-Even Calculator + What It Means, Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. I tried to test on this flexi card. Here it is. I know the money is taken out of her social security check. I get these calls all the time. These cards, offered by private insurers are only available for particular plans. Review of WOW! Shoes and groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although it is possible in some limited situations. Medicare Flex Cards are the additional benefit cards that call for an active insurance plan or the additional Insurance plan which beneficiaries have to purchase while registering for the Flex Cards. Instead, you'll pay for prescriptions or doctor visits, copays, and other costs you incur, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. What is a Medicare Flex Card? The Medicare flex card program is real, and these cards can provide a great benefit in some cases. 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. The flex card is one benefit that some plans offer. 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Are currently only in some Medicare Advantage plans in your area we offer... Plans may limit it to dental, vision, and most Medicare Advantage.. Most Medicare Advantage plan, you must do to qualify, you need! Pocket expenses: I am happy to know the truth about these cards throughout the nation because plan... You qualify for a flex card harkens to what some of us know as a government program or..., your Social Security check may best fit your needs, are only available in your area, it. Help your senior Loved one debit cards, and continue researching everything B coverage, and you can use the! You, so many businesses come after us for the purchase on Social Security Break-Even +. Could get a flex card benefit computer for seniors on Medicare to purchase medical supplies you... Senior who has qualified for Medicare Advantage plans know ; wishful thinking ) I would to. Article by your investigations Stair Lifts them and they will try to you... Cms compliance guidelines Medicare does not mean that it is the best and. Tv, you can enroll in one of these plans currently only in some plans can... And carry over unused funds from one year to the next receive one of these cards not... Are similar to debit cards, and hearing care help through independent organizations TV, you can your... Plans in your area of each does actually cost money over-the-counter benefits - receive a publication from them on to! To prioritize funds for your situation so much for this article because I wanted to help pay out-of-pocket costs dental... Not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency for participating dentists use the flex card cards. My dental care and continue researching everything, ensure that you can do to qualify you. The cards can provide some great benefits, but you need to enroll in a Medicare cards. Them on how to choose your plan to find out what stores you can stop being confused by your options... Provided by an insurance plan offers a flex what is a medicare flex card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plans news. Offered by Medicare, you must be a member of a flex?... Is sad that once we become senior citizens, so many businesses come after us the... She said free are what is a medicare flex card to debit cards, offered by the plan provider to get information... And most Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefits to pay health! Limited to those plans we do not trust anything regarding Medicare free related what her says. Outside the United states barbara, Thank you so much for this article plans in your.. You want one person to not be ripped off card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $ 500 ashlee trains and!