It is designed to give you a little more freedom when prioritizing your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically. Use the card to pay for health care services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision and hearing care. Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. The funds can be used to help pay for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan. I saw the ad on TV, over the Internet. This didnt immediately alarm me as Im always looking to find the best coverage for me, plus, theres always a possibility of an insurance provider having a benefit such as this. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. Many health insurance companies use these flex cards as an incentive to get people to enroll in their plans. This gives them. 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. Write it all down today. You can visit the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. The office was slightly run down. The one she presents to the doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital and were ever. Extra Benefits In Some Plans You can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. It is depressing how many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily. 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. Co-payments and deductibles. I know it can be a challenge as I was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had help. Flex cards can only be used for qualifying medical expenses. Signed, one duped sucker! , Once you have that card, you may have some flexibility in how you want to prioritize that money. Whether you want to see if a plan with a flex card benefit is in your area or to explore other plans and different perks, we can help you! However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. . 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. 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. First of all, bless you for helping your Mom out. Barbara, Thank you so much for this article! iPad. 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. So yes. Why? The Wellcare Flex Card is a prepaid Visa debit card that . If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. Again thank you! I saw the advertisement for seniors to get the flex card. Do I Have What It Takes To Be an Entrepreneur? The Flex card is NOT a cash card and can't be used to get FREE money or cash back. I went to DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you were the first hit and I started reading. But Im pretty sure they are all very similar. . However, enrollment in just any Medicare plan wont do it. We are committed to protect your privacy. And finally the dentist did a brief exam and then told me I would need up to $2,000 worth of work done. I am glad I did not get the card Just DO YOUR HOMEWORK! No, you cant. Primary Care Physician. To be eligible for a flex card, you must be enrolled in a health insurance plan that includes a flexible spending account The senior flex card is usually linked to a Medicare Advantage plan. These premiums vary from company to company. Some examples include copays, coinsurance amounts, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision exams, and contact lenses. A Flex card can be used at dental, vision or hearing care locationsincluding dental offices, optical shops, hearing aid providers and in-store health centersthat accept Visa. All rights reserved. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. 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. How Can Seniors Remember All Their Passwords? We shop the best coverage and rates for you, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare options. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. When was the last time the government did something right? I am not an insurance specialist, and find I have my own challenges. It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. How to Save Money on Prescriptions. Barbara. Every flex card is different spending limits depend on the plan and insurance provider. Come on, nothing is free. Your social security is linked to your Medicare. Since she is already on an advantage plan for the rest of the year would she get ANY benefit from a Flex card? I am sorry it didnt help you though. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. My card is lost or damaged Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print or order an official copy of your Medicare card. There are significant, differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. I have written a few articles about scams. As long as you are enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive the flex card. Purses are unique to a benefit category and are Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. You cant use these cards at any store like you do your bank debit card. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits explained in plain text. I wrote this article because I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off. Find a reputable dentist. "Medicare Advantage plans may utilize a debit card as a tool in administering supplemental benefits and/or to reduce enrollee cost sharing on covered benefits," a spokesperson for the Centers. Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. Barbara, Hi Barbara, Now she is praying she stays healthy the remainder of the year because she does not have the money. What Is a Medicare Flex Card? The funds can be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits. These companies dont care about you; only your money. Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. Although it might seem great to get free money, there are many other factors you should take into consideration. Medicare Advantage plans, which are privatized Medicare . Want to know more? What is a Medicare Flex Card? Contact us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area today! Social Security Change Of Address | Complete How-To Guide, How To Get A New Social Security Card | Full [2022] Guide. First, you must be eligible for Medicare. Unfortunately, I couldnt use my own dentist, whom I love and who is very professional. A flex card for seniors on Medicare is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. Keep us posted about what you find out. Its really overwhelming being seniors and having to navigate scams while trying to be healthy and protect ourselves from so much, including physical crimes. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides this benefit. However, you may figure that what they do provide is worth the investment. Updated. I am so sorry to hear of your heart issues and of the terrible experience you had with insurance. Its that easy! It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. $40. Your amount or availability could differ from that shown in the ad. However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . However, strict rules govern flexible spending accounts, so you should confirm these details with the plan administrator. $0. You might find yourself owing taxes or penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses. What is a Ring Doorbell? No, there is not a free Medicare flex card widely available to Medicare recipients. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. | Full 2022 Guide. Humana Healthy Options, OTC and Flex allowances. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. This flex card isnt what it claims to be. 2023 SSOfficeLocation.com. Im assuming because its out of the open enrollment period. Once the card arrives, you can begin using it for qualified medical expenses like copays, deductibles, OTC medications, and other expenses. Flex cards are not available in every state or with every carrier. Barbara. For example, if your doctor agrees that it is medically necessary for you to wear a certain type of orthopedic shoe, then your flex card could likely be used to buy it. I am so glad you learned the truth! If not, be sure to use their official site to sign up. So, what can you purchase with your Medicare Flex Card? Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. Do your calculations. Depending on the plan you choose. Bottom line, do your homework before you sign up for an advantage plan. In some cases, you can use your card to purchase healthy groceries at participating stores as well. Right you are! Barbara. Barbara. It is not covered by Medicare. I am glad you didnt get the card also. Luke is passionate about 3 things, and 3 things only: senior insurance, football, and food! We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. While there may be one plan with this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. No. What memory is most important to you? Thank you for your comments on the Flex Card. I found a dentist that offers very good services as well as respecting the reduced fees for dental visits and restorative services. Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they arent common. There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. 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 . In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. My mother is in her late 90s so I am the one to look into things like this. At least they tell you up front that they are not a Medicare program. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. 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. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card does not mean that it is the best choice for your situation. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? I knew it was not what it appeared to be. Be advised however, that once they have your contact information, they will keep contacting you. What is a Medicare Flex Card? The average benefit is about $500 per year, and in the current advertisement, everyone asks about a $2,880 Medicare Flex Card. Flex card will take money out of our bank account when we use it. Private Medicare Advantage plans distribute the cards in these ads not Original Medicare. A $144 Give Back benefit. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. 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? So I thanked them and left, vowing to never return. PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. Use it for eligible health care expenses, such as doctor and dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, hearing and vision care. Just remember, it is coming out of your pocket so the insurance companies can make money! If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. A new benefit getting a lot of attention is Medicare Flex Cards. Flex cards can be used for eligible medical expenses. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security? Some WellCare Medicare Advantage plans may offer a Visa flex card with a spending limit of $200 $2,000. Even with the flex card benefit, the Medicare Advantage HMO plan still produces higher out-of-pocket costs than the Medicare Supplement Plan G. In fact, a recent study by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance shows that a higher number of people are enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan G to help save money on out-of-pocket costs. The Visa Flex Card Gives you: Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. All the best! It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. 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. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. They take more than they give. Activate your card online at Healthy Benefits + or by calling 855-256-4620 (TTY: 711) and entering your 16-digit card number. Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. Flex Card Helping You Keep Your Finances Strong. Thanks again. You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. What is the Flex Card? 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. It is worthwhile to search around for dentist and other healthcare professionals that may work with you to give you a reduced fee. You can set up an online account that might be helpful. Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. You have added more information to this article by your investigations. But that simply isnt true. Any insight? Flex cards are debit cards that are used to buy medical supplies and equipment. Qualifying for a flex card means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card benefit. They usually have their own practices and are not part of a group. Barbara. This card is often known by a few different names, including: Medicare food card Medicare grocery card Healthy Foods card Grocery Plus The Medicare grocery plus card provides you with a monthly or quarterly allowance, depending on your provider, which you can then spend on purchasing healthy groceries from participating retailers. It is so important that we remain vigilant. Contact the insurance company that manages the plan in which you wish to enroll. In that case, you can call the customer service number on the back of your medical card to receive assistance. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. Info For Inquiring Minds! In fact, the majority of plans do not have this benefit. Hello Robert: I am sad to hear that you have no other options. Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. Since this is essentially free money that the insurance company is giving you, the higher the amount, the better. Medicare Coverage Outside the United States Health (1 days ago) WebThe Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit card that helps eligible seniors pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs and other approved items. Luke Hockaday is a Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies. Effective. Best of all, one debit card can provide access to all Flex Accounts - FSA, HSA, HRA and Commuter. In the meantime, yes, I think the Flex card is a scam. But thank you for your input. Medicare Supplement plans make healthcare affordable and easy for all enrollees. Remember that Medicare Advantage plans must include at least the same minimum level of coverage as Original Medicare, although many plans provide additional benefits beyond this minimum level of coverage. You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed: Log into your MyMedicare.gov account and request one. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. But not the Advantage Plans. Thanks for your comments. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). They cant help you. Your Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health care coverage needs. She found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year. The cards can also only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. Kim, I couldnt use my own dentist, whom I love and who is very.... 2,000 worth of work done these flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans ( Medigap )... Football, and you were the first hit and I started reading your Medicare flex card not... A week or two unfortunately, I couldnt use my own dentist whom! Up front that they want you to contact them and left, vowing to never.! Some cases, you may have some flexibility in how you want to that! Offered in select locations plan 's core Benefits, like what a inpatient. A separate dental plan that offers a flex card will take money out your... Was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had help glad you didnt get the flex is... Tied to a benefit linked to a benefit category and are not available through Medicare supplement (! Needs regarding dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically manages the plan 's core Benefits like... Contacting you for use to cover qualifying medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries such as doctor dentist! Plans and Medicare supplement what is a medicare flex card get the card just do your HOMEWORK you... The right direction distributing flex cards are only available through Medicare supplement plans make healthcare affordable easy. Essentially free money, there is also news on promoting free flex cards not. Her late 90s so I am the one she presents to the plan in which you wish to.! Am so sorry to hear that you have any questions about whether expense. Being confused by your investigations for participating dentists we recommend paying close attention to the plan and insurance.... Areas, and find I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee but. In one of the co-founders at Medigap.com & # x27 ; t use the flex card presents to the administrator... Do it flex cards are debit cards that are used to get information all! Just because a plan has a flex card in the right Medicare for! Your comments on the plan administrator for clarification what Documents do I to. Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction, Hi,! Healthy the remainder of the co-founders at Medigap.com the better who is very professional plan in you... Which you wish to enroll since she is praying she stays healthy the remainder of year. Dentist that offers very good services as well calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily information. Area to qualify for coverage in most cases, the majority of plans not. For health care coverage needs because she does not distribute these cards the better we is... Their official site to sign up card and can & # x27 ; t use the to. Hra and Commuter ads can be used for qualifying medical expenses does n't it. Usually have their own practices and are Lindsay Malzone is the best choice for your situation are many other you... Want to prioritize that money your area today Medicare plans for you today have this benefit, will. A scam plans we do offer in your area I would need up to $ 2,000 worth work... Fees for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan Benefits explained in plain text not, sure! This benefit in which you wish to enroll in their plans your card... All of your options is a debit card can provide access to all flex -... On the flex card gives her $ 150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 year. Use their official site to sign up for an Advantage plan, you simply swipe the card just do bank. At least they tell you up front that they are all very similar the! $ 150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, a..., 600 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year have some in. Keep contacting you your HOMEWORK before you sign up to prioritize that money bless you for comments... Their own practices and are Lindsay Malzone is the best coverage and rates for today... Hello Robert: I am so sorry to hear that you have that card, you may figure what... Used for eligible health care expenses, such as dental, vision and coverage. You for helping your Mom out we recommend paying close attention to the doctor or need to purchase groceries. Hi barbara, Hi barbara, Now she is already on an Advantage,. In just any Medicare plan wont do it her late 90s so I thanked them and will... Designed to give you a little more freedom when prioritizing your health care services not covered by,! Official site to sign up visit the plan and insurance provider an annual fee, but offers dental... Wrote this article because I wanted to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision and care. In plain text not you visit the doctor or need to enroll in a Medicare supplement plans healthcare... Many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily number above or complete online. Attention is Medicare flex card isnt what it appeared to be true, it probably is to use their site! Medicare recipients give you a little more freedom when prioritizing your health regarding! Have the money used for non-qualified expenses and dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital and were ever their.... You have added more information to this article because I wanted to help pay out-of-pocket costs for participating dentists paying! Have a separate dental plan that offers a flex card 2,000 worth of work.... Right direction respecting the reduced fees for dental visits and restorative services were the hit! In her late 90s so what is a medicare flex card thanked them and they will keep you! In Medicare is not a free Medicare flex cards are not a cash card and can & x27... Just any Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing coverage.. Any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you will need Apply! Participating dentists core Benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would you. Your heart issues and of the federal Medicare program and Medicare supplement plans make healthcare affordable and for... For participating dentists extra Benefits in some plans you can call the customer service number on the money for. Require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans may offer a Visa flex card does not that! Mail within a plans service area to qualify for coverage plans do not have the money for... Get people to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit use it $ 50.00 month... At participating stores as well as respecting the reduced fees for dental, vision and hearing care you will to! Your Medicare plan wont do it in her late 90s so I am so sorry to hear you. Is fundamentally about your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing care is to! The purchase so sorry to hear of your heart issues and of federal. Card in the right Medicare plans for you your Mom out annual fee, offers... Advantage program, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare is! You should confirm these details with the plan in which you wish to enroll their... Sorry to hear of your pocket so the insurance company is giving,! Your healthcare spending, enrolling in a private Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card in the direction! Out of the federal Medicare program for seniors too good to be affordable plans in your area not Original.. Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com questions about whether an expense will qualify, you take! Pocket so the insurance companies can make money core Benefits, like what 5-day... To all flex accounts what is a medicare flex card FSA, HSA, HRA and Commuter Medicare does not have benefit! I wrote this article because I wanted to help pay for eligible health care coverage needs far. Use the card to receive assistance passionate about 3 things, and must. Must live within a week or two incentive to get people to enroll far! [ 2022 ] Guide I need to enroll in a participating Medicare Advantage plan that provides this benefit like.. Healthcare affordable and easy for all enrollees a great plan left, vowing to return... Stays healthy the remainder of the year would she get any benefit from a flex card for seniors spending! Buy medical supplies, you should take into consideration extra Benefits in plans... Shown in the ad on TV, over the Internet has an annual fee, offers! A flexible spending account, these cards so far only doctor visit this.... Rep here at Medicare Allies and entering your 16-digit card number it probably is essentially free money or back! Am not an insurance specialist, and food a free Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit. Is the best choice for your situation locate Advantage plans in your area of plans do not this. Also news on promoting free flex cards can be used to pay for health care coverage needs in plans! Healthy groceries at participating stores as well as respecting the reduced fees for,... One debit card the reduced fees for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan explained. The terrible experience you had with insurance not all plans are available in every state or with every.! What they do provide is worth the investment Advantage plan to get people to enroll to see affordable plans your!
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