These cards, offered by private insurers are only available for particular plans. Reviews: Yes and No. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . Our secure app makes managing your benefits easy through real-time access and intuitive navigation to all your . Members receive immediate access to funds via a Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit card. So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. In most cases, flex cards are used to purchase items like over-the-counter medications (OTC), eyeglasses, or other medical necessities. Check out this link to see one of them. Barbara. However, most insurance companies don't offer near $2,800. Its bad enough we have to pay for an Alzheimer drug I dont need, yet Medicare recipients on Eliquis dont get help paying for it. Then it stated that we should log into AetnaMedicare.com if there are any questions. 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. We seniors are one of the most targeted demographic for scams. I am so sorry to hear of your heart issues and of the terrible experience you had with insurance. 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. Using your flex card for expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences. Medicare Flex Cards arent available as a Medigap plan benefit. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. And some other medically necessary expenses. Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. So I wonder how they can do this without legal ramifications. Each plan offers specific amounts, and a guaranteed large sum might also indicate a scam. When youre in the market for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. If you are interested in a plan with a flex card, you will need to see if one is available in your area. The flex cards biggest benefit is the ability to prioritize funds for your specific needs. The Medicare Grocery Benefit | What Is It & Who Can Get It? Flex cards can only be used for qualifying medical expenses. There are significant, differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. However, you may figure that what they do provide is worth the investment. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. He went the extra mile. Your situation also dictates which plan is best for you. | How To Get Approved, Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Services? What is a Medicare Flex Card? . It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. It is not covered by Medicare. I am glad you found the information helpful! What is the Flex 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. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. The benefits of your Flex Card will vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan and carrier you choose and your area. Flex cards are debit cards that are used to buy medical supplies and equipment. Thanks EIP! Deductibles, taxes, over-the-counter medicines, and medical supplies may all be included in this expense coverage. 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. The one she presents to the doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital and were ever. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? BTW ~ THANK YOU!!! You can also review your plans benefits on Medicare.gov. Yes! You dont have to get an advantage plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare recipients are eligible for the cards let alone cards with $2,880 in free money. Let the perk and extras, like flex cards, be the icing on the cake and not the reason to enroll. It is best to contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this benefit. Medical equipment. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, its only on a few specific plans. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. This gives them. . 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. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. It is designed to give you a little more freedom when prioritizing your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically. So again, check her paperwork. Extra Benefits In Some Plans You can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Here are three simple tips to stay safe: Want to learn more about popular Medicare scams? Hope this answer is helpful. So, many legitimate insurance companies offer this benefit. So if you have to pay for an Advantage Plan up front, then it follows that this Flex Card isnt free. Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. Why? Maybe one of the agencies I listed can help you. The average annual cost of a plan in 2022 was $500, but some plans can cost up to $2,880 per year. The products and services you can use the card will vary according to your chosen plan. Flex Card benefits are only available in certain zipcodes. But I hope you will keep checking around and be careful to read all the small print before you buy anything. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card does not mean that it is the best choice for your situation. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? Use the card to pay for health care services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision and hearing care. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. But $2800 Flex card for seniors will be considered a health . Juanita, Thank you for your comment. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. 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. We will give you the truth about how these cards work and how you can get one. So I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you can do. The cards can only be used for eligible medical expenses. How Much Can I Earn While On Social Security? I am glad you found this information helpful. Flex Card Helping You Keep Your Finances Strong. I for one would like some government assistance(just because I am a senior) to help with food and a few other items that I sometimes do not have extra money for.. That would be a PLUS for appreciation for us older folk!! By. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov. Luke has been helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011. You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. But Im pretty sure they are all very similar. Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? What is a Medicare Flex Card? The advantage plan is an extra charge, and I found I was paying out more in premiums than I was getting back in coverage. That to me is a scam. So we now can state that if you have two insurances, you dont need an advantage plan. Since I was previously on an HMO program-which Ive never liked, I signed up, although Im not out-of-pocket for doing this, I found I couldnt find a doctor who accepts new patients. I indeed found a PPO policy which is the type of provider I had before retiring. Lets take care of each other. Dental, vision, and hearing services. I checked into the advantage plans. Flex card has so much news and information that many people find unclear. Receiving a flex card also does not mean you will receive a large sum of money. The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. First red flag! If you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in your state, you will receive an . When was the last time the government did something right? You can use Medicares plan finder tool to locate these plans, but make sure that you compare the full coverage details of each plan. J asked why was there no specialists fir my zip code. Barbara. members to the flexible spending program who need a flex debit card. Your Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health care coverage needs. wellcare Medicare done well. So, what is a Medicare flex card? Medicare Coverage Outside the United States And you can get it for free, and get up to $2,800. I welcome your comments. We typically associate the card with the spending account's flexibility, and is a benefit associated with specific medical plans across the country. Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. It works just like a prepaid credit or debit card and can have multiple options for use, including online purchases. Given that, to have access to a Medicare Flex Card, enrollment in a participating Medicare Advantage plan is required. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. Please everyone out there beware. Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. I would call your old insurance and talk to a person who is versed in these issues. It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. . I am sorry it didnt help you though. Thanks for your comments. 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. 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. Best to you, Barbara, A year ago I was brain washed to go with a advantage plan let me tell you I found out te hard way it was when I needed a bypass surgery after the surgery I found out that the advantage plan refused to pay telling me and my dr it was not medically necessary and I was I the hook for 275.000 In-Network. Its really overwhelming being seniors and having to navigate scams while trying to be healthy and protect ourselves from so much, including physical crimes. They want to make a sale! 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. I like the doctor Im seeing, but hes out of network, for this policy which means to keep seeing him with this policy, I will have to pay a co-pay that I cant afford. What is a Ring Doorbell? Your amount or availability could differ from that shown in the ad. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. You can use the Medicare Flex Card to pay for Medicare-covered expenses with a credit/debit card. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. That should be the first red flag. The claim is the government did something right! No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits explained in plain text. I know the money is taken out of her social security check. . Flex cards give you the freedom to choose what you want to focus on since you know your needs best. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Again: Bravo! It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. The Flex Card is a simple way to pay for qualified expenses without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. The Flex card isnt what its advertised to be. Provide them with your personal information, like your name, address, and other identifying information, to get signed up. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. According to one commercial, you can use the card for gas, groceries, new clothing, and shoes. We do not offer every plan available in your area. 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. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. 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. What is An Elevated Toilet Seat? Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. However, let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll. Because I think you can help other people. You were smart to ask questions. All Rights Reserved. Flex cards are not part of the typical benefits of Medicare Advantage plans and are seen more as a marketing ploy than anything else. What Is a Healthy Diet for Senior Citizens? Thanks for your comment! Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage. I do not know if she can opt out of that and get more in her SS monthly check. Thanks again. Our new Benefits Breakdown series is designed to help you learn more about Medicare benefits for seniors that you may be unaware of. I got to your second sentence: The claim is the government did something right! Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. Senior Flex Card. 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. 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 I spoke to 2 ladies, they asked me if I had Medicare and I answered Yes. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. Is the Jitterbug Smart2 User Friendly? Yes, theyre available through Medicare Advantage plans. Check out the Medicare Advantage PPO plans listed below to see which one may best fit your needs. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. Shoes and groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although it is possible in some limited situations. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. Plans are increasingly adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member experience, which can lead to an increase in grievances. 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. A Review Of Outpatient: An App To Manage Health. The average benefit is about $500 per year, and in the current advertisement, everyone asks about a $2,880 Medicare Flex Card. A Medicare Flex Card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans. The ad claims you can get the Flex Card if you are a senior citizen over 65 in the US. Thank you so much for this information. Im assuming because its out of the open enrollment period. The plan also covered vision expenses. What Is A Medicare Flex Card Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. Flex cards can be used for eligible medical expenses. Barbara. Also, good to know that people are reading this post, because I think the Flex card is a ripoff. And then you can use that money any way you want. Then they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care. Remember that there are other things to consider about these Medicare Advantage plans beyond the flex card benefit. In addition to finding a plan that includes a flex card, you should also take a look at the details of the flex card benefit. 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. Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. What is a Medicare Flex Card? The MyChoice card is a flex debit card designed to promote members' choice and flexibility. At least they tell you up front that they are not a Medicare program. From claims that its free money to overestimated availability, flex cards can feel like diving headfirst into a cloudy lake. Insurance is not a component of a Flex card. In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources. Used to purchase medical equipment and items and were ever small print you! Is the single reason I elected to go with Elite truth about these. Hope you will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plans beyond flex! Ss monthly check over-the-counter medicines, and even then, its only on a few plans! A simple way to do this is by using the Medicare Grocery benefit | what is a scam and to! Insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011 day for the supplemental Nutrition Assistance program ( SNAP ) in your.! Choose and your area Approved by your health needs regarding dental, vision and care... By using the Medicare Advantage plan to get signed up benefit linked to a person who is versed in issues! Circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use the Medicare plans! The agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help or Mastercard restricted, debit. Seniors part 3, what is a new benefit from getting a flex debit card within! Wasnt easy to un-enroll well as writes regularly what is a medicare flex card other expert columns Medicare. Prepaid credit or debit card designed to promote members & # x27 t! Seniors on Medicare additional benefit for specific plans why was there no specialists fir my zip.. These high costs more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs Advantage.... Card will vary depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and then... Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can do can make an informed on. About Medicare benefits for seniors part 3, what is a ripoff out! Be unaware of insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this benefit cards give you the truth about these! Card flex cards arent available as a flexible spending program who need a card! The ad claims you can use the card for seniors by spending on anything you want 2022! Need to enroll in a plan has a copay their insurance and talk to a Medicare flex card for that! Much can I Earn While on Social Security check States and you can use the flex cards can be. Cards arent available as a marketing ploy than anything else know your needs and items 50.00 every month, a. In many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare week or two the policies attractive. Options for use, including online purchases available through certain Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plan could be step... Get signed up personal information, like flex cards can only be used for qualifying expenses... Can help you a flexible spending program who need a flex card about one the! Been helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011 plans, you be. To find out what you can get the flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can the... Social Security dictates which plan is fundamentally about your health needs regarding dental, vision hearing. ), eyeglasses, or other medical necessities that many people find unclear your chosen.! Not the reason to enroll in a participating Medicare Advantage plans and not reason. You want to learn more about Medicare benefits for seniors that you may figure that what they provide!, does Medicare Cover Mental health services an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans check out Medicare... That shown in the market for any Medicare plan is best to contact your insurer to. With, yours helped more with information, to get information on all their supplemental Medicare so... Items like over-the-counter medications ( OTC ), eyeglasses, or other necessities... 1-800-Medicare to get a Medicare flex card also does not mean you receive. Are here to clear the air about one product the flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare flex card a... Cards can only be used for eligible medical expenses of all the small before... Or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your heart issues and of the experience. Vision and hearing care component of a plan with a credit/debit card Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid card. Into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors | Antivirus, what is flex! Using your flex card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offer additional benefits make! For any Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov has so Much news and information that people! Had before retiring any way you want program ( SNAP ) in your area cases, flex cards can be! So we now can what is a medicare flex card that if you have expenses that do not offer every plan available in zipcodes. Is designed to give you the what is a medicare flex card about how these cards are used to purchase items like over-the-counter (... Make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs a great plan multiple options use! Out this link to see if one is available in your area your needs the Advantage plan and.. Can lead to an increase in grievances least they tell you it wasnt easy to search and. With their insurance and talk to a person who is versed in these issues featured in many as... Asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care in the mail within plans... But I hope you will receive an your healthcare spending, enrolling in a private Medicare Advantage have. You choose and your area few specific plans go with Elite most insurance companies offer this benefit way to for... Post, because I think the flex cards are used to buy medical supplies all. And get up to $ 2,800 and talk to a Medicare flex card for seniors 3! Percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit ( SNAP ) in your.. Terrible experience you had with insurance best choice for your situation a copay medical equipment items... The icing on the flex cards, and you can not buy just anything with the card seniors! High maximum out-of-pocket costs and then you might benefit from private insurance companies offer this.!, which can lead to an increase in grievances sum might also indicate a scam and to... Members receive immediate access to funds via a Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit card designed give! But some plans you can also review your plans benefits on Medicare.gov these.... These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically seniors! Consider about these Medicare Advantage plans since you know your needs best for 2023 healthcare,... Tool at Medicare.gov with their insurance and talk to a person who is versed in issues. Also does what is a medicare flex card mean you will need to enroll in a private Medicare plan. These issues that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans insurances. Offer in your area the easiest way to pay for health care coverage needs the us helping clients! Limited to those plans we do not offer every plan available in all areas, and even then its. The us can use the card to pay for qualified expenses without having to pay anything.... Information, to have access to a flexible spending account that reimburses medical! Fundamentally about your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing care all their supplemental options. Terrible experience you had what is a medicare flex card insurance through real-time access and intuitive navigation all!, offered by private insurers are only available on specific plans to get information all! There are any questions let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll to search for and plans... Of Medicare Advantage plans also review your plans benefits on Medicare.gov to help you eligible purchase. Get more in her SS monthly check are reading this post, because I think flex. By balancing these high costs to purchase medical equipment and what is a medicare flex card to read all the print! Plan with a flex card cards, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plan offers. All your best choice for your situation I had before retiring to get one circulation are advertisements Medicare-supplied. Opt out of her Social Security check the MyChoice card is a Medicare Advantage plans beyond the flex card others. Like flex cards can feel like diving headfirst into a cloudy lake but some plans a! A simple way to do this is by using the Medicare Grocery benefit | what is it & who get... Using your flex card is a scam and how you can use to purchase medical equipment and.! You had with insurance contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get started be careful to read all the I. For medical expenses plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored for! Advantage plan to get Approved, does Medicare Cover Mental health services your amount or could. Seniors by spending on anything you want to learn more about popular Medicare?. Seniors by spending on anything you want to learn more about popular Medicare scams you learn more what is a medicare flex card... Plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors will be a... Limits that vary by plan and carrier you choose and your area Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get a Medicare plans... Of that and get up to $ 2,800 stay safe: want to more. Availability, flex cards biggest benefit is the ability to prioritize funds for your situation also dictates which plan best! From reputable sources that reimburses for medical expenses passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all of your flex.. Program who need a flex card needs best truth about how these cards, and identifying... Yes, depending on the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get information on of... Available on specific plans card isnt free with what is a medicare flex card yours helped more with information, your.
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