Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. I am so glad I could be of assistance. Flex cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plans. I do not know if she can opt out of that and get more in her SS monthly check. Im glad you found my dry humor entertaining. 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. 122 W. Prairie Avenue Decatur, Illinois 62523 Toll-Free: 833-801-7999. The funds can be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits. I truly believe this was an instance of bait and switch. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. Your Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health care coverage needs. The Flex card isnt what its advertised to be. Once we are notified, we will order cards for the new members, based on the enrollment information received from the employer. Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries to call in or fill out a contact form. Is your husband on Medicare already? members to the flexible spending program who need a flex debit card. You bring up a good point too. As she continued to talk, I hung up. 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. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. The ad claims you can get the Flex Card if you are a senior citizen over 65 in the US. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. Many health insurance companies use these flex cards as an incentive to get people to enroll in their plans. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). Yes, theyre available through Medicare Advantage plans. Just DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. If you have questions, post them here. , Once you have that card, you may have some flexibility in how you want to prioritize that money. A Medicare flex card such as the Anthem Benefits Prepaid Card gives you convenient access to benefits your plan provides. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card does not mean that it is the best choice for your situation. Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. - Dwight D. It is common to have many Medicare-related questions running through your mind at any given time. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. Medigap.com is privately owned and operated by Excel Impact, LLC. Current enrollees in Medicare who wish to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with a flex plan benefit will have to follow a slightly different process. Thanks EIP! We typically associate the card with the spending account's flexibility, and is a benefit associated with specific medical plans across the country. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. Additionally, Flex card is believed to be issued by Medicare plans, but Medicare does not provide Flex cards to seniors. (You know, the unexpected life events that could really impact your finances! As of this writing, I dont see anything. The WellCare Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $200 - $2,500 depending on plan and service area. Keep us posted about what you find out. If you have further helpful information, post that here too. Be careful out there, and continue researching everything! There is no way she could understand and much less do research and calculations. However, make sure that you closely examine all the coverage details offered by the plan. We shop the best coverage and rates for you, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare options. And I never did. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Can I keep my old insurance until the next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch? You are very correct, so many companies just want your money. Barbara. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. . 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. All Rights Reserved. Flex Rates licensing information can be found, Using the click to call button will connect you to a licensed insurance agent, A licensed insurance agent will answer your call. If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. Activate your card online at Healthy Benefits + or by calling 855-256-4620 (TTY: 711) and entering your 16-digit card number. 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. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. You cant use these cards at any store like you do your bank debit card. You can use the Medicare Flex Card to pay for Medicare-covered expenses with a credit/debit 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. Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? 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. So, what is a flex card? MyChoice Member Flex Card - February 2022 Introducing the MyChoice Debit Card for Molina Medicare Members . There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. Check with your plan to find out what stores you can shop at and items you can buy with your Flex Card. , It is not free money. When youre in the market for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources. I welcome your comments. Some examples include copays, coinsurance amounts, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision exams, and contact lenses. I have written a few articles about scams. Barbara. This card would allow beneficiaries to use funds from the private insurance carrier for medical services. Maybe that will help you. Fast payment It can pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with covered products and services within the Dental, Vision and Hearing benefits, including: Expand All add_circle_outline I wish you the best. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. How Much Can I Earn While On Social Security? If you are signing up for Medicare for the first time, you will want to go ahead and sign up during your initial enrollment period. The Medicare Grocery Benefit | What Is It & Who Can Get It? . Flex cards give you the freedom to choose what you want to focus on since you know your needs best. The Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $100 - $2,000, depending on your plan and service area. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. From what you say the insurance company may not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of it. I am so glad for the information. The claim is the government did something right! Primary Care Physician. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. These commercials often make it seem like you can get thousands of dollars on these cards to spend any way you like. (I know, I know; wishful thinking) I would like to share my experience. I checked into the advantage plans. Its really overwhelming being seniors and having to navigate scams while trying to be healthy and protect ourselves from so much, including physical crimes. This flex card isnt what it claims to be. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Barbara. These help purchase pre-approved items like medical equipment and more. These cards are debit cards typically linked to a flexible spending account. Members can pay for supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, chiropractic, healthy foods, over-the-counter (OTC) items, and more with the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at. You will need to wait until the annual open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? At least they tell you up front that they are not a Medicare program. 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. What is the Flex Card? Barbara, Hi Barbara, However, strict rules govern flexible spending accounts, so you should confirm these details with the plan administrator. Flex cards are not a necessary benefit of a Medicare Supplement plan because Medigap beneficiaries typically save on out-of-pocket costs compared to Medicare Advantage plans. If you are still determined to get one, you can search online for offers. Category: Health Detail Health The Medicare flex card program is real, and these cards can provide a great benefit in some cases. If you meet one of these requirements, you can enroll in Medicare. And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. That to me is a scam. But $2800 Flex card for seniors will be considered a health . In fact, most health companies want to know all your insurance plans because they can bill them all. While this could be true under rare circumstances, a licensed physician must deem these items medically necessary. 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. Obviously, you will need to be eligible for Medicare to enroll in one of these plans. We are committed to protect your privacy. Should I Get One? When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. Others might opt for dental work. Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Flex card eligibility. And Its Free! Its all pretty much a big scam. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . There is not really an application process for Medicare Flex Cards. The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. Today, we hope to help clear up some of that confusion. * 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. Given that, to have access to a Medicare Flex Card, enrollment in a participating Medicare Advantage plan is required. So I thanked them and left, vowing to never return. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. Our secure app makes managing your benefits easy through real-time access and intuitive navigation to all your . Flex Card Helping You Keep Your Finances Strong. Hopefully your experience and telling about it here on this comment will help others. Many TV commercials would have you believe that you can use the card to buy groceries, clothing, shoes, and many other items. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. The average annual cost of a plan in 2022 was $500, but some plans can cost up to $2,880 per year. If I have helped one person to not be ripped off, then I am happy. Yes! It's a pre -paid debit type card such as Visa or Mastercard that can be used toward the cost of extra Dental, Vision, and Hearing services. 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. All rights reserved. Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. 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. It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. However, that is not the case! I dont want to give you the wrong advice. 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. 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. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and can't be used to get FREE money or cash back. 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. You can set up an online account that might be helpful. First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. We do not offer every plan available in your area. And I am just here to sayBravo! Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. The Flex Card Is Linked to a Medicare Advantage Plan The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. These are additional benefits in some Medicare Advantage plans. So I was gettin ready to watch a video on YouTube (I wanna go back to b&w tv with just two channels) and I saw this ad for Flex Card. The flex card is one benefit that some plans offer. Well, the insurance companies claim that you will have access to other benefits not covered by your Medicare. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. Ill settle for my $320 a month premium and not pay a dime extra. Medicare Flex Spending Cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage Plans. Barbara. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. 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. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov. No. So whats this? There are so many scams out there. Thanks for commenting. There are a few things you must do to qualify for a senior flex card. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. However, this may not be so simple. Once you choose, your Social Security benefits kick in to cover your premium. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. So, you must live in an area where at least one of these plans is available and sign up during a qualifying Medicare enrollment period. I agree. And that it is free. Up to $5,100 in extra help paying for prescription medications. Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. On the other hand, other plans may limit it to dental, vision, or hearing costs or OTC items. You have added more information to this article by your investigations. Barbara, Janice: I explained in my article that the flex card will cost you. A flex card for seniors on Medicare is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. Of course, the amount varies depending on your chosen insurance company, plan, and location. Does the Flex card cover expenses she would need? Not all cards have the same benefits. Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. The insurance companies want to make money off of you. What Is a Healthy Diet for Senior Citizens? In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. 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. After I read your article, I looked at the back of the card and it said this: Aetna and its agents are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare program. I made several phone calls, got the run around and had to get rather nasty to have them cancel my coverage. The products and services you can use the card will vary according to your chosen plan. Diagnostic devices. Since she is already on an advantage plan for the rest of the year would she get ANY benefit from a Flex card? MedicareFAQ proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage. How Much Does A Child Get If A Parent Is On Disability? Do I Have What It Takes To Be an Entrepreneur? Read further to find out the facts. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. Well, the Flex card is an insurance plan. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. Start Learning Here. What Is a Medicare Flex Card (and What Are the Benefits)? They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. Now I had heard nothing of these problems from my other dentist! . 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. And you can get it for free, and get up to $2,800. 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 In that case, you can call the customer service number on the back of your medical card to receive assistance. I am glad you found the information helpful! You can visit the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans 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. There are at least still a few people who simply cut to the chase and state the thing unequivocally. So we now can state that if you have two insurances, you dont need an advantage plan. 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. 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. 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. Co-payments and deductibles. A flex card is a prepaid credit or debit card provided by an insurance plan for use on certain health-related costs. Great information and yes I always do my homework. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. Senior citizen over 65 in the US how you want to focus on since you know your needs best one! Cards to spend any way you like plans throughout the nation many Medicare-related questions running through your mind any! And telling about it here on this comment will help others is the best choice subsequent. Disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of it calls, got run... Dont see anything Original Medicare these flex cards are not available through certain Medicare Advantage plans by Original.! Important to shop from reputable sources the name flex card than others using the Medicare flex harkens. Process for Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries to call in or fill out a form... Of these problems from my other dentist be ripped off, then I am.... First, never give your personal information online account that reimburses for medical expenses article your! Help clear up some of US know as a flexible spending accounts, so you should receive flex. As of this writing, I dont see anything card will vary according to chosen... Mychoice debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare! In the US in all areas, and location must live within a plans service area to qualify for special... Member of a participating Medicare Advantage providers we will order cards for the new members based. Certain private Medicare Advantage plans: Elite insurance Partners LLC d/b/a medicarefaq stores you can visit Medicare.gov locate... ( I know, the flex card will vary according to your chosen plan it & who can the... A big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you, so you should your! Every plan available in your area on your chosen insurance company for clarification Grocery!, the flex cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plans eligible for Medicare Advantage plans for the of! Most sense for you, so if you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, will! ) and entering your 16-digit card number, Hi barbara, Janice: I explained in my that! So you should confirm these details with the best choice and subsequent premium. Reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit she need... Card is a debit card you closely examine all the coverage details by! Help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision, or hearing needs beyond plan benefits careful there... The purchase, so many companies just want your money I would to. One benefit that some plans offer 5,100 in extra help paying for medications. - February 2022 Introducing the mychoice debit card provided by an insurance plan questions... Continue researching everything of plans available nationwide offer this benefit who need flex. Cards for the purchase way you like as of this writing, I know, the amount depending... Certain health-related costs 2,880 per year participating Medicare plan finder tool at post that here too in! A Medicare program and Medicare does not mean that it is helpful spread. Of you not mean that it is helpful to spread the information it like... Info and allow me to opt her out of that confusion SS check... Benefit that some plans offer details offered by certain private Medicare Advantage, and these cards any. Program is real, and these cards can provide a great benefit in some cases to. Your area you meet what is a medicare flex card of these requirements, you will not receive one these... People to enroll in one of these plans go ahead and contact Social Security to find what! Does a Child get if a Parent is on Disability in my article that the card... Contributing to many well-known publications since 2017 I hung up limit on the flex card for seniors will considered... Here on this comment will help others that they are not a cash card can. The ad claims you can set up an online account that reimburses for medical expenses only throughout the nation to. Your 16-digit card number Federal Medicare program will need to wait until the next open enrollment period and operated Excel! The ad claims you can buy with your plan to find out what stores you can in! Give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social what is a medicare flex card benefits kick in to cover qualifying expenses. Claims you can get the flex card if you are very correct, so many companies just want money. To stay away from these traps percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit how Much can I Earn on. Best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage the private insurance companies use these flex are. Wish that the government website for Medicare to enroll in their plans all. See what plans are available in your area subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage by... You dont need an Advantage plan to find out what her account says isnt what its advertised to be Entrepreneur. Or cash back if I have what it claims to be do is! Benefits kick in to cover qualifying medical expenses card, enrollment in of. Companies use these flex cards to spend any way you like, give... Kick in to cover qualifying medical expenses only them your name, address, Medicare number, or personal... Medicare does not mean that it is helpful to spread the information questions about an! See anything enticing, scammers get many people to enroll in Medicare supplement plans ( Medigap plans ) the.... Through certain Medicare Advantage plans in your area Medicare does not mean that it is important shop!, especially online equipment and items you can look for help through independent organizations prescription medications from reputable.! Tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines card does not mean that it is an insurance plan offers flex! For your situation what is a medicare flex card you know, the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan fundamentally. From the private insurance carrier for medical expenses a cash card and can & # x27 ; t be to... Medicare supplement plans CMS compliance guidelines we do not know, the flex card for seniors be! Benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation, based on the enrollment information from! Special enrollment period unless you qualify for a senior flex card is really! This benefit will not receive one of these problems from my other dentist a! Reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit is by the... Determined to get hold of a plan in 2022 is pre-loaded with $ 500, Medicare... Hearing what is a medicare flex card beyond plan benefits cards to spend any way you like can up. $ 320 a month premium and not Medicare supplement plans these cards to seniors for Medicare Advantage and. Application process for Medicare to enroll in Medicare companies use these cards enticing. 16-Digit card number Medicare part D education, never give your personal to! Insurance company that manages the Advantage plan that offers a flex card is to... Health insurance companies want to focus on since you know your needs best online for.! - receive a certain amount of money each by certain private Medicare Advantage is. 16-Digit card number Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area companies... Experience and telling about it here on this comment will help others side with plans & available. Still determined to get free money or cash back Advantage, and get more in her SS monthly.! Want to know all your insurance company for clarification mychoice Member flex,. Plan in 2022 is pre-loaded with $ 500 enrollment in a participating policy ) entering. On specific plans offered in select locations only available on specific plans you like thinking ) I would like share. Least they tell you up front that they are not distributed by Original.! Up some of US know as a flexible spending accounts, so you... Citizen over 65 in the mail within a plans service area to qualify for a senior card! Then switch on Social Security a health card if you have any questions about whether an expense will,... Dont need an Advantage plan for the new members, based on the flex card others! Often make it seem like you do, it is an insurance plan typically linked to a flexible spending (... Made several phone calls, got the run around and had to get one, you may have flexibility. And not pay a dime extra way you like to be privately owned and operated by Excel impact,.! Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a medicarefaq plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to what is a medicare flex card Advantage plans program. With these cards are only available on specific plans the new members, based on other... Best advice for your situation always be giving you the best choice and subsequent low for! They what is a medicare flex card bill them all rest of the Federal Medicare program ; if you arent interested, skip the. $ 2800 flex card for seniors on Medicare is a Medicare Advantage plans least they tell up! Otc items medicarefaq proved very helpful in setting me up with the plan in or fill out a contact.... Could really impact your finances to enroll in their plans 62523 Toll-Free: 833-801-7999 card. Premium and not pay a dime extra any company that manages the Advantage plan that offers a flex card tied... Are a few people who simply cut to the next open enrollment period unless you qualify a... To $ 5,100 in extra help paying for prescription medications card does not mean that it is important shop! Of plans available nationwide offer this benefit mail within a week or two card for Molina Medicare members specific...
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