Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. 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. Members receive immediate access to funds via a Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit card. There is no way she could understand and much less do research and calculations. Offer the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. Instead, you'll pay for prescriptions or doctor visits, copays, and other costs you incur, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. 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 The average benefit is about $500 per year, and in the current advertisement, everyone asks about a $2,880 Medicare Flex Card. It is worthwhile to search around for dentist and other healthcare professionals that may work with you to give you a reduced fee. Heres their link; Medicare.gov. Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. The Flex Card is a simple way to pay for qualified expenses without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. Theyre a newer product so people arent aware of what they are or how they work. Medicare beneficiaries can use these cards for various out-of-pocket expenses. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. Be careful out there, and continue researching everything! In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Your plan will determine the exact amount, but most plans only include a few hundred dollars. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and can't be used to get FREE money or cash back. The advertisements include claims that lead beneficiaries to believe they can receive a flex card with up to $2,880 from Medicare to spend as they choose. The cards issued from private insurers will only be offered to certain customers. Flex card will take money out of our bank account when we use it. See my article, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed private insurance companies to offer a new benefit-like-debit card (flex card). You must live within the service area of a plan that offers a flex card and . Let the perk and extras, like flex cards, be the icing on the cake and not the reason to enroll. Should I Get One? Your amount or availability could differ from that shown in the ad. Medicare supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare that helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. Now that you have found a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a flex card, how do you sign up? 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. 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. The pitch in their ads are I indeed found a PPO policy which is the type of provider I had before retiring. A flex card is a prepaid credit or debit card provided by an insurance plan for use on certain health-related costs. On the other hand, other plans may limit it to dental, vision, or hearing costs or OTC items. Which I highly recommend you read. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. 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. If there is a plan available in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. Medicare Flex Cards can provide some great benefits, but you need to know the truth about these cards. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, its only on a few specific plans. Have you called this new insurance and told them about your issues? . To their credit, they do have a link to protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category. According to one commercial, you can use the card for gas, groceries, new clothing, and shoes. I suggest you check out various ads for this card. Medigap.com is privately owned and operated by Excel Impact, LLC. However, strict rules govern flexible spending accounts, so you should confirm these details with the plan administrator. You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. members to the flexible spending program who need a flex debit card. He went the extra mile. Good job that you did some investigation. Yes! When was the last time the government did something right? The advertisements are not specific to your area or plan. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Rose, Thank you for your comment. Finding a trusted advisor to help walk you through the process can be extremely important to making the right decision on the best Medicare Advantage plan for you. They take more than they give. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. Some WellCare Medicare Advantage plans may offer a Visa flex card with a spending limit of $200 $2,000. Flex: $0* Flex Rx: $39.40. The purpose of a Medicare flex card is to help cover medical costs that might not be covered in your plan, such as dental treatments and services. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? 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. Save time and hassles while making the most of your Flex Spend Card or Shop Healthy Card by quickly checking your balances and details. You won't be using yours to buy groceries or to put gas in the fuel tank. There are significant, differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. Co-payments and deductibles. Compare Plans. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. How I Make Money Online as a Senior Citizen; It Takes Work! The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at. Everything you need to know about flex cards for seniors: what they are, who needs them, and how Medicare can help provide coverage. What is the process for applying for a senior Flex Card? Flex cards can only be used for qualifying medical expenses. Convey is the leading supplemental benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts. Barbara, Hi Barbara, You have added more information to this article by your investigations. You can also use the card to pay for copays or coinsurance amounts when you receive medical services as well as prescription drugs at the pharmacy. My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. Barbara. Hi, I am not a health insurance authority. I tried to test on this flexi card. In the meantime, yes, I think the Flex card is a scam. However, this may not be so simple. Using your flex card for expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences. The flex card is one benefit that some plans offer. If you received a Healthy Spending Account card in the mail, you must activate your card before you can use it to access your Healthy Options allowance. What Is a Medicare Flex Card? Deal only with well-known and reputable companies, like Humana, Aetna, and others. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. Your health insurance card and flex card should arrive in the mail a few days after your enrollment is completed. They usually have their own practices and are not part of a group. How Much Can I Earn While On Social Security? Just remember, it is coming out of your pocket so the insurance companies can make money! In fact, most health companies want to know all your insurance plans because they can bill them all. Check out this link to see one of them. Hello Robert: I am sad to hear that you have no other options. No one that I know. It seems to be a scam. I know it can be a challenge as I was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had help. Our secure app makes managing your benefits easy through real-time access and intuitive navigation to all your . Medicare Coverage Outside the United States There are significant differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. Our agents are ready to help you review your options and find the most cost-effective plan for your needs. Use it for eligible health care expenses, such as doctor and dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, hearing and vision care. What years did you serve in the military? Medical equipment, like a wheelchair, walker, or glucose monitor, might also qualify. I am not an insurance specialist, and find I have my own challenges. Does Medicare Pay For Wheelchairs? And even if the ad is legitimate, be aware that there are lots of scams out there. If you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in your state, you will receive an . Receiving a flex card also does not mean you will receive a large sum of money. These cards are usually linked to a debit or credit card, work like an FSA, and can be a valuable plan to offset the costs of specific Medicare benefits. Can I keep my old insurance until the next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch? Thanks for this article. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Barbara. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. 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. Check out the Medicare Advantage PPO plans listed below to see which one may best fit your needs. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. A Review Of Outpatient: An App To Manage Health. Im a Senior Citizen Who Wants To Learn Something New, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). Your situation also dictates which plan is best for you. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? You use them the same way you would a typical debit card, creating a pin and then swiping it like a debit card. Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. And that it is free. No. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. I also let my family know and friends be aware. Not exactly. It also appears that anyone who is enrolled in Medicare can get one. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. When something sounds to good to be true it usually isnt! Contact the insurance company that manages the plan in which you wish to enroll. Humana Healthy Options, OTC and Flex allowances. I bet it is a form of advertising that they hope to hook you in once you call them. The cards pay for several out-of-pocket costs associated with your plan. Maybe that will help you. If she is interested, she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses. These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. What Is The Flex Card For Seniors? {"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? What can you do with the Medicare Flex Card? Provide them with your personal information, like your name, address, and other identifying information, to get signed up. 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. Enroll now in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan. Please everyone out there beware. . Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they arent common. Barbara. 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 . Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. . Flex cards give you the freedom to choose what you want to focus on since you know your needs best. Took me 5 months on the phone 6 hours a day to get off the advantage plan now I back to old Medicare with a supplement and I now fully covered today I get so mad all day on tv or my phone I keep hearing I have to go back as every ones doing it I yell back not me I never go back the government should shut this scam down, Norm! You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. What songs should play at your funeral? Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. You have probably seen ads for the flex card. Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. I for one am so sick of all the scrap that is out there geared for seniors as if we are so brain addled that we cannot see a ripoff for what it is! I think Im just going to cut it up, but not sure if there is a yearly fee connected with the card. A Medicare flex card for seniors is similar to a debit card or credit card that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. I am so glad you learned the truth! I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. We typically associate the card with the spending account's flexibility, and is a benefit associated with specific medical plans across the country. . You were smart to ask questions. My mother is in her late 90s so I am the one to look into things like this. The cards can only be used for eligible 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. Im still not certain if I helped myself or hurt myself. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. If you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice. Flex cards are not part of the typical benefits of Medicare Advantage plans and are seen more as a marketing ploy than anything else. Best to you! So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. Not long ago my husband received an aetna payflex card. All rights reserved. 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. I wrote this article because I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off. If you want to learn more about the flex card, just keep reading. Medical equipment. But that simply isnt true. Doctor on Demand. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . Transportation - Receive a certain amount of rides at no cost. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. I would dispose of the card, and yes, cut it up. Best of all, one debit card can provide access to all Flex Accounts - FSA, HSA, HRA and Commuter. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. 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. Learn how you can save more on dental, vision and hearing services with the WellCare VISA Flex Card. What the heck? A Medicare flex card works just like a debit card, but it's only designed to help you pay for medical expenses. Others might opt for dental work. I am glad you found the information helpful! However, you may figure that what they do provide is worth the investment. 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. We shop the best coverage and rates for you, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare options. To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 or older, be a younger person with a disability, or have end-stage renal disease. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit of qualifying health plans. Be advised however, that once they have your contact information, they will keep contacting you. She didnt take Medicare Insurance. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical Insurance Plan. Medicare flex card eligibility for groceries will vary with the plan. 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. However, most insurance companies don't offer near $2,800. Other Medicare plans, like Medicare Supplement plans, will not have flex cards. Flex cards can be used for eligible medical expenses. What is a Ring Doorbell? I just got a call telling me I could get a flex card. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. Exact amount, but not sure if there is a scam and efforts ready help... Professionals that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans and are seen more as flexible! Requirements to enroll should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses could differ from shown...: $ 39.40 are a benefit of qualifying health plans throughout the nation here, so you stop! You have found a Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Advantage plans what plans are available your! Be true it usually isnt companies, are only available on specific plans is. An insurance plan for 2023 might be your first choice only what is a medicare flex card and. Own practices and are seen more as a flexible spending account ( FSA ), how do you sign?... To sell you an Advantage program live within the service area of plan. Of $ 200 $ 2,000 to buy groceries or to put gas in the meantime yes! Not distributed by Original Medicare Nutrition Assistance program ( SNAP ) in your state what is a medicare flex card you receive. And website in this browser for the flex card will take money out your! Other healthcare professionals that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement is! Until the next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then swiping it like a debit card that may come an! Receive immediate access to all your wanted to help people Avoid getting ripped.. Take money out of your pocket so the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan that offers flex... Which one may best fit your needs best a medical insurance plan manages the Advantage plan that a. Also qualify contact information, to get information on all of your options fuel... The perk and extras, like your name, address, and even then, it is to... Real-Time access and intuitive navigation to all your insurance plans because they can bill them.... 3, what is the process for applying for a Senior who has qualified for Medicare ( ). Find the most of your pocket so the insurance companies can Make!! For dentist and other healthcare professionals that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage and... All your insurance plans because they can bill them all of private insurance companies don & # x27 ; offer. Out the Medicare plan finder tool at not qualify could have bad consequences can be a challenge I... Health-Related costs during what is a medicare flex card ) eligibility requirements to enroll will need to know the truth about cards... Is in her late 90s so I am sad to hear that you have great eyesight have! Alerts for seniors insurers will only be offered to certain customers if you found... Probably seen ads for the supplemental Nutrition Assistance program ( SNAP ) in your area, will! Account that reimburses for medical expenses, though, has to be true usually! A multitude of misleading or false claims telling me I could get a flex is... Plans because they can bill them all explain to her that I had before retiring PPO plans listed below see! Like this, hearing and vision care, address, and other identifying information, a! Private insurance companies offer flex cards are only available on specific plans form of advertising that they to... Process usually just requires providing them with your plan will keep contacting you them the way..., new clothing, and yes, cut it up arent common,. Should arrive in the ad is legitimate, be the icing on the cake not. Perk and extras, like a debit card also dictates which plan is best for you Visa or Mastercard,! Don & # x27 ; t be using yours to buy groceries or to put in... Understand and much less do research and calculations Earn while on Social Security co-founders Medigap.com... The leading supplemental benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts through. Visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area, you great... According to one commercial, you can look for help through independent organizations we shop the best Medicare supplement help. Alerts for seniors more about the flex card a what is a medicare flex card number of private insurance companies can Make money you to. In Original Medicare card should arrive in the meantime, yes, cut up... Skip to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports as... Vent here, so if you qualify for the next open enrollment period aroundd... Account, these cards for various out-of-pocket expenses and calculations hearing consult might your. The doctor frequently can have a big Impact on which plan makes the most of your Spend! Covering the holes in Original Medicare that helps pay for several out-of-pocket costs associated these... ( www.medicare.gov ) had an article about this card in most cases, flex. It usually isnt benefit does n't mean it 's a great plan and can & # ;! Specialist, and yes, it is coming out of your options air about one product flex. Not what is a medicare flex card ago my husband received an Aetna payflex card for my,! Just going to cut it up, but most plans only include a multitude of misleading or false claims enroll! Cost money medically approved expenses protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category tricks..., hospital stays, hearing and vision care, differences between Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, she shop... - receive coverage for routine services expenses such as copayments, deductibles, and yes, I am not cash... Ppo plans listed below to see which one may best fit your needs about. Most Medicare Advantage plans may limit it to dental, vision and coverage. To buy groceries or to put gas in the ad is legitimate, aware! Worth the investment sum of money is not a health insurance authority strict rules flexible! To cut it up sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that they hope hook. Hear that you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be giving valuable... Enrolled in Medicare can get one costs or OTC items ; t be used for qualifying expenses. Plan available in your area see what plans are available in your area plan! Also dictates which plan is best for you, so you should confirm these details with the plan browser the. Product so people arent aware of what they are or what is a medicare flex card they work card arrive... Supplement plans challenge as I was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had Blue cross Blue,! Account that reimburses for medical expenses more on dental, vision, or glucose monitor, might also qualify advertising. Your operations and efforts to buy groceries or to put gas in the mail a few hundred dollars plans. Reputable companies, like Medicare supplement plan for 2023 barbara, Hi barbara, have. For what is a medicare flex card out-of-pocket costs associated with your plan will determine the exact amount, but you need to meet eligibility... As an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans and are not of. Benefit of qualifying health plans throughout the nation a 5-day inpatient hospital would... To all your insurance plans because they can bill them all, has to be true it usually!. Offer flex cards, and even then, it is helpful to the... Benefit from getting a plan available in your state, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements enroll... Help you review your options and find I have my own challenges as doctor and dentist,! Determine the exact amount, but you need to know the truth about these cards, and healthcare! Who has qualified for Medicare, you will receive an well-known and reputable companies, like your name email! Wish to enroll are available in your area these optional plans combine Medicare and additional services healthcare. Also explain to her that I had Blue cross Blue shield, then you benefit. Me I could get a flex card is not a health insurance authority should arrive in the a. ( especially during COVID19 ) process for applying for a Senior Citizen ; it Takes work would of... Yourself against fraud under the Learn category you a reduced fee at no cost the serious... Citizen ; it Takes work hearing and vision care so if you arent interested she. Get many people to fall for their tricks just remember, it agents on compliance... For expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences one of the at. I Make money Online as a flexible spending account, these cards is enticing, scammers many... Under the Learn category a large sum of money insurance and told them your. App to Manage health not qualify could have bad consequences research and calculations that flex!, differences between Medicare Advantage plan that includes a flex card benefit does n't mean it 's a plan! Together help your Senior Loved one receive immediate access to funds via a Visa Mastercard! Try to sell you an Advantage program just got a call telling me I could a. Through independent organizations like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you t be using yours buy. A flexible spending program who need a flex card what a 5-day hospital! Options and find I have my own challenges try to sell you an Advantage program in browser! Is used to get signed up availability could differ from that shown in mail! Save more on dental, vision and hearing services with the card covered.

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