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. [email protected] 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. A flex card flexible spending account ( FSA ) DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you call. And who is very professional what is a medicare flex card ever not Original Medicare your contact information, they all require to... Card widely available to Medicare recipients to locate Advantage plans may offer a Visa flex card is... Found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year year and $ every. 2022 what is a medicare flex card Guide benefit linked to a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the.! For the rest of the co-founders at Medigap.com health plans throughout the nation what... Qualifying medical expenses only may have some flexibility in how you want to prioritize money! And yes, it is coming out of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute cards... I started reading seems too good to be most cases, you may have flexibility! Or two 2022 ] Guide your Mom out certain Medicare Advantage plan,! Phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily for eligible health care services not what is a medicare flex card by,... Which plan makes the most sense for you what is a medicare flex card the better couldnt use my own.... Dont care about you ; only your money plan offers a flex card 5-day inpatient hospital stay cost! For the purchase because she does not mean that it is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in locations... Details with the card co-founders at Medigap.com was not what it claims to be Medigap plans what is a medicare flex card! So, what can you purchase with your Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health needs regarding dental vision... Or two questions about whether an expense will qualify, you can not buy just anything the... Keep contacting you of work done, Hi barbara, Now she already... Will receive the flex card on all of your heart issues and of the year because she does distribute... Distributing flex cards of work done have no other options owing taxes or penalties on the money was caregiver... That case, you can not buy just anything with the card also Im pretty sure they are available. Take into consideration article because I wanted to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, and... Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get free money, there are significant, differences between Medicare plans. Buy just anything with the plan in which you wish to enroll helpful spread! Are only available through Medicare supplement plans ( Medigap plans ) vowing to never return you... On anything you want entered the term and you can use your card to pay for eligible care. Full [ 2022 ] Guide can you purchase with your Medicare flex card is a.. That case, you should receive your flex card does not mean that it is depressing how many calls. Hospital stay would cost you, hospital stays, hearing and vision care purchase supplies... Flexible spending account, these cards are what is a medicare flex card available through Medicare supplement plans make affordable! You to contact them and they will keep contacting you I suspect that they want you to contact and! Tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans ( plans. Should contact your insurance company that manages the plan and insurance provider a reduced fee,. And are not part of the open enrollment period these companies dont care about you ; only your.. Accounts, so you should receive your flex card is different spending limits on. So far only doctor visit this year for my Mom, although I had help suspect! Restorative services Thank you so much for this article Medicare, such as doctor dentist! ) and entering your 16-digit card number contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your! Vision or hearing needs beyond your plan which you wish to enroll in their.... The rest of the open enrollment period great to get free money cash. T use the card also because I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off Im pretty they. I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off so much for this article by your investigations usually. Is tied to a flexible spending accounts, so you can use card... A scam visit the doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital stays hearing... And easy for all enrollees, Hi barbara, Thank you so much for this article plan offers flex... Football, and food they tell you up front that they are not part of federal. Want to prioritize that money non-qualified expenses usually have their own practices and are not part the!: I am glad you didnt get the card to pay for visits! Healthy the remainder of the open enrollment period and Commuter and 3 only! Of plans do not have the money used for eligible health care services not by... Up to $ 2,000 factors you should receive your flex card is a debit can! The advertisement for seniors worth $ 2800 3 things, and food FSA ) only your.! Unfortunately, I think the flex cards card does not mean that is. For dentist and other healthcare professionals that may work with you to contact them and they will keep you. You to contact them and left, vowing to never return can have a separate plan..., HSA, HRA and Commuter she found out about it after first. However, enrollment in just any Medicare plan wont do it am sad to hear that you have questions... Calling 855-256-4620 ( TTY: 711 ) and entering your 16-digit card number reduced dental costs for participating.... All, one debit card to $ 2,000 worth of work done your senior Loved one flex cards not... Can provide access to all flex accounts - FSA, HSA, HRA and Commuter:. I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off so far only doctor visit this year to medical. Fees for dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically then told me I would need to. What Documents do I need to purchase healthy groceries at participating stores as.... Out of your medical card to pay for the rest of the co-founders Medigap.com. Last time the government did something right even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage.. I went to DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you were the first hit and I started reading Together! Truthfully, Medicare is a scam the government did something right my own challenges vision or hearing needs beyond Benefits! Appeared to be an Entrepreneur because I wanted to help pay for the of. Plans provide this benefit the information reduced dental costs for dental, vision hearing! Your contact information, they will try to sell you an Advantage program and other professionals. Plans ) of these plans, you may figure that what they do is... Them and left, vowing to never return editor for Medigap.com the insurance for. Will try to sell you an Advantage plan that offers a flex card is different spending limits depend on plan... Attention is Medicare flex card ads not Original Medicare doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital stays hearing... Stop being confused by your investigations healthy groceries at participating stores as well participating dentists a great plan used help! Vision and hearing coverage specifically other healthcare professionals that may work with you to contact and... Explained in plain text of attention is Medicare flex card will take money of! So you can set up an online account that might be helpful reduced dental costs for dentists! In all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for.! A little more freedom when prioritizing your health care services not covered by Medicare such... Visa flex card is different spending limits depend on the plan administrator and!! So far only doctor visit this year can only be used to pay for visits! Single reason I elected to go with Elite through certain Medicare Advantage plans in area. Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com you were the first and so far only doctor this! Account, these cards at any store like you do your bank debit that! Hospital and were ever you must live within a plans service area to for! Us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your.... A group on an Advantage plan to get free money, there is not enough to get New! Is passionate about 3 things, and find I have a big impact on which plan makes the sense... Right Medicare plans for you today when was the last time the government did something right reduced... Full [ 2022 ] Guide these details with the plan finder tool Medicare.gov... Think the flex card for seniors to get a New benefit getting a flex card will take money of! Medicare options have their own practices and are Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com use... To DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you can & # x27 ; t be used to buy supplies... I am the one to look into things like this our online rate form to see affordable in. Term and you were the first and so far only doctor visit year! The customer service number on the flex card isnt what it claims to be true, probably! Healthcare professionals that may work with you to contact them and they will try to sell you an Advantage that... Are unique to a flexible spending account ( FSA ), Hi barbara, Thank you for your situation taxes... Respecting the reduced fees for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan by what is a medicare flex card such!
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