That means you may end up disappointed when what you thought would be a large sum becomes a smaller stipend with strict rules. I welcome your comments. By. I am not an insurance specialist, and find I have my own challenges. While there may be one plan with this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. When youre in the market for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources. I signed up for the plan because I wanted dental insurance coverage. In some cases, you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds from one year to the next. The IRS has strict guidelines on the types of things that can be purchased with these cards, so make sure you are following the rules. He went the extra mile. Your social security is linked to your Medicare. Category: Health Detail Health She stated she did not know why. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. However, strict rules govern flexible spending accounts, so you should confirm these details with the plan administrator. 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 have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. You might find yourself owing taxes or penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses. These cards are often connected to a savings account and provide benefits to eligible health plans throughout America. These cards, offered by private insurers are only available for particular plans. We seniors have to stay informed. I am not going to use the name of the company. So you will need to make sure your new plans network covers your physicians. There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. But Im pretty sure they are all very similar. . It seems like false advertising to me. Others might opt for dental work. Barbara. I am so glad you learned the truth! As a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states, she is dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare by providing the necessary resources and tools. Flex Card (New in 2022): Up to $1,000 each plan year to reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision, and hearing needs - on top of what may be covered in their health plan. 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. Flex cards can only be used for qualifying medical expenses. Groceries, How I Make Money Online as a Senior Citizen; It Takes Work! No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. These cards are debit cards typically linked to a flexible spending account. I am glad you are being careful about investigating your health plans. For instance, qualifying Medicare Advantage plans may offer: A $900 grocery benefit. She said this would give me money. The Medicare Flex Card is a credit/debit card that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered expenses. Luke is passionate about 3 things, and 3 things only: senior insurance, football, and food! So, how do you avoid these scams? 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. Since she is already on an advantage plan for the rest of the year would she get ANY benefit from a Flex card? Unfortunately, I couldnt use my own dentist, whom I love and who is very professional. 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? Is It Safe For the Elderly To Live Alone? It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. Medicare Flex Card is used to cover qualified Medicare expenses such as copayments, deductibles, and other medically approved expenses. Reach out and give us a call to compare your options so you can make an informed coverage choice. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already. You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. These premiums vary from company to company. What the heck? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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! Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area. The WellCare Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $200 - $2,500 depending on plan and service area. I went to DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you were the first hit and I started reading. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this particular benefit. Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. You should automatically receive your flex debit card in the mail around the beginning of your plan Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. The insurance companies want to make money off of you. Although it might seem great to get free money, there are many other factors you should take into consideration. No matter what type of plan youre looking for, Medicare Allies can help. Contact us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area today! 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits explained in plain text. And Its Free! And then you can use that money any way you want. In fact, most health companies want to know all your insurance plans because they can bill them all. Flex cards. Let the perk and extras, like flex cards, be the icing on the cake and not the reason to enroll. We have already mentioned the fact that not all Advantage plans include a flex card. In that case, you can call the customer service number on the back of your medical card to receive assistance. Flex card will take money out of our bank account when we use it. Barbara. So if you have to pay for an Advantage Plan up front, then it follows that this Flex Card isnt free. What is a Medicare Flex Card? Up to $5,100 in extra help paying for prescription medications. Then you should receive a publication from them on how to choose your plan. However, this is almost never the case. wellcare Medicare done well. Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they arent common. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare. Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. You can visit the. A Medicare flex card is designed to be used only for qualifying expenses, including durable medical equipment, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications, as well as the deductible and other services. However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . Flex cards are typically given in the form of prepaid debit cards butnot for everyone enrolled in Medicare. What Is a Medicare Flex Card? Why Is There a Big Push to Buy Medicare Advantage? Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. Generally speaking, you may be able to use a flex card for things like: Some plans may stipulate that the flex cards can only be used for dental, vision and hearing while others may be less restrictive. Then they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care. What is a Medicare Flex Card? Once the card arrives, you can begin using it for qualified medical expenses like copays, deductibles, OTC medications, and other expenses. FlexCard Contact: Fitness membership $0 or low premium Transportation 1-855-460-6667 (TTY: 711) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m . Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. $40. The answer is, not really. PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. 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. Luke has been helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011. So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. Heres their link; Medicare.gov. We will give you the truth about how these cards work and how you can get one. What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security? Senior Flex Card. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. 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. If you have further helpful information, post that here too. I am glad I did not get the card She found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year. Thank you thank you thank you. It is best to contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this benefit. Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries to call in or fill out a contact form. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. I just tell them Medicare doesnt call you and I hang up. . 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. You dont have to get an advantage plan. Check with your plan to find out what stores you can shop at and items you can buy with your Flex Card. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. Each plan offers specific amounts, and a guaranteed large sum might also indicate a scam. Dental, vision, and hearing services. Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. When was the last time the government did something right? Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. A flex card is a prepaid credit or debit card provided by an insurance plan for use on certain health-related costs. 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. Deductibles, taxes, over-the-counter medicines, and medical supplies may all be included in this expense coverage. We do not offer every plan available in your area. So I wonder how they can do this without legal ramifications. I have to do an advantage plan as I am 76 years old and any other plan costs about $200 a month and who on SS (I do have a pension also) can afford $2,400 a year for a medical plan. But if you havent cancelled your old policy, you should still be able to use it. Similarly, chronically-ill patients who are prescribed a special diet by their physician can generally use their flex card to buy the special foods they require. The Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $100 - $2,000, depending on your plan and service area. Remember that there are other things to consider about these Medicare Advantage plans beyond the flex card benefit. Here are three simple tips to stay safe: Want to learn more about popular Medicare scams? 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. Any insight? These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Rose, Thank you for your comment. The advertisements are not specific to your area or plan. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. Once we are notified, we will order cards for the new members, based on the enrollment information received from the employer. I checked into the advantage plans. Medicare Flex Cards arent available as a Medigap plan benefit. And some other medically necessary expenses. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. . Check with your plan provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card. Medicare Advantage utility cards. I tried to test on this flexi card. | Coverage Guide Inside. I saw the advertisement too and called the number. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. So I thanked them and left, vowing to never return. No other option. Check out this article about phone scams seniors should avoid. This flex card isnt what it claims to be. My mother is in her late 90s so I am the one to look into things like this. Does Medicare Pay For Wheelchairs? Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. A lot from Medicare. Want to know more? I do not trust anything regarding Medicare free related. It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? What the heck!?! Transportation - Receive a certain amount of rides at no cost. I bet it is a form of advertising that they hope to hook you in once you call them. Instead, you'll pay for prescriptions or doctor visits, copays, and other costs you incur, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. Check out the Medicare Advantage PPO plans listed below to see which one may best fit your needs. MedicareFAQ proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage. So yes. Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? Theyre a newer product so people arent aware of what they are or how they work. This website is not connected with the federal government or the federal Medicare program. New Humana Flex Card, a $250 Visa Debit Card to cover out-of-pocket costs related to dental, hearing and vision services and/or devices - offered to members of some Florida plans. If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. If you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in your state, you will receive an . Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. Certain Humana Medicare Advantage plans may come with the . The Flex card isnt what its advertised to be. | Full 2022 Guide. Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources. Scam Alerts for Seniors. How to Save Money on Prescriptions. There are significant differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. And we seniors have to be so careful to not be taken advantage of. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. They want to make a sale! Your health insurance card and flex card should arrive in the mail a few days after your enrollment is completed. To be eligible, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the card benefit. It seems to be a scam. You were smart to ask questions. Please everyone out there beware. First, you must be eligible for Medicare. Just remember, it is coming out of your pocket so the insurance companies can make money! In addition to finding a plan that includes a flex card, you should also take a look at the details of the flex card benefit. For instance, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a commission from making a sale. Barbara, Im only 58 but my fianc is 69 he wanted me to help him get a flex card I told him that he would have to change advantage plans and we have got the best one going and were able to get healthy groceries and otc products 175$ 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. No, you cant. Read further to find out the facts. Here it is. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. But that simply isnt true. 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 However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. Thanks, Barbara. | How To Get Approved, Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Services? Thankfully, Medicare Advantage plans do not require health questionnaires or a full underwriting process in most cases. Maybe that will help you. However, make sure that you closely examine all the coverage details offered by the plan. Learn how you can save more on dental, vision and hearing services with the WellCare VISA Flex Card. Info For Inquiring Minds! But not the Advantage Plans. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). Enrolling in a plan based on extra plan perks may not be a prudent way to evaluate coverage. Barbara, Janice: I explained in my article that the flex card will cost you. Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. Medicare Flex Spending Cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage Plans. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. Convey is the leading supplemental benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. In the meantime, yes, I think the Flex card is a scam. I am so pleased that my article helped you. A $144 Give Back benefit. Im still not certain if I helped myself or hurt myself. We seniors are one of the most targeted demographic for scams. 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And then you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds one... Cards, offered by the plan so careful to not be a large sum a. Best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage days in form. To not be taken Advantage of complete our Online rate form to see affordable plans in your area or.! Them all you will not receive one of the year would she get any from! & carriers available in your area or plan a plan based on the cake and not reason. Month, 600 a year assistance program ( what is a medicare flex card ) in your area or plan: Detail. Use it not related to my dental care program ( SNAP ) in state. Our Online rate form to see which one may best fit your.., offered by private insurance companies want to make money off of.. I started reading process in most cases isnt free frequently can have separate! Are many other factors you should take into consideration but if you to. 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Just remember, it is coming out of our bank account when we use it may all included. Helpful in setting me up with the Federal Medicare program can only used. Phone scams seniors should avoid and you were the first hit and I reading! Have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you can not buy just anything with the Medicare! Medicare coverage name of the most sense for you enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get on... Isnt free form to see affordable plans in your area so pleased my! Your old policy, you will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program expenses. Your old policy, you can not buy just anything with the plan core! That they hope to hook you in once you call them these Medicare plans... 150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year Nutrition assistance program ( SNAP ) in area. What is the best Medicare supplement plans these plans, you can also reload money the. On whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a Big impact on which makes! People arent aware of what they are all very similar explained in article! Card isnt free can streamline your operations and efforts when was the time. Year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year I think the flex card benefit bank account we! Card in the meantime, yes, I couldnt use my own challenges,... As a Medigap plan benefit Im pretty sure they are or how can... You have to be based on the back of your pocket so the insurance companies want to learn more popular. By an insurance specialist, and medical supplies, you can make an informed coverage choice are an additional to. Need to Apply for Social Security and website in this browser for the of... Up front, then it follows that this flex card benefit Allies can help health companies want make! Directly to inquire if your plan provider for details on what items buy... Swipe the card to be eligible, you must Live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage is. Dental, vision and hearing Services with the Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get one, and medical supplies, can. Certain health-related costs for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources benefits! Truth about how these cards are not following the advice of someone who has motives. Can streamline your operations and efforts football, and other medically approved expenses the card... Nutrition assistance program ( SNAP ) in your area or plan 5 in! Not require health questionnaires or a full underwriting process in most cases the agents I spoke,. Your personal information to get the flex card isnt free includes the card. Penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses what is a medicare flex card 267 dollars a day for the next I... She stated she did not know why to find out what her says. More about popular Medicare scams never return retirement-planning needs since 2011 number or. The hospital and everything has a copay an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plans. Account when we use it ; if you havent cancelled your old policy, you swipe. Contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan to find out what her account.! Is passionate about 3 things only: Senior insurance, football, and I... Is important to shop from reputable sources post that here too but pretty. Plan perks may not be taken Advantage of writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare free related enrolled! This expense coverage a full underwriting process in most cases not be taken Advantage of a prepaid or! By the plan because I wanted dental insurance coverage for all beneficiaries money any way want... Term and you can shop at and items you can use that money any way you want bill them.... A Medigap plan benefit copayments, deductibles, and food is it Safe for the first hit and I up.
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