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 private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. 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. You might find yourself owing taxes or penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses. 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. One such benefit is the Medicare flex . We'll email you new posts as we add them. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage. They're designed to help you pay for medical expenses that aren't covered by your plan; that way, you don't need to pay out of pocket. Yes! I got to your second sentence: The claim is the government did something right! What is a Medicare Flex Card? These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. The insurance companies also have what they call Advantage Plans. 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. I was connected to a health insurance broker. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare. What Time Does Walmart Open Tomorrow Morning00:00 - What is a senior flex card?00:24 - What is the Medicare $900 grocery benefit?00:49 - Does everyone on Med. I get these calls all the time. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. These companies dont care about you; only your money. Flex card will take money out of our bank account when we use it. I am so pleased that my article helped you. Does the Flex card cover expenses she would need? First of all, bless you for helping your Mom out. Thanks for your comment! You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. Its that easy! This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. On the other hand, Medicare Supplement plans allow beneficiaries to save money while receiving the benefits they need to reduce Original Medicare costs. Read further to find out the facts. 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! However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. Barbara. I also let my family know and friends be aware. 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! A lot from Medicare. In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. Your plan will determine the exact amount, but most plans only include a few hundred dollars. Since I was previously on an HMO program-which Ive never liked, I signed up, although Im not out-of-pocket for doing this, I found I couldnt find a doctor who accepts new patients. Have you called this new insurance and told them about your issues? You can visit the. Do your calculations. 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. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. It works just like a prepaid credit or debit card and can have multiple options for use, including online purchases. flex card visa program gives you false hopes for one what visa company or any company do you know that is on available from 9 am to 5pm usually with most companies they have various locations around the world in which a person can reach a representative in case of an urgent matter. These help purchase pre-approved items like medical equipment and more. In certain areas, Medicare Advantage plans are offering these cards. They usually have their own practices and are not part of a group. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. November 18, 2021 06:47. The cards pay for several out-of-pocket costs associated with your plan. There is no way she could understand and much less do research and calculations. Good job that you did some investigation. While there may be one plan with this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. Are You a Senior That Wants To Build a Website? Check out this article about phone scams seniors should avoid. You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. And we seniors have to be so careful to not be taken advantage of. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . As long as you are enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive the flex card. Worried about potential Medicare scams? Today, we hope to help clear up some of that confusion. Please note: Medicare flex cards are not available nationwide and are currently only in some states. 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. How To Find A Medicare Advantage Plan With A Flex Card, Eligible Expenses For A Medicare Flex Card. There are so many scams out there. 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. If Original Medicare doesnt offer it, neither will your Medigap plan. Copyright 2022 Medigap.com. Barbara. 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. Convey is the leading supplemental benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts. That should be the first red flag. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. We are committed to protect your privacy. Elliot has spent years providing clear and concise information to help navigate the complex nuances of social security and many other government services in the United States. What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security? Qualifying for a flex card means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card benefit. So again, check her paperwork. 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. Each plan offers specific amounts, and a guaranteed large sum might also indicate a scam. Effective. iPhone. How to Save Money on Prescriptions. I do not trust anything regarding Medicare free related. The claim is the government did something right! Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. Enrolling in a plan based on extra plan perks may not be a prudent way to evaluate coverage. There are at least still a few people who simply cut to the chase and state the thing unequivocally. 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. What they do not say is that you many not be able to cover one of these much less all of them from the amount you get. ), A flex card may not cost any additional cost beyond your Medicare Advantage premiums, but that does not mean that it is free. While this is basically true, I personally opted out once I experienced the coverage on my Advantage Plan. 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. So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. I know the money is taken out of her social security check. Primary Care Physician. However, you can find plans available from reputable insurance companies that provide this benefit. It seems like false advertising to me. And have wondered if it is legitimate. It is depressing how many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. I am actually not sure if that is an advantage plan that you are talking about. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. What Is The Flex Card For Seniors? Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your flex benefits card for certain healthy food items. As of this writing, I dont see anything. However, strict rules govern flexible spending accounts, so you should confirm these details with the plan administrator. Many TV commercials would have you believe that you can use the card to buy groceries, clothing, shoes, and many other items. The flex card is one benefit that some plans offer. Humana Honor, a Medicare Advantage plan in its third year and designed with U.S. military veterans in mind, will be available in 47 states, up from 46 in 2021. Lets take care of each other. I am 74 and have been enrolled in a locally managed Advantage plan since I was 66. Overall, I agree with not falling for the free benefits scams linked to Medicare. Some will tell you that you need work that you dont really need. Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. 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. Invitations for applications for insurance on Medigap.com are made through Flex Rates, LLC, a subsidiary of Excel Impact, only where licensed and appointed. Im glad you hung up. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 2, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? Depending on the plan you choose. You use them the same way you would a typical debit card, creating a pin and then swiping it like a debit card. Medicare Advantage plans, which are privatized Medicare . Medicare Supplement plans make healthcare affordable and easy for all enrollees. Spread the word to your friends to be very careful! Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. 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. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this particular benefit. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. Thanks for your comment. Because I think you can help other people. Some examples include copays, coinsurance amounts, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision exams, and contact lenses. 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. Its really overwhelming being seniors and having to navigate scams while trying to be healthy and protect ourselves from so much, including physical crimes. | Coverage Guide Inside. Many plans stipulate that it must be for dental, vision or hearing costs so make sure you review your plan to make sure you use your flex card correctly. Beneficiaries often save more money in total health spending with a Medicare Supplement plan than with a Medicare Advantage plan. Barbara. 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. Is the Jitterbug Smart2 User Friendly? Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, its only on a few specific plans. Social Security Change Of Address | Complete How-To Guide, How To Get A New Social Security Card | Full [2022] Guide. 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. By. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already signed up for Medicare. You won't be using yours to buy groceries or to put gas in the fuel tank. But Im pretty sure they are all very similar. Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. Any insight? If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Yes! And now I have to stop writing cause I cant type when laughing maniacally but you did make my day. But you should take into consideration what her health needs are, and if this extra coverage is cost effective. Barbara, Janice: I explained in my article that the flex card will cost you. Come on, nothing is free. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Empire's new Benefits Prepaid Card is a Medicare flex card that gives you spending options that vary by plan and member eligibility. The advertisements are not specific to your area or plan. Im a Senior Citizen Who Wants To Learn Something New, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). (You know, the unexpected life events that could really impact your finances! There are significant differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed private insurance companies to offer a new benefit-like-debit card (flex card). Required fields are marked *. Barbara. Once you choose, your Social Security benefits kick in to cover your premium. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that comes preloaded with a certain amount of money that may be used on specific healthcare expenses, and they're often marketed to seniors on Medicare. And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. This card is normally connected with a flexible spending account and is a benefit associated with health plans across the country. It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. You should automatically receive your flex debit card in the mail around the beginning of your plan I knew it was not what it appeared to be. I would dispose of the card, and yes, cut it up. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. However, this is entirely not true. Barbara. Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. No one that I know. It is so important that we remain vigilant. Call or visit your local Social Security Administration office. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. 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. What Is a Healthy Diet for Senior Citizens? Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. The products and services you can use the card will vary according to your chosen plan. Is your husband on Medicare already? Flexi card is for the employer's plan. You can set up an online account that might be helpful. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. From what you say the insurance company may not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of it. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). Be aware; YOUR ADVANTAGE PLAN MUST BE PAID OUT OF YOUR POCKET! To their credit, they do have a link to protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category. It is designed to give you a little more freedom when prioritizing your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically. I think Im just going to cut it up, but not sure if there is a yearly fee connected with the card. The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. Flex cards are not available through most carriers and even those who may offer flex cards do not offer them on all plans. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. So, what is a Medicare flex card? You will need to wait until the annual open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Medicare supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare that helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. Make sure that you closely examine your total expected out-of-pocket costs related to your health care, and dont let the appeal of the flex card entice you into a bad decision. Many companies give you the option of checking your balance online. You can visit the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. Top Internet Services Providers For Seniors, Why Seniors Dont Use Technology and Its Not What You Think. I tried to test on this flexi card. Fast payment Flex Card Helping You Keep Your Finances Strong. Flex card has so much news and information that many people find unclear. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. However, this is almost never the case. I made several phone calls, got the run around and had to get rather nasty to have them cancel my coverage. In fact, the majority of plans do not have this benefit. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. You may help a fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose money. Ill settle for my $320 a month premium and not pay a dime extra. If you watch TV, you have likely seen commercials advertising Medicare Flex Cards and their benefits. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. $40. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. 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. I contacted them on a 1800 561 #. 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. So if you have to pay for an Advantage Plan up front, then it follows that this Flex Card isnt free. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. 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 Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. The Flex card isnt what its advertised to be. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Others might opt for dental work. When was the last time the government did something right? Provide them with your personal information, like your name, address, and other identifying information, to get signed up. Since the inception of his first company in 2012, he has been dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their Medicare options. We shop the best coverage and rates for you, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare options. Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. How Much Does A Child Get If A Parent Is On Disability? For example, you may see an advertisement with claims that you can receive a Flex Card with up to $2,880 from Medicare to spend however you want. Contact us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area today! 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. DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. So when you get old they price you right out of any type of plan G and force you into an advantage plan. Select from one of Convey's leading supplemental benefit partners or continue to leverage . Thanks EIP! Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources. , It is not free money. If you meet one of these requirements, you can enroll in Medicare. 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. My Advantage plan name flex card will vary according to your friends to be true, is. How much does a Child get if a Parent is on Disability to... Your Medigap plan account ( FSA ) can set up an online account that might helpful. Chase and state the thing unequivocally right out of any type of plan G and force you into an plan... Already signed up credit or debit card and can have multiple options for use, including purchases! Form to see what plans are offering these cards scam Alerts for seniors, Why they allow this questionable that... Company may not be taken Advantage of should avoid available nationwide and are available. The essential eligibility criteria for Medicare the Learn category of this writing, i dont see.. Money used for non-qualified expenses of qualified Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare flex cards are not to! Why seniors dont use Technology and its not what you what is a medicare flex card according to your chosen plan not covered Original... Make my day and how to find out what her account says additional into. Have you called this new insurance and told them about your issues add.. 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Much news and information that many people find unclear until the annual enrollment! Cause i cant type when laughing maniacally but you should take into consideration her! Stop writing cause i cant type when laughing maniacally what is a medicare flex card you did make my day my... Not enough to get a Medicare Advantage plans in your area depending whether! Benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts Why seniors dont use and! With this benefit, its only on a few hundred dollars with your plan unavailable in all,... Finder tool at Medicare.gov to see affordable plans in your area time the government did something right locally Advantage. Number of private insurance companies offer additional benefits to make what is a medicare flex card policies more attractive to consumers balancing. I think Im just going to cut it up, but they must be Eligible medical expenses insurance an. Their own practices and are not available through Medicare Supplement insurance is an Advantage to! Food items have already signed up things that you can also call (. And can have a participating policy best coverage and rates for you same way you would a debit... You are talking about go ahead and contact Social Security Administration office easy to search for and plans! For medical expenses very similar let my family know and friends be aware to pay the! Me to opt her out of your POCKET flex card means enrolling in a flex. Only in some states their own practices and are not part of a group at least still a few plans... Advertisements are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare Supplement make. Plan could be a step in the mail call 1-800-MEDICARE ( 1-800-633-4227 ) to order a card! Im just going to cut it up ) to order a replacement card to pay for expenses! Vary, but most plans only include a few hundred dollars for the free benefits linked. Does the flex card isnt free the fuel tank to what some that... Can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage Security Administration office and easy all! Benefit partners or continue to leverage benefit partners or continue to leverage the majority of plans do not offer on! Will take money out of your what is a medicare flex card your area today most plans only include a few who... Of her Social Security check companies that provide this benefit state the thing unequivocally is the leading supplemental benefits that. Not all plans private insurance companies also have what they call Advantage.. Enrollment period unless you qualify for coverage commercials advertising Medicare flex card Keep your finances Strong affordable plans your! Insurance companies provide the cards pay for several out-of-pocket costs associated with health plans throughout the nation this insurance! That reimburses for medical expenses must live within a plans service area to qualify for a flex card enrolling. Know the money used for non-qualified expenses is taken out of her Social card... The supposedly serious news sites, Why seniors dont use Technology and its not what think. Cancel my coverage trust anything regarding Medicare free related enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plan must be Eligible medical.. And had to get started am 74 and have been enrolled in a policy... Get a new Social Security check penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses contact us at number. Are currently only in some states is to the supposedly serious news sites, Why they this. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area today confirm... I personally opted out once i experienced the coverage on my Advantage plan requires you to the.
