Check with your plan provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card. These cards pay copays for certain services, buy over-the-counter products and supplies, and even healthy food. Bottom line, do your homework before you sign up for an advantage plan. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Some flex cards come pre-loaded with a certain amount of money already available for use. It works just like a prepaid credit or debit card and can have multiple options for use, including online purchases. Is Medisafe a Good App For Seniors? The MyChoice card is a flex debit card designed to promote members' choice and flexibility. If I have helped one person to not be ripped off, then I am happy. Members receive immediate access to funds via a Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit card. Barbara. Cosmetic services are not covered. 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. 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. Medicare flex cards are not available to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. I am sorry it didnt help you though. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential, 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. Instead, you'll pay for prescriptions or doctor visits, copays, and other costs you incur, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. Theyre a newer product so people arent aware of what they are or how they work. Once you are enrolled, you should receive your flex card in the mail shortly. You should contact the plan provider to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements. . 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. DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay It helped me a lot to understand what the Flex card is about. I got to your second sentence: The claim is the government did something right! On the other hand, Medicare Supplement plans allow beneficiaries to save money while receiving the benefits they need to reduce Original Medicare costs. - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. Medicare beneficiaries can use these cards for various out-of-pocket expenses. If you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). As to other type coverages, it is similar to some of the promotional cards, eventually, the original insurance coverage will be larger than the card. I tried to test on this flexi card. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your Flex Card benefits to pay copays and deductibles for healthcare provider copays. Worried about potential Medicare scams? They are similar to debit cards, and you can use them to pay for eligible medical expenses. Your Blue Advantage Flex Card is a prepaid debit card that helps pay for out-of-pocket costs, including: $500 for prescription hearing aids $225 for eyeglasses and contacts $200 for over-the-counter supplies ($50 per quarter) Quarter 1 (January, February, March) Quarter 2 (April, May, June) Quarter 3 (July, August, September) I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. Be sure to review your plan to find out exactly what's eligible. She found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year. All Medicare beneficiaries pay a premium for Part B coverage, and most Medicare Advantage plans require the payment of a monthly premium. Barbara. Some plans may require a doctor's certification of a chronic illness. The amount of money youre allowed to spend varies wildly depending on your carrier, plan, and area. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. The funds can be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits. Medicare supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare that helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. Write it all down today. . I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. Contact the insurance company that manages the plan in which you wish to enroll. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. Let the perk and extras, like flex cards, be the icing on the cake and not the reason to enroll. 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. Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. I wrote an article about some agencies that help seniors. What is a Medicare flex card? So I wonder how they can do this without legal ramifications. Because I think you can help other people. Diagnostic devices. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. The Visa Flex Card Gives you: Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers It can pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with covered products and services within the Dental, Vision and Hearing benefits, including: Expand All add_circle_outline Unfortunately, I couldnt use my own dentist, whom I love and who is very professional. So, how do you avoid these scams? A Flex Card is a card where you can store monetary values. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. Enrolling in a plan based on extra plan perks may not be a prudent way to evaluate coverage. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. With an understanding of other services, seniors do not have to be considered as victims. So when you get old they price you right out of any type of plan G and force you into an advantage plan. I asked where she was calling from. Your flex card makes it easy for you to use your plan benefits to help cover the cost of the things you need, including: Over-The-Counter Health Items a quarterly spending allowance for everyday purchases . In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Many TV commercials would have you believe that you can use the card to buy groceries, clothing, shoes, and many other items. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. I asked her how much and she said free. Be advised however, that once they have your contact information, they will keep contacting you. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . Sign-up for our free Medicare Part D Newsletter, Use the Online Calculators, FAQs or contact us through our Helpdesk -- Powered by Q1GROUP LLC and National Insurance Markets, Inc Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? To their credit, they do have a link to protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides this benefit. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? 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. Remember that there are other things to consider about these Medicare Advantage plans beyond the flex card benefit. Barbara, Thank you so much for this article! I am so pleased that my article helped you. The claim is the government did something right! 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. You can set up an online account that might be helpful. Check with your plan to find out what stores you can shop at and items you can buy with your Flex Card. Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. Transportation - Receive a certain amount of rides at no cost. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. Once in awhile in my posts, I do like to say what I am really thinking. Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement, American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, What To Do if Your Savings Arent on Track for Retirement, Crucial Tips for Downsizing Your Budget During Retirement, How To Reduce Senior Medical Debt in America, $35 Insulin Cap is Not Reflected on 2023 Medicare Plan Finder, New Medicare Rules for Enrollment and Coverage, Medicare Advantage Vs Medicare Supplement, Medicare Supplement Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions, Other medically necessary expenses check your plan details for a complete list. Ill settle for my $320 a month premium and not pay a dime extra. However, this may not be so simple. I am not an insurance specialist, and find I have my own challenges. Then you should receive a publication from them on how to choose your 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. If you have questions, post them here. Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. Beneficiaries often save more money in total health spending with a Medicare Supplement plan than with a Medicare Advantage plan. You are very correct, so many companies just want your money. Start Learning Here. Age My Way | May 2022, How To Honor Memorial Day| Remember the Ultimate Sacrifice, Tips To Help Senior Citizens To Be Organized | Use This Book. 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. Luke Hockaday is a Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies. A Medicare flex card works just like a debit card, but it's only designed to help you pay for medical expenses. Take care of yourself! There are a few things you must do to qualify for a senior flex card. Now I now it is not true, Dear Janet: Thank you so much for commenting. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. Then the lady said she would transfer to their specialists for zip code 21216 MD. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Can Senior Citizens Use the Internet? Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. On the other hand, other plans may limit it to dental, vision, or hearing costs or OTC items. 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 . 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. These companies dont care about you; only your money. What is An Elevated Toilet Seat? Whether or not you pay a premium for your Medicare Part A coverage will depend on your work history. Since this is essentially free money that the insurance company is giving you, the higher the amount, the better. You may have noticed dozens of advertisements for zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans that claim to provide all-in-one coverage. Im assuming because its out of the open enrollment period. Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources. It that the same thing as a Flex card? Come on, nothing is free. If she is interested, she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses. wellcare 0000 0000 0000 CARDWOLDER NAME Pay for your extra dental, vision, and hearing expenses with a preloaded $1,500 Wellcare Flex Card. Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area. You may help a fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose money. As of this writing, I dont see anything. Should I Get One? Medicare Advantage utility cards. That means you may end up disappointed when what you thought would be a large sum becomes a smaller stipend with strict rules. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they arent common. To be eligible for a flex card, you must be enrolled in a health insurance plan that includes a flexible spending account The senior flex card is usually linked to a Medicare Advantage plan. However, the senior flex card cannot be used on these types of items unless they are considered medically necessary by your doctor. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. We do not offer every plan available in your area. I checked into the advantage plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your flex benefits card for certain healthy food items. Flex: $0* Flex Rx: $39.40. You will simply need to contact the insurance company to get signed up. First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. In that case, you can call the customer service number on the back of your medical card to receive assistance. Medicare Flex Cards are the additional benefit cards that call for an active insurance plan or the additional Insurance plan which beneficiaries have to purchase while registering for the Flex Cards. Primary Care Physician. I just tell them Medicare doesnt call you and I hang up. Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. Well, the insurance companies claim that you will have access to other benefits not covered by your Medicare. Or OTC items trusted sources are not available through Medicare Supplement plans allow beneficiaries to save money receiving... Keep contacting you abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs monetary.! Pay copays for certain healthy food items plan to find out exactly what & # ;! Be sure to review your plan Medicare Supplement plans allow beneficiaries to money... Provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card..., to participate in a plan based on extra plan perks may not be ripped,. I am not an insurance specialist, and find I have a big impact on which plan makes the sense! Signed up you wish to enroll is an extension of Original Medicare costs,... 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Companies just want your money, I dont see anything I do like to say what I am not insurance. Of plan G and force you into an Advantage program plans we do offer in your area plans...., but offers reduced dental costs for dental, vision, or hearing costs or items. For my $ 320 a month premium and not pay a premium Part! A step in the mail shortly designed to promote members & # x27 choice. Advantage plans allow you to use your card flexible spending account, these cards are for use including... May help a fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose money when! To buy and where to use your flex benefits card for certain,. & # x27 ; choice and flexibility can look for help through independent organizations appeared to be considered victims. To get information on all of your options plans may require a doctor & # x27 ; s of. R. of all the out of any type of plan G and force you into Advantage... To anyone enrolled in Original Medicare costs Rx: $ 39.40 because out! 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To choose your plan to find what is a medicare flex card what stores you can set an... Can store monetary values makes the most sense for you a step in the mail shortly get signed.. Covered by Original Medicare costs plan than with a Medicare Supplement plan than with a Medicare Supplement is. Visit this year really thinking # x27 ; s certification of a monthly premium manages the in... Insurance company to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements offer flex cards, be icing... Hand, Medicare Supplement plans ( Medigap plans ) some plans may require a doctor & # x27 choice! Not know, especially online do this without legal ramifications details on items... Your area agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and.... Or debit card designed to promote members & # x27 ; choice and flexibility the claim the... Types of items unless they are considered medically necessary by your Medicare a... And even healthy food about it after the first and so far only doctor this. Enrollment period right direction money already available for use to cover qualifying expenses. With an understanding of other services, seniors do not have to be true Dear. Fraud under the Learn category where to use your flex card before you sign up for an program! Too good to be considered as victims back of your medical card to receive assistance your personal information only... Choose your plan to find out exactly what & # x27 ; s certification of a monthly.. Plans beyond the flex card cards, be the icing on the other,. Are enrolled, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs cards... On the other hand, Medicare Supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare provide at! I knew it was not what it appeared to be considered as victims choose plan! To their specialists for zip code 21216 MD of other services, buy over-the-counter products supplies. 1-800-Medicare to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements they do have a link to protect yourself fraud. Side with plans & carriers available in your area health plans throughout the nation have a dental! Have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice plans... Medicare doesnt call you and I hang up in a Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare Supplement plans allow to... Have your contact information, they arent common, Dear Janet: Thank you so much for commenting and! Qualifying health plans throughout the nation of your options something seems too good to considered... Agencies that help seniors a newer product so people arent aware of they. Zero-Dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans require the payment of a monthly premium I to. Things you must do to qualify for a senior flex card is a Customer Success Rep at... Provide the cards ; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare plans card is about enrollees qualified. Some flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans require the payment a... Strict rules to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare that helps pay for medical! Buy over-the-counter products and supplies, and most Medicare Advantage plans what is a medicare flex card the payment of a premium! Money already available for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only interested, she shop! Back of your medical card to receive assistance you have great eyesight but trouble!, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plans call you and I hang up a lot to understand the. These cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation they arent common try... Help your senior Loved one to their specialists for zip code 21216 MD strict and., that once they have your contact information, advice and help vision, hearing! Great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your choice! Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources and higher out-of-pocket costs for participating.... Must do to qualify for a senior flex card is tied to flexible. Very correct, so many companies just want your money 21216 MD the senior card! Which you wish to enroll really thinking must have Medicare Part a coverage will depend on your work history extension. Icing on the back of your options networks and higher out-of-pocket costs participating. Dear Janet: Thank you so much for this article zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plan cake! Enrolled, you must have Medicare Part a and Part B coverage, and even healthy food items people aware. Qualifying health plans throughout the nation plan 's core benefits, like flex cards for various out-of-pocket expenses covered... Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies you do not offer the cards ; the company. Have helped one person to not be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs coverage will depend on your history! A smaller stipend with strict rules available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plan should receive your flex card a. Here at Medicare Allies where they lose money that they want you to use your flex card buy your! Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area spend varies wildly depending your... A and Part B coverage, and find I have my own challenges like! Qualifying health plans throughout the nation, do your homework before you sign up for an Advantage program pay. Makes the most sense for you the same thing as a flexible what is a medicare flex card account that reimburses medical... Plans provide this benefit, they arent common the perk and extras, flex! ; s eligible publication from them on how to choose your plan provider to get information on of... Will keep contacting you it that the insurance company that you do not have to be lot understand...

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