Utilities, water, electric, phone, cable TV There are at least still a few people who simply cut to the chase and state the thing unequivocally. The pitch in their ads are It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. 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 However, the catch for flex cards is limited availability of plans offering this benefit. Lets take care of each other. Juanita, Thank you for your comment. Cosmetic services are not covered. . 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. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. What is a Seniors Flex Card? These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. That means you may end up disappointed when what you thought would be a large sum becomes a smaller stipend with strict rules. Worried about potential Medicare scams? In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. You must live within the service area of a plan that offers a flex card and . Do your research on the plan, the agent youre working with, and the insurance carrier to ensure you are not a victim of fraudulent Medicare sales. DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay How to Save Money on Prescriptions. We will give you the truth about how these cards work and how you can get one. Call or visit your local Social Security Administration office. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. If there is a plan available in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan. Since the private insurance companies who administer these Advantage plans set their own rules, you need to check each plan individually to determine whether a flex card is part of their plan. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. Your health insurance card and flex card should arrive in the mail a few days after your enrollment is completed. These cards are often connected to a savings account and provide benefits to eligible health plans throughout America. Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. There are some benefits to an Advantage plan, but the buyer must be aware of how plans are priced and marketed (my plan has a zero monthly premium, but does have co-pays for most services). Flex Card benefits are only available in certain zipcodes. However, let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll. You have added more information to this article by your investigations. Using your flex card for expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences. Flex Cards are essentially seen as a type of reimbursement for medical expenses. Randy; thanks for making my day. What memory is most important to you? So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. I am glad you are being careful about investigating your health plans. If not, be sure to use their official site to sign up. The WellCare Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $200 - $2,500 depending on plan and service area. How Much Can I Earn While On Social Security? I wish you the best. Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. They cant help you. I would call your old insurance and talk to a person who is versed in these issues. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. The funds can be used to help pay for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan. It is depressing how many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily. Plans are increasingly adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member experience, which can lead to an increase in grievances. Be advised however, that once they have your contact information, they will keep contacting you. Of course, the amount varies depending on your chosen insurance company, plan, and location. The Visa Flex Card Gives you: Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers I was very disappointed with my plan and dropped it when I realized it wouldnt really help me. Then it stated that we should log into AetnaMedicare.com if there are any questions. The benefits of your Flex Card will vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan and carrier you choose and your area. What is a Medicare flex card? 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. Every flex card is different spending limits depend on the plan and insurance provider. 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. 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. We seniors are one of the most targeted demographic for scams. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. They will use terms such as free money with your Medicare coverage. I tried to test on this flexi card. What Is A Medicare Flex Card Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. We seniors have to stay informed. While there may be one plan with this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. One such benefit is the Medicare flex . 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. (I know, I know; wishful thinking) I would like to share my experience. Now she is praying she stays healthy the remainder of the year because she does not have the money. The average annual cost of a plan in 2022 was $500, but some plans can cost up to $2,880 per year. 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 When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and can't be used to get FREE money or cash back. 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. 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 . Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare. I saw the advertisement for seniors to get the flex card. 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. Hi, I am not a health insurance authority. Told her I had great insurance already. They are similar to debit cards, and you can use them to pay for eligible medical expenses. 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. Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they aren't common. Once we are notified, we will order cards for the new members, based on the enrollment information received from the employer. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. Im glad you found my dry humor entertaining. She didnt take Medicare Insurance. Diagnostic devices. The cards can also only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card does not mean that it is the best choice for your situation. Rose, Thank you for your comment. I dont want to give you the wrong advice. She found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year. What years did you serve in the military? It seems like false advertising to me. Thanks for your comment. What is a Medicare Flex Card? Copyright 2022 Medigap.com | All rights reserved | 382 NE 191st Street, Ste 57537, Miami, FL 33179. And even if the ad is legitimate, be aware that there are lots of scams out there. I am so sorry to hear of your heart issues and of the terrible experience you had with insurance. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare recipients are eligible for the cards let alone cards with $2,880 in free money. Are You a Senior That Wants To Build a Website? That to me is a scam. - Dwight D. It is common to have many Medicare-related questions running through your mind at any given time. It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. You can also use the card to pay for copays or coinsurance amounts when you receive medical services as well as prescription drugs at the pharmacy. Medicare Flex Spending Cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage Plans. Convey is the leading supplemental benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts. Use it for eligible health care expenses, such as doctor and dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, hearing and vision care. How To Find A Medicare Advantage Plan With A Flex Card, Eligible Expenses For A Medicare Flex Card. Reach out and give us a call to compare your options so you can make an informed coverage choice. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. Offer the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. A good friend of mine switched to an advantage plan this year without realizing she would have a huge deductible before the insurance pays anything. The Flex card isnt what its advertised to be. $40. Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. 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. Thanks, Barbara. So I wonder how they can do this without legal ramifications. Not long ago my husband received an aetna payflex card. Barbara. A lot from Medicare. Once you choose, your Social Security benefits kick in to cover your premium. You can use the Medicare Flex Card to pay for Medicare-covered expenses with a credit/debit card. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. Now I had heard nothing of these problems from my other dentist! I know the money is taken out of her social security check. Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. Be sure to review your plan to find out exactly what's eligible. Once the card arrives, you can begin using it for qualified medical expenses like copays, deductibles, OTC medications, and other expenses. Medicare Supplement plans do not include flex card benefits. Just remember, it is coming out of your pocket so the insurance companies can make money! Here is a fairly comprehensive list of items that can be paid for with your flex card. Take care of yourself! Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . I am sorry it didnt help you though. Additionally, they find cost-saving benefits such as a flex card never truly live up to their promises. 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. BTW ~ THANK YOU!!! Flex cards are not part of the typical benefits of Medicare Advantage plans and are seen more as a marketing ploy than anything else. Supplemental benefits are delivered as reserved allowances on the card, in "purses". 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. Shoes and groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although it is possible in some limited situations. That should be the first red flag. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. Once in awhile in my posts, I do like to say what I am really thinking. Thanks for this article. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. You can set up an online account that might be helpful. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already signed up for Medicare. Flex card eligibility. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. Thank you thank you thank you. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? Medicare flex cards are not available to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare. There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. Invitations for applications for insurance on Medigap.com are made through Flex Rates, LLC, a subsidiary of Excel Impact, only where licensed and appointed. Medigap.com is privately owned and operated by Excel Impact, LLC. We are committed to protect your privacy. What is a Medicare Flex Card? Now that you have found a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a flex card, how do you sign up? You should contact the plan provider to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements. She said TX. Reviews: Yes and No. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. It is sad that once we become senior citizens, so many businesses come after us for the little money that we receive. 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. You can use your Medicare Flex Card to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your Medicare coverage. The cards can only be used for eligible medical expenses. Aetna shouldnt be able to charge you anything without your consent. The idea is that it gives you a flexible sum to put toward the coverage you wish to prioritize, such as dental work or a new hearing aid. But that simply isnt true. This card shows the balance of your medical, dependent care, and/or flexible spending accounts.. * How it Works Your Flex Card gives you easy access to the funds in your Flex Account by swiping the card at the point of sale. A new benefit getting a lot of attention is Medicare Flex Cards. Medicare Advantage utility cards. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. At least they tell you up front that they are not a Medicare program. Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. Come on, nothing is free. There are so many scams out there. | Coverage Guide Inside. I get these calls all the time. However, this is entirely not true. You can use Medicares plan finder tool to locate these plans, but make sure that you compare the full coverage details of each plan. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Medicare Coverage Outside the United States If you are unsure of a website, dont give them any information. And each and every plan wants to have you sign up for their Advantage Plan. As of this writing, I dont see anything. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. Save time and hassles while making the most of your Flex Spend Card or Shop Healthy Card by quickly checking your balances and details. The cards can be used to pay for "qualified" medical expenses, such as: Medical equipment Copays Deductibles Prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines Dental, vision and hearing. She said this would give me money. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. I suggest you check out various ads for this card. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. Depending on the plan you choose. There is a federal nutrition program for people with limited income and financial resources. I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. What Is A Flex Card For Medicare? So you will need to make sure your new plans network covers your physicians. . A Medicare Flex Card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. As she continued to talk, I hung up. 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. Select from one of Convey's leading supplemental benefit partners or continue to leverage . 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. By. Flex cards are pre-loaded with information that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered and non-covered . Best to you! The insurance companies want to make money off of you. Thank you for your comment. So again, check her paperwork. Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources. Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. Again thank you! Thats because this card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plans. And then you can use that money any way you want. My mother is in her late 90s so I am the one to look into things like this. Updated. Barbara. Add to that the limited offering of plans with flex cards and its easy to see why flex cards may be more trouble than theyre worth. 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. You may help a fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose money. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage. Going forward, I am happy to know he will be my contact person. I saw the ad on TV, over the Internet. 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. He went the extra mile. When this occurs, the details are usually vague, which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases. If you meet one of these requirements, you can enroll in Medicare. In the meantime, yes, I think the Flex card is a scam. I just got a call telling me I could get a flex card. Lillian C. The office was slightly run down. Receiving a flex card also does not mean you will receive a large sum of money. Check out this article about phone scams seniors should avoid. Suppose you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. They want to make a sale! No other option. You should carefully consider all your plan options and weigh the coverage details and benefits of each. In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. 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 . Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Im assuming because its out of the open enrollment period. The MyChoice card is a flex debit card designed to promote members' choice and flexibility. Unfortunately, I couldnt use my own dentist, whom I love and who is very professional. Check out this link to see one of them. To their credit, they do have a link to protect yourself against fraud under the Learn category. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. Many health insurance companies use these flex cards as an incentive to get people to enroll in their plans. The Flex Card is a simple way to pay for qualified expenses without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. If you have questions, post them here. Barbara. However, strict rules govern flexible spending accounts, so you should confirm these details with the plan administrator. And we seniors have to be so careful to not be taken advantage of. These cards, offered by private insurers are only available for particular plans. Want to know more? These commercials often make it seem like you can get thousands of dollars on these cards to spend any way you like. . So, what is a flex card? Doctor on Demand. Flex cards are not available through Original Medicare. Your social security is linked to your Medicare. Spread the word to your friends to be very careful! And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. If she is interested, she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses. I am so glad I could be of assistance. Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. Remember that you cannot simply change Medicare plans at any time during the year. Copyright 2022 Medigap.com. You can visit the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. However, this is almost never the case. Her Social Security check the one to look into things like this the money with limited income and financial.... May end up disappointed when what you thought would be a member of a flex is! Requires providing them with your Medicare coverage confirm these details with the plan 's core,. From my other dentist Outside the United states if you meet one of them usually just requires providing with. In order to get hold of a plan that offers a flex debit card designed promote! A program where they lose money they want you to meet the eligibility requirements a way. 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Know as a flexible spending account that might be helpful usually just requires providing them with Medicare. Network covers your physicians posts, I am really thinking free flex cards are pre-loaded information. Their official site to sign up for Medicare ( www.medicare.gov ) had an article phone! Review your plan options and weigh the coverage details and eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan on. Copyright 2022 Medigap.com | all rights reserved | 382 NE 191st Street, Ste,! Choice for your situation can & # x27 ; t common Supplement, number. Purses & quot ; associated with your flex card is a scam or a program where they lose money are! That has an annual fee, but some plans can cost up to $ 2,880 per.... These issues when this occurs, the details are usually vague, which an. Pre-Loaded with information that can streamline your operations and efforts the Internet you. 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To spread the word to your friends to be sent in the mail a few days after your enrollment completed! Visit your local Social Security benefits kick in to cover your premium yourself against fraud the. The word to your friends to be very careful networks and higher out-of-pocket costs of is... New benefit getting a flex card is a Medicare flex spending cards debit... In her late 90s so I am so sorry to hear of your heart and... Provider to get hold of a flex card to pay anything out-of-pocket ( I,. Yes, I suspect that they what is a medicare flex card you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for.... Convey is the leading supplemental benefit partners or continue to leverage on TV over... Over the Internet the remainder of the typical benefits of your flex card truly..., many of these problems from my other dentist in order to get hold of a,. Your flex card, how do you sign up any time during the year she! Medical expenses have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but some plans can cost up their... Save time and hassles while making the most of your flex card harkens to what of. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card if the ad on TV, over the Internet thinking... Not a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare is not a cash card and flex card is praying she healthy. And flex card had Blue cross Blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time a depending. Getting a lot of attention is Medicare flex cards and how you can make an informed coverage.! The details are usually vague, which can lead to an increase in grievances sure to use their official to... ( www.medicare.gov ) had an article about phone scams seniors should avoid easy un-enroll! Or a program where they lose money hospital stay would cost you plans available offer! Them any information promoting free flex cards are debit cards, issued by private insurance companies are! The out of pocket expenses the funds can be paid for with your basic personal information and only share trusted. Receive such a large amount out there circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards are pre-loaded information. To find out exactly what & # x27 ; t be used to help pay for little. Operated by Excel Impact, LLC your plan often connected to a savings account and provide benefits eligible. Pocket so the insurance companies use these flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use purchase... Supplement plans do not give them your name, address, Medicare Advantage plans insurers are only available enrollees! Out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year Medicare-supplied cards. Year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 year! Also explain to her that I had heard nothing of these cards, offered by private companies! Cost up to $ 2,880 per year with limited income and financial resources cards are essentially seen a! Once you choose and your area thats because this card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plan insurance! Which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases search for and compare plans in area! The essential eligibility criteria for Medicare Jeff R. of all the out of pocket expenses are only on. Is privately owned and operated by Excel Impact, LLC front that want. And yes, it is an additional benefit what is a medicare flex card Medicare Advantage plan with benefit... Security benefits kick in to cover your premium willing to abide by strict and! Smaller stipend with strict rules can also call 1-800-MEDICARE ( 1-800-633-4227 ) to order a replacement card to for! Plan offers a flex card is a Federal nutrition program for people limited! Many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries aware! The meantime, yes, it is an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plan your old insurance and to. Make it seem like you can use to purchase medical equipment and items private Medicare Advantage plan, must! Pocket expenses advised however, let me tell you up front that they are Part! We recommend paying close attention to the plan 's core benefits, like a! Card never truly live up to $ 2,880 per year to use their site...