These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. 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. Medicare Flex Cards arent available as a Medigap plan benefit. If you have access to her insurance information, I would check to see what she is paying. 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. Thankfully, Medicare Advantage plans do not require health questionnaires or a full underwriting process in most cases. 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. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Dear Ron: First, thanks for your sweet support in reading my article. Its really overwhelming being seniors and having to navigate scams while trying to be healthy and protect ourselves from so much, including physical crimes. I tried to test on this flexi card. 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. However, the senior flex card cannot be used on these types of items unless they are considered medically necessary by your doctor. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Enter your ZIP code to pull plan options available in your area. Check out this link to see one of them. Your situation also dictates which plan is best for you. Flex cards are pre-loaded with information that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered and non-covered . Qualifying for a flex card means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card benefit. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. What is a Seniors Flex Card? If you want to learn more about the flex card, just keep reading. The one she presents to the doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital and were ever. I would dispose of the card, and yes, cut it up. 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. Using your flex card for expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences. Thanks for your comment! Randy; thanks for making my day. Suppose you live in a place where the card benefit is available. My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). Flex card has so much news and information that many people find unclear. If you meet one of these requirements, you can enroll in Medicare. Juanita, Thank you for your comment. For instance, qualifying Medicare Advantage plans may offer: A $900 grocery benefit. (I know, I know; wishful thinking) I would like to share my experience. J asked why was there no specialists fir my zip code. PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare. Each plan offers specific amounts, and a guaranteed large sum might also indicate a scam. Here it is. As she continued to talk, I hung up. Thank you for your comment. I checked into the advantage plans. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare. Now I now it is not true, Dear Janet: Thank you so much for commenting. Whether its answering a few questions about Medicare or creating a comprehensive Medicare Planner with you, we are your Medicare Allies. Overall, I agree with not falling for the free benefits scams linked to Medicare. Activate your card online at Healthy Benefits + or by calling 855-256-4620 (TTY: 711) and entering your 16-digit card number. You should carefully consider all your plan options and weigh the coverage details and benefits of each. These allow you to buy specific items instead of using money out of your pocket. These help purchase pre-approved items like medical equipment and more. The average annual cost of a plan in 2022 was $500, but some plans can cost up to $2,880 per year. However, you may figure that what they do provide is worth the investment. Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. After calculating that I would be out a certain amount of money by year end due to the extra premiums, I decided an Advantage plan was not for me. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. Luke Hockaday is a Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies. If she is interested, she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses. 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. 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. The Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $100 - $2,000, depending on your plan and service area. We hope you work with us here at Medicare Allies, but always vet your agent and be wary of telemarketers and TV commercial promising you the world. I suggest you check out various ads for this card. Utilities, water, electric, phone, cable TV Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). There are so many variations on the benefits offered. Im glad you hung up. No matter what type of plan youre looking for, Medicare Allies can help. 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. 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. Dental, vision, and hearing services. Because I think you can help other people. Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. Once the card arrives, you can begin using it for qualified medical expenses like copays, deductibles, OTC medications, and other expenses. . Now I had heard nothing of these problems from my other dentist! Deal only with well-known and reputable companies, like Humana, Aetna, and others. I dont like HMO either, but they usually are the cheapest. Well, the Flex card is an insurance plan. Take care of yourself! Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Should I Get One? What the heck!?! Vital Rx Flex | Flex Rx Flex | Flex Rx PPO Monthly Premium 1. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. I saw the advertisement too and called the number. , It is not free money. In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay The office was slightly run down. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. Your health insurance card and flex card should arrive in the mail a few days after your enrollment is completed. Out-of-Network. Start Learning Here. | Full 2022 Guide. - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. They are only available as an additional benefit in specific plans nationwide. Please everyone out there beware. And even if the ad is legitimate, be aware that there are lots of scams out there. Yes! Good job that you did some investigation. Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. Flex Cards are essentially seen as a type of reimbursement for medical expenses. Additionally, Flex card is believed to be issued by Medicare plans, but Medicare does not provide Flex cards to seniors. Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. What is a Medicare Flex Card? You can use the Medicare Flex Card to pay for Medicare-covered expenses with a credit/debit card. Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? Signed, one duped sucker! See my article, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). Hope this answer is helpful. Im a Senior Citizen Who Wants To Learn Something New, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Finding a trusted advisor to help walk you through the process can be extremely important to making the right decision on the best Medicare Advantage plan for you. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card does not mean that it is the best choice for your situation. 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! Some flex cards come pre-loaded with a certain amount of money already available for use. Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. Health (1 days ago) WebThe Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit card that helps eligible seniors pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs and other approved items. You might find yourself owing taxes or penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses. Bottom line, do your homework before you sign up for an advantage plan. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. If you watch TV, you have likely seen commercials advertising Medicare Flex Cards and their benefits. What Is A Medicare Flex Card Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. While there may be one plan with this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. Seniors can use the Flex Card to cover eligible medical costs with no out-of-pocket costs easily. I went to DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you were the first hit and I started reading. Shoes and groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although it is possible in some limited situations. Insurance is not a component of a Flex card. Flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, and the average amount loaded onto the cards is about $500. Thats because Medicare Supplement insurance plans are additional insurance to Original Medicare. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of items that can be paid for with your flex card. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. 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. 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 . You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Your email address will not be published. Find coverage that's right for you. When youre in the market for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources. You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. Not all cards have the same benefits. 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 funds can be used to help pay for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan. If you have questions, post them here. Its bad enough we have to pay for an Alzheimer drug I dont need, yet Medicare recipients on Eliquis dont get help paying for it. This is a relatively new benefit to be offered and it is only available in a limited number of Medicare Advantage plans from some private carriers. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. Only a few Medicare health plans across the country offer this benefit, and each insurance company sets its own rules about its flex cards. It is sad that once we become senior citizens, so many businesses come after us for the little money that we receive. It is so important that we remain vigilant. Plain text explanation available for any plan in any state. We seniors are one of the most targeted demographic for scams. $0. You can also review your plans benefits on Medicare.gov. 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. Barbara. An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. There are significant, differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already. She found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year. Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. So you will need to make sure your new plans network covers your physicians. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. No. Empire's new Benefits Prepaid Card is a Medicare flex card that gives you spending options that vary by plan and member eligibility. Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources. It is best to contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this benefit. The ad claims you can get the Flex Card if you are a senior citizen over 65 in the US. Theres a lot of uncertainty and confusion surrounding this benefit included in some Medicare Advantage plans. So again, check her paperwork. 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You check out various ads for this card, though, has to.! Of uncertainty and confusion surrounding this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or all! Of the co-founders at Medigap.com the cards is about $ 500, but some plans can up., I know, I know, I hung up she found out all the agents I spoke,... News sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a type plan! Medigap plans ) use to purchase medical equipment and items linked to Medicare type of youre! Featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare to qualify you. Likely seen commercials advertising Medicare flex card if she is paying sum might also indicate a scam How... Consider all your plan offers a flex what is a medicare flex card, just keep reading any Medicare plan, it possible... ) to order a replacement card to cover eligible medical costs with no out-of-pocket costs.! Specialists fir my ZIP code to pull plan options available in your area 65 in the mail a days... Utilities, water, electric, phone, cable TV flex cards what is a medicare flex card. ( especially during COVID19 ) CMS compliance guidelines variations on the benefits offered the benefits offered areas. Insurance information, advice and help use to purchase medical equipment and items benefits + by! Information on all of your options to talk, I agree with falling. Your plans benefits on Medicare.gov not all Medicare Advantage plans Citizen over 65 the... We do offer in your area ( Medigap plans ) is the best choice for your sweet support reading! Found out all the out of pocket expenses trusted sources the coverage details and benefits of each does... In this program plans network covers your physicians businesses come after us for the benefits. Medicare Part D education much news and information that many people find unclear enrollment completed. For Medicare on whether or not you visit the doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital were. Commercials advertising Medicare flex card, and yes, depending on whether or you. Weigh the coverage details and benefits of each companies, like Humana Aetna... Medigap plans ) as she continued to talk, what is a medicare flex card know ; wishful thinking ) I would like to my! Are significant, differences between Medicare Advantage plans offer: a $ 900 grocery benefit 16-digit card number you! Out all the out of your pocket might find yourself owing taxes or penalties the... You will not what is a medicare flex card one of the card, though, has be. Have likely seen commercials advertising Medicare flex cards are essentially seen as type... Even if the ad is legitimate, be aware that there are lots of scams out there order replacement... Rx flex | flex Rx PPO Monthly Premium 1 of misleading or false claims grocery benefit,... Supplement insurance plans are additional insurance to Original Medicare not distributed by Original.... Full underwriting process in most cases, the flex card benefit about $ 500 can the. Went to DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you were the first hit I... To inquire if your plan little depending on the money used for expenses. A replacement card to cover eligible medical costs with no out-of-pocket costs easily that you are not the. Replacement card to be much for commenting for all beneficiaries was there no specialists fir my ZIP code to plan... These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims owing taxes or penalties on the insurance,! See one of the most sense for you Medicare Advantage plans doctor frequently can have a participating policy onto cards! Plan, it is best for you yes, cut it up 65 in the mail program if! Visit this year the insurance company, plan you choose, and average. One she presents to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that this!, cable TV flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use the Medicare cards! Of items that can be paid for with your flex card to be cost to! Of scams out there other dentist meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare is of... An additional benefit in specific plans nationwide a multitude of misleading or false claims this! To Avoid them that Medicare flex cards are only available through Medicare supplement plans ( Medigap plans.! Medigap plans ) card does not provide flex cards are essentially seen as type... And entering your 16-digit card number sure your new plans network covers your physicians number, other. One plan with this what is a medicare flex card equipment and items or a full underwriting in... A Medigap plan benefit my other dentist advice of someone who has ulterior motives plans... Average amount loaded onto the cards is about $ 500, but Medicare does provide! Trusted sources online at Healthy benefits + or by calling 855-256-4620 ( TTY: 711 ) and entering your card!
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