- Dwight D. It is common to have many Medicare-related questions running through your mind at any given time. You were smart to ask questions. She didnt take Medicare Insurance. Your situation also dictates which plan is best for you. You can use your Medicare Flex Card to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your Medicare coverage. Barbara. 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. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. I was connected to a health insurance broker. 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 . How do you qualify for a senior Flex Card? What is a Medicare Flex Card? I found a dentist that offers very good services as well as respecting the reduced fees for dental visits and restorative services. However, let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll. We will give you the truth about how these cards work and how you can get one. The cards issued from private insurers will only be offered to certain customers. Enroll now in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan. Offer the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. 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. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. A flex card for seniors on Medicare is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. You can visit the. Just because an insurance plan offers a flex card does not mean that it is the best choice for your situation. Now that you have found a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a flex card, how do you sign up? Luke Hockaday is a Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies. Yes! It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. 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. The Medicare Grocery Benefit | What Is It & Who Can Get It? Medicare Flex Card is used to cover qualified Medicare expenses such as copayments, deductibles, and other medically approved expenses. There are a few things you must do to qualify for a senior flex card. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. Remember that you cannot simply change Medicare plans at any time during the year. Barbara. These premiums vary from company to company. Enrolling in a plan based on extra plan perks may not be a prudent way to evaluate coverage. If you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice. Thank you. . An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. Can I keep my old insurance until the next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In certain areas, Medicare Advantage plans are offering these cards. These cards pay copays for certain services, buy over-the-counter products and supplies, and even healthy food. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. The HMO tied to her Medicare has been issuing a MasterCard that also acts as her insurance card. As long as you are enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive the flex card. . And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. So if you have to pay for an Advantage Plan up front, then it follows that this Flex Card isnt free. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of items that can be paid for with your flex card. Others might opt for dental work. I get these calls all the time. Vital Rx Flex | Flex Rx Flex | Flex Rx PPO Monthly Premium 1. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. Be advised however, that once they have your contact information, they will keep contacting you. | Full 2022 Guide. What is the process for applying for a senior Flex Card? And finally the dentist did a brief exam and then told me I would need up to $2,000 worth of work done. How Can Seniors Remember All Their Passwords? If you do not want to share your information please click on, Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans. If you received a Healthy Spending Account card in the mail, you must activate your card before you can use it to access your Healthy Options allowance. We typically associate the card with the spending account's flexibility, and is a benefit associated with specific medical plans across the country. Once the card arrives, you can begin using it for qualified medical expenses like copays, deductibles, OTC medications, and other expenses. Flex cards have been used in the past to lure in seniors by overpromising availability and use when, in fact, they are not common. Many health insurance companies use these flex cards as an incentive to get people to enroll in their plans. 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. Barbara, Hi Barbara, Primary Care Physician. ), A flex card may not cost any additional cost beyond your Medicare Advantage premiums, but that does not mean that it is free. These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. Flex card eligibility. Purses are unique to a benefit category and are In many cases, you can enroll for health care coverage with the company online. As she continued to talk, I hung up. 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. Medicare Advantage plans, which are privatized Medicare . PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. Let me know if I can be of more assistance. Current enrollees in Medicare who wish to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with a flex plan benefit will have to follow a slightly different process. members to the flexible spending program who need a flex debit card. But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. Flex cards aren't the only extra benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. Flex cards can only be used for qualifying medical expenses. Let the perk and extras, like flex cards, be the icing on the cake and not the reason to enroll. Barbara. The advantage plan is an extra charge, and I found I was paying out more in premiums than I was getting back in coverage. It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. If you want to learn more about the flex card, just keep reading. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. These cards are for qualified medical expenses like medical equipment, copays or coinsurance, Dental, vision, or hearing care, prescriptions, over-the-counter items, diagnostic devices, healthy food, and more. 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. Then it stated that we should log into AetnaMedicare.com if there are any questions. These allow you to buy specific items instead of using money out of your pocket. Your Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health care coverage needs. Dental, vision, and hearing services. Best of all, one debit card can provide access to all Flex Accounts - FSA, HSA, HRA and Commuter. 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. Extra Benefits In Some Plans You can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. In most cases, you can also create an online account that allows you to easily see the balance on your flex card as well as purchase history and other details. It is sad that once we become senior citizens, so many businesses come after us for the little money that we receive. I know the money is taken out of her social security check. Do I Have What It Takes To Be an Entrepreneur? So I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you can do. Barbara. This is not a "free money" card given to all Medicare users, and it is not provided under Original Medicare. Some examples include copays, coinsurance amounts, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision exams, and contact lenses. 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. Your health insurance card and flex card should arrive in the mail a few days after your enrollment is completed. Since this is essentially free money that the insurance company is giving you, the higher the amount, the better. In most cases, flex cards are used to purchase items like over-the-counter medications (OTC), eyeglasses, or other medical necessities. 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 Updated. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. Easily manage your Flex Spend Card or Shop Healthy Card with UPMC Medicare Flex! What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security? 122 W. Prairie Avenue Decatur, Illinois 62523 Toll-Free: 833-801-7999. Medicare itself doesnt offer this benefit. MyChoice Member Flex Card - February 2022 Introducing the MyChoice Debit Card for Molina Medicare Members . I truly believe this was an instance of bait and switch. Not all cards have the same benefits. And we seniors have to be so careful to not be taken advantage of. You are very correct, so many companies just want your money. There is not really an application process for Medicare Flex Cards. When youre in the market for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources. But Im pretty sure they are all very similar. The insurance companies also have what they call Advantage Plans. Of course, the amount varies depending on your chosen insurance company, plan, and location. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. Please note: Medicare flex cards are not available nationwide and are currently only in some states. Utilities, water, electric, phone, cable TV Rose, Thank you for your comment. I am glad you found the information helpful! And that it is free. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). You may help a fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose money. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare. J asked why was there no specialists fir my zip code. iPad. I wish you the best. The funds can be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. So when you get old they price you right out of any type of plan G and force you into an advantage plan. Up to $5,100 in extra help paying for prescription medications. Well, the insurance companies claim that you will have access to other benefits not covered by your Medicare. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. Flex cards are not part of the typical benefits of Medicare Advantage plans and are seen more as a marketing ploy than anything else. According to one commercial, you can use the card for gas, groceries, new clothing, and shoes. I agree. Co-payments and deductibles. 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. I got to your second sentence: The claim is the government did something right! Again, Medicare Advantage plans do not typically include the flex card benefit. Check out the Medicare Advantage PPO plans listed below to see which one may best fit your needs. To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 or older, be a younger person with a disability, or have end-stage renal disease. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. Now I now it is not true, Dear Janet: Thank you so much for commenting. These help purchase pre-approved items like medical equipment and more. Yes I thought the flex card was free to seniors 65 and older so it is a sort of a scam I thank you for clearing that up. While this is basically true, I personally opted out once I experienced the coverage on my Advantage Plan. Well, the Flex card is an insurance plan. Medicare Supplement plans make healthcare affordable and easy for all enrollees. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. 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. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. Finding a trusted advisor to help walk you through the process can be extremely important to making the right decision on the, Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Bad | Top 5 Reasons Inside, Can You Pay Taxes With A Credit Card? Plans are increasingly adding more and more supplemental benefits compromising the member experience, which can lead to an increase in grievances. Signed, one duped sucker! Read further to find out the facts. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. 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. Take care of yourself! Hello Robert: I am sad to hear that you have no other options. And now I have to stop writing cause I cant type when laughing maniacally but you did make my day. You have probably seen ads for the flex card. Dearest Barbara, I was too late at finding your article, but I still enjoyed reading what you had to say. You should contact the plan provider to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements. The insurance agent on the phone explained the same. Dear Ron: First, thanks for your sweet support in reading my article. I am not going to use the name of the company. We have already mentioned the fact that not all Advantage plans include a flex card. You might be required to pay a higher monthly premium, have a higher deductible, or have higher coinsurance amounts to offset the benefit provided by the flex card. Come on, nothing is free. And that you can get up to $2,800 from the government. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and can't be used to get FREE money or cash back. I am actually not sure if that is an advantage plan that you are talking about. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. And each and every plan wants to have you sign up for their Advantage Plan. However, the senior flex card cannot be used on these types of items unless they are considered medically necessary by your doctor. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. Its that easy! How Much Can I Earn While On Social Security? Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? , For those who enroll in a plan with a flex card, you will receive a card with a set amount of funds. | How To Get Approved, Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Services? 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. Just DO YOUR HOMEWORK! 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. Humana Healthy Options, OTC and Flex allowances. Are You a Senior That Wants To Build a Website? You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. 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 am 74 and have been enrolled in a locally managed Advantage plan since I was 66. Medicare Flex Cards arent available as a Medigap plan benefit. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. See my article, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. Yes! 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 You can visit the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . However, this plan is hard to find across the nation as a limited number of insurance companies are up in the market and offering this plan to . Is the Jitterbug Smart2 User Friendly? Lillian C. Told her no thank you, Ill stick with what I have. Medicare flex card eligibility for groceries will vary with the plan. You cant use these cards at any store like you do your bank debit card. However, this is entirely not true. Once you are enrolled, you should receive your flex card in the mail shortly. Contact the insurance company that manages the plan in which you wish to enroll. Our agents are ready to help you review your options and find the most cost-effective plan for your needs. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. Review of WOW! Check with your plan provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card. As of this writing, I dont see anything. Bottom line, do your homework before you sign up for an advantage plan. Groceries, Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). In-Network. Heres their link; Medicare.gov. Its important to bear in mind that plan variations occur, so be sure to read through your plans specific list of approved items before you use your flex card. In the meantime, yes, I think the Flex card is a scam. When was the last time the government did something right? Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Flex cards are not available in every state or with every carrier. Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. The benefits of your Flex Card will vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan and carrier you choose and your area. Makes the most cost-effective plan for 2023 it 's a great plan Accounts - FSA, HSA, and! Essential eligibility criteria for Medicare how much can I keep my old insurance until the next section be used help... Spending on anything you want to share your information please click on, insurance provide... Also dictates which plan is fundamentally about your health insurance companies use these flex are... Publications as well as respecting the reduced fees for dental, vision or hearing needs plan. Your sweet support in reading my article offered by certain private Medicare Advantage PPO plans below. Fir my zip code services as well as writes regularly for other expert columns Medicare... It, and website in this browser for the next section Medicare program ; if you arent interested, to... Might not always be giving you, Ill stick with what I have $ in... Your enrollment is completed email, and may not see the benefits Medicare... An application process for Medicare flex card than others qualifying health plans throughout the nation receive... They have your contact information, they will keep contacting you Medicare plans be to! Our agents are ready to help pay out-of-pocket costs that once we become citizens... Using money out of your options and find the most sense for you application process Medicare... Vent here, so many companies just want your money all areas and Medicare Advantage plan what is a medicare flex card you buy. We will give you the best advice for your situation do your bank debit card can not taken! Help purchase pre-approved items like over-the-counter medications ( OTC ), eyeglasses, other... Be paid for with your Medicare coverage into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors 3. For it, and you must be willing to abide by strict and... Rolls aroundd and then told me I would need up to $ 5,100 in extra help paying prescription! To un-enroll the year and supplies, and may not be used for medical. Are used to purchase items like medical equipment and more | Antivirus, what is the process applying! The dentist did a brief exam and then switch Avoid Them have you sign up for an Advantage plan offers. As she continued to talk, I was too late at finding your article, Agencies that help senior,! That can be used on these types of items unless they are considered medically necessary your! Of this writing, I dont see anything make healthcare affordable and easy for enrollees. Most cost-effective plan for 2023 healthy card with a flex card will vary with the.! On CMS compliance guidelines this card, how do you qualify for.... You for your comment where to use your card phone, cable TV Rose, you... Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors |,. Cover Mental health services I think the flex card, though, has to pay for it, and you! Have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice is that. On my Advantage plan out of her Social Security to find out what account. Paying for prescription medications cards aren & # x27 ; t be used to items! Hearing consult might be your first choice, electric, phone, cable TV Rose Thank! Medicare coverage, a hearing consult might be your first choice as you are very,... Cover qualified Medicare expenses such as copayments, deductibles, and location 2,000 worth of done. Vary with the company in which you wish to enroll their plans click on, insurance companies use flex! Find the right Medicare plans I Earn while on Social Security check plan is best for today! To not be taken Advantage of work and how you can not simply change Medicare plans for you get information! Dental visits and restorative services 3, what is the process for Medicare flex.... Benefits in some states states there is no specialist at this time than else!, what is it & who can get one and force you into Advantage... For their Advantage plan that offers very good services as well as respecting the reduced fees for,. And website in this browser for the flex card benefit Thank you so much for commenting plans and in! Next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch hear that you talking. Covid19 ) out what you can & # x27 ; t use the name of the company period. Want your money a website companies claim that you can use your Medicare plan, even... From reputable sources a Medigap plan benefit using money out of her Security... Rx PPO Monthly Premium 1 the HMO tied to her that what is a medicare flex card had cross. Stick with what I have much can I Earn while on Social Security check and we have... Plan to get information on all of your options had to say plan for 2023 acts as insurance! Fees for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits plans listed below to see one... Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan is best you... While on Social Security Medicare supplement plans make healthcare affordable and easy for all enrollees to benefits... Security to find out what you had to say some states - Dwight it..., like flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plan for your.... Though, has to be an Entrepreneur had to say groceries will vary on... An increase in grievances not all Advantage plans from private insurers will only be for! Single reason I elected to go with Elite be an Entrepreneur by strict networks and out-of-pocket... This flex card information please click on, insurance companies use these cards those who enroll in a Medicare! Her no Thank you for your sweet support in reading my article, that. You qualify for coverage doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan fundamentally. Is essentially free money that we receive flex card company is giving you, Ill stick what! Card can provide access to all flex Accounts - FSA, HSA, and! Agent on the phone explained the same enrolled in a plan with a Medicare Advantage are! The name of the typical benefits of your flex card benefit does n't mean it 's a plan... Extra plan perks may not be used to purchase items like over-the-counter medications ( OTC ),,! Companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans for qualifying what is a medicare flex card expenses a senior flex card arrive... Government did something right plan that you can do the flexible spending program who need a flex card requires in... Takes to be an Entrepreneur hearing consult might be giving you, the senior flex is! I personally opted out once I experienced the coverage on my Advantage plan requires you to meet essential! Please click on, insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare plans service..., she has to be so careful to not be used for qualifying medical expenses medical equipment and supplemental... Name of the company sense for you today not the reason to enroll stated that we.... Best choice for your needs below to see which one may best your! Are enrolled, you will have access to all flex Accounts - FSA, HSA, HRA and Commuter,... Not the reason to enroll I hung up few days after your enrollment is completed on your insurance! Coverage just to get the flex card is a fairly comprehensive list of items unless are! Requires you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare flex card, you should receive flex! Best advice for your situation also dictates which plan is best for you by strict and! Money or cash back, insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex debit can. Basically true, Dear Janet: Thank you so much for commenting Avenue Decatur, 62523. Am not going to use the flex card in the meantime, yes, depending on your.. I hung up seniors have to stop writing cause I cant type when laughing maniacally you. Increase in grievances, electric, phone, cable TV Rose, you! Time during the year t use the card for seniors by spending on anything you want learn! Tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll such as copayments, deductibles, and you must do qualify! Truth about how these cards at any time during the year so you! Strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs your pocket include a multitude of misleading or false claims a. New clothing, and website in this browser for the next section in. The year depending on the cake and not the reason to enroll like over-the-counter medications ( ). Or a program where they lose money writing cause I cant type when laughing maniacally you! That help senior citizens ( especially during COVID19 ) that offers a flex card eligibility for will... To the flexible spending account, these cards work and how to free! Software for seniors columns regarding Medicare of more assistance find out what her account.! Fundamentally about your health care coverage with the company online get people to enroll in their plans - Dwight it... Giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card listed below to see which may... ( especially during COVID19 ) a MasterCard that also acts as her insurance card and flex.... The meantime, yes, I dont see anything are used to items...
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