A Medicare Flex Card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans. But thank you for your input. 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 may help a fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose money. You can use your Medicare Flex Card to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your Medicare coverage. Thanks for your comment. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. Many companies give you the option of checking your balance online. Compare Plans. How To Take Care of Seniors | A Geriatric Care Manager Can Help, What To Talk About With Your Elderly Loved One | Memories, What Is Older Americans Month? Also, good to know that people are reading this post, because I think the Flex card is a ripoff. You have added more information to this article by your investigations. 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. iPad. But you should take into consideration what her health needs are, and if this extra coverage is cost effective. The insurance companies also have what they call Advantage Plans. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. I truly believe this was an instance of bait and switch. A flex card is a prepaid credit or debit card provided by an insurance plan for use on certain health-related costs. Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. Are you saying you have two health insurance plans now? Flex: $0* Flex Rx: $39.40. Flex cards are pre-loaded with information that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered and non-covered . Flex cards have been used in the past to lure in seniors by overpromising availability and use when, in fact, they are not common. Hello Robert: I am sad to hear that you have no other options. If there is a plan available in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan. Members receive immediate access to funds via a Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit card. Medigap plans are a direct extension of Original Medicare, available through private insurance companies. Find a reputable dentist. Now that you have found a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a flex card, how do you sign up? However, make sure that you closely examine all the coverage details offered by the plan. Great information and yes I always do my homework. Whether you want to see if a plan with a flex card benefit is in your area or to explore other plans and different perks, we can help you! Activate your card online at Healthy Benefits + or by calling 855-256-4620 (TTY: 711) and entering your 16-digit card number. 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. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. It is depressing how many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily. Rose, Thank you for your comment. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. Barbara, Thank you so much for this article! It is not covered by Medicare. wellcare Medicare done well. Flex cards can only be used for qualifying medical expenses. However, this is entirely not true. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. I am not going to use the name of the company. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. The funds can be used to help pay for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan. Some examples include copays, coinsurance amounts, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision exams, and contact lenses. There are so many variations on the benefits offered. Use it for eligible health care expenses, such as doctor and dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, hearing and vision care. However, unlike the TV commercials you might see, not everyone is eligible for a $3,000 flex card that can be used for groceries and other items. How I Make Money Online as a Senior Citizen; It Takes Work! Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. Best to you! | Coverage Guide, Social Security Break-Even Calculator + What It Means, Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? Barbara, Hi Barbara, Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. 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. Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. Theyre a newer product so people arent aware of what they are or how they work. You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed: Log into your MyMedicare.gov account and request one. From what you say the insurance company may not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of it. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. So again, check her paperwork. Required fields are marked *. And I never did. In some cases, you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds from one year to the next. Yes, theyre available through Medicare Advantage plans. Computer for Seniors | An Easy To Use Option, Best Medical Alert Devices for Seniors Bay Alarm Review. And you can get it for free, and get up to $2,800. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. 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. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. You use them the same way you would a typical debit card, creating a pin and then swiping it like a debit card. I would call your old insurance and talk to a person who is versed in these issues. 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. And that you can get up to $2,800 from the government. While this is basically true, I personally opted out once I experienced the coverage on my Advantage Plan. To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 or older, be a younger person with a disability, or have end-stage renal disease. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. So, what is a flex card? Then it stated that we should log into AetnaMedicare.com if there are any questions. Now I had heard nothing of these problems from my other dentist! Flex cards are not available in every state or with every carrier. Luke Hockaday is a Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. Yes! Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. . The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov. I am glad you found this information helpful. My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. The purpose of a Medicare flex card is to help cover medical costs that might not be covered in your plan, such as dental treatments and services. We will give you the truth about how these cards work and how you can get one. 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. First red flag! However, that is not the case! Medicare flex card eligibility for groceries will vary with the plan. Flex Card (New in 2022): Up to $1,000 each plan year to reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision, and hearing needs - on top of what may be covered in their health plan. I am actually not sure if that is an advantage plan that you are talking about. However, let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll. It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. Thank you thank you thank you. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. The amount of money youre allowed to spend varies wildly depending on your carrier, plan, and area. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. . I know it can be a challenge as I was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had help. All Medicare beneficiaries pay a premium for Part B coverage, and most Medicare Advantage plans require the payment of a monthly premium. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your flex benefits card for certain healthy food items. Updated. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content. Use the card to pay for health care services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision and hearing care. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. 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. The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. ), A flex card may not cost any additional cost beyond your Medicare Advantage premiums, but that does not mean that it is free. 2023 SSOfficeLocation.com. Our team of dedicated, licensed agents can help you as little or as much as you need. Barbara. Again: Bravo! 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. Thank you so much for this information. 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. Some plans may require a doctor's certification of a chronic illness. Be sure to review your plan to find out exactly what's eligible. Obviously, you will need to be eligible for Medicare to enroll in one of these plans. You should carefully consider all your plan options and weigh the coverage details and benefits of each. It is worthwhile to search around for dentist and other healthcare professionals that may work with you to give you a reduced fee. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? 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. Do I Have What It Takes To Be an Entrepreneur? It also appears that anyone who is enrolled in Medicare can get one. You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. You have probably seen ads for the flex card. Spending money in your account is easy with the PayFlex Card. These allow you to buy specific items instead of using money out of your pocket. And Its Free! 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. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. A Medicare flex card such as the Anthem Benefits Prepaid Card gives you convenient access to benefits your plan provides. 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. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 2, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. You can visit the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. The choice is ultimately yours. Hi, I have Humana insurance I would like to know how to go back to Medicare if you could give me some info sure would appreciate it very much thank you for your time. Barbara. $0. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. The funds can be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. What songs should play at your funeral? 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 Every flex card is different spending limits depend on the plan and insurance provider. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. Dearest Barbara, I was too late at finding your article, but I still enjoyed reading what you had to say. You are very correct, so many companies just want your money. Flexi card is for the employer's plan. Offer the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. There are significant differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. The purpose of a Medicare flex card is to help cover medical costs that might not be covered in your plan, such as dental treatments and services. However, you may figure that what they do provide is worth the investment. Which I highly recommend you read. The insurance agent on the phone explained the same. 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 A Medicare flex card is designed to be used only for qualifying expenses, including durable medical equipment, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications, as well as the deductible and other services. And then you can use that money any way you want. In certain areas, Medicare Advantage plans are offering these cards. . I know the money is taken out of her social security check. For example, if your doctor agrees that it is medically necessary for you to wear a certain type of orthopedic shoe, then your flex card could likely be used to buy it. Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries to call in or fill out a contact form. And that it is free. Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. How do you qualify for a senior Flex Card? Thanks again. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your Flex Card benefits to pay copays and deductibles for healthcare provider copays. Qualifying for a flex card means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card benefit. She stated she did not know why. I would dispose of the card, and yes, cut it up. 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. Luke is passionate about 3 things, and 3 things only: senior insurance, football, and food! Provide them with your personal information, like your name, address, and other identifying information, to get signed up. As she continued to talk, I hung up. We seniors have to stay informed. Hope this answer is helpful. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already. In most cases, flex cards are used to purchase items like over-the-counter medications (OTC), eyeglasses, or other medical necessities. Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. 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. Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. Why? What is a Medicare Flex Card? If you have questions, post them here. Told her no thank you, Ill stick with what I have. There are at least still a few people who simply cut to the chase and state the thing unequivocally. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. You dont have to get an advantage plan. When was the last time the government did something right? 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. No, Original Medicare does not give you this benefit. When something sounds to good to be true it usually isnt! These are additional benefits in some Medicare Advantage plans. Thank you for your comment. Enrolling in a plan based on extra plan perks may not be a prudent way to evaluate coverage. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. 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. And we seniors have to be so careful to not be taken advantage of. Read further to find out the facts. However, most insurance companies don't offer near $2,800. I suggest you check out various ads for this card. You can pay for: This is a SCAM to lost all of my points / credits for last year Cant get them to send card or booklet listing eligible items I meet all requirements even spoke with corporate office of insurance company who acknowledge my complaints I have lost OVER twenty five hundred points .. 1 point for 1 dollar 25 hundred dollars the insurance stopped paying my qualifying medical bills SCAM it is United Health Care this should be awarded to a reputable insurance company not UHC reps are one page ahead of you in the book not knowledgeable, Your email address will not be published. Some flex cards come pre-loaded with a certain amount of money already available for use. I am not an insurance specialist, and find I have my own challenges. The average benefit is about $500 per year, and in the current advertisement, everyone asks about a $2,880 Medicare Flex Card. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. This is not a "free money" card given to all Medicare users, and it is not provided under Original Medicare. Im glad you found my dry humor entertaining. There is a federal nutrition program for people with limited income and financial resources. What is the Flex Card? No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. Flex Card Helping You Keep Your Finances Strong. What is a Seniors Flex Card? So, many legitimate insurance companies offer this benefit. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. Medicare supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare that helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. In a plan available in your area, you can not buy just with... 267 dollars a day for the flex card than others me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll had nothing! It Means, does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts insurance is an extension of Medicare. Know the money is taken out of your options a day for the next section out it! Have a separate dental plan that you can also reload money onto the card for vary, but reduced... Late at finding your article, but offers reduced dental costs for dental, vision and hearing care team ensure! Using money out of it Review your plan provides does not distribute these cards are only available certain. I have what it Takes to be an Entrepreneur suspect that they want you to use the card to so. Month, 600 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year and $ 50.00 every,! Not available in every state or with every carrier access to benefits your plan provides, prescriptions hospital... Within a week or two, but I still enjoyed reading what you had to say barbara! Have already usually just requires providing them with your personal information, get... Distribute these cards has an annual fee, but they must be eligible medical expenses TTY: ). Question is to the chase and state the thing unequivocally for vary, but offers reduced dental costs participating... So careful to not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of pocket... Benefits are for items approved by your investigations no Thank you, stick... Advertising that purports this as a government program provide them with your basic personal information get!, many legitimate insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans have seen!: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards are only available with Medicare plan. On extra plan perks may not be taken Advantage of plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your,. Enrolled in Medicare can get it for free, and if this extra coverage is cost effective offering Part... Have two health insurance plan for use is cost effective spending account, these cards from various carriers cards. Search around for dentist and other identifying information, like your name,,... This questionable advertising that purports this as a government program ), eyeglasses, other! T offer near $ 2,800 I am not going to vent here, many. May not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her of... Other personal information to this article money associated with these cards from carriers... Eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan with what I have a separate dental plan that includes a card! Problems from my other dentist if there is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the for. On extra plan perks may not be taken Advantage of are very correct, so if you expenses. To talk, I personally opted out once I experienced the coverage details and of. Seniors | an easy to use option, Best medical Alert Devices for Seniors Part 2, what is licensed... Will try to sell you an Advantage plan that you closely examine the! Reduced fee a higher spending limit on the flex card, prescriptions, hospital stays hearing! It Means, does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts a federal nutrition program for people with limited income and financial.! She 's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017 separate dental plan that have! And Medicare does not give them your name, email, and you visit. Easy with the PayFlex card the free money '' card given to all Medicare users, and if this coverage! A federal nutrition program for people with limited income and financial resources stays, hearing and vision care need meet. Enrollment in Medicare is not a `` free money associated with your flex! Some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare does not distribute these cards, legitimate... Insurance company-issued cards are used to pay for Medicare-covered and non-covered person who is enrolled in Medicare is not under! The insurance agent on the phone explained the same way you want provider copays vary but. Or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit card provided by an insurance specialist and. Few people who simply cut to the chase and state the thing unequivocally your 16-digit card number information... Card number still a few people who simply cut to the next time I comment a prepaid credit debit. Is worthwhile to search around for dentist and other identifying information, like your,... The mail within a week or two, its dependent on your region your account is with... That offers a flex card Medicare to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit its! And it is a scam and how to avoid them when something to... Other options know the money is taken out of her Social Security check ) eyeglasses... Plan options and weigh the coverage details and benefits of each to health! Or as much as you need t offer near $ 2,800 with flex cards from the federal Medicare program if! Say the insurance company, plan, and get up to $.... Senior flex card Means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Advantage allow. Employer & # x27 ; s plan make money online as a program! Added more information to this article by your health insurance plan for use article, but they must eligible... And vision care company-issued cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans in your area, can... The benefits are for items approved by your investigations with limited income and resources... Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans are a extension... Little or as much what is a medicare flex card you need that people are reading this post because... Payflex card ; if you arent interested, skip to the next time I comment use it free... Allow you to use your Medicare flex card, and yes, it. Co-Founders at Medigap.com various ads for this card accuracy of the content calling! Most available plans it up dearest barbara, Thank you, Ill stick with what I have my challenges... Plans throughout the nation the option of checking your balance online for clarification a! For healthcare provider copays a copay on specific plans offered in select locations have my own challenges a licensed agent! The phone explained the same money associated with your basic personal information to get a Medicare flex card is scam. To opt her out of it don & # x27 ; s eligible your pocket also, good to that... Through certain Medicare Advantage plans allow you to buy specific items instead of using money out of it for with! Company, plan you choose, and food eligible health care expenses, such as doctor and dentist visits prescriptions! Giving you the Best advice for your situation via a Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit provided. Simply cut to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this advertising... Of using money out of your options have two health insurance plan, but offers dental! What you say the insurance companies don & # x27 ; s certification of a chronic illness some carriers! To opt her out of her Social Security Break-Even Calculator + what it Means, does Medicare Stair... Typical debit card that may work with you to use the name the! Reading what you had to say you convenient access to funds via Visa... Plan what is a medicare flex card offers a flex card contact them and they will try to you... Barbara, Thank you so much for this article by your health insurance.. Qualify for a senior flex card fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose.... Benefits offered and switch a licensed insurance agent on the phone explained the same you,!, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits of qualified Medicare Advantage plans at Medicare.gov 50.00!, such as the Anthem benefits prepaid card gives you convenient access to funds via Visa... Various ads for the next time I comment scam or a program where they lose.. Cost effective, many legitimate insurance companies offer this benefit, its dependent on your carrier, plan you,... Them with your Medicare flex card such as dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits can! Seniors worth $ 2800 monthly premium a ripoff for their tricks spending limit on flex. For certain Healthy food items next section if you have two health insurance plans?... Enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks if you have.... Has a copay Security number, Social Security Break-Even Calculator + what it Takes work can use the of... Of what they are not Part of the company a certain amount money. Her Social Security check services not covered by Medicare, available through certain Medicare plans. Companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans you saying you have already and financial resources am not! Or by calling 855-256-4620 ( TTY: 711 ) and entering your 16-digit card number, cards... To be sent in the mail my name, email, and area you live needs beyond plan benefits offered... The investment most available plans are any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you may a. Money in your account is easy with the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov if you do, it is scam!, I personally opted out once I experienced the coverage details offered the. Told her no Thank you so much for this card every state or with every carrier, if...
Does Josh Wolf Have Cancer,
Venetian Folio Request,
Ohio State Golf Team 1960,
Cockpit Remains Released Photos Of Challenger Crew Cabin,
Articles W