First, you must be eligible for Medicare. You can use your Medicare Flex Card to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your Medicare coverage. I am glad you didnt get the card also. Insurance is not a component of a Flex card. Heres their link; Medicare.gov. I am glad you are being careful about investigating your health plans. I like the doctor Im seeing, but hes out of network, for this policy which means to keep seeing him with this policy, I will have to pay a co-pay that I cant afford. It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. . 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. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and can't be used to get FREE money or cash back. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. 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 If you get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you can call 1 . I am not going to use the name of the company. I have written a few articles about scams. Medicare flex cards are not available to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare. Our agents are ready to help you review your options and find the most cost-effective plan for your needs. | Coverage Guide, Social Security Break-Even Calculator + What It Means, Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? The office was slightly run down. As an AvMed Medicare Member, you'll receive a personalized Mastercard debit card that gives you quick and easy access to your flexible benefit funds, at no additional cost to you. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. Our new Benefits Breakdown series is designed to help you learn more about Medicare benefits for seniors that you may be unaware of. Primary Care Physician. "Medicare Advantage plans may utilize a debit card as a tool in administering supplemental benefits and/or to reduce enrollee cost sharing on covered benefits," a spokesperson for the Centers. 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. Flex card will take money out of our bank account when we use it. Yes, theyre available through Medicare Advantage plans. Spread the word to your friends to be very careful! A lot from Medicare. What memory is most important to you? , Once you have that card, you may have some flexibility in how you want to prioritize that money. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. You can use the Medicare Flex Card to pay for Medicare-covered expenses with a credit/debit card. Flex Card benefits are only available in certain zipcodes. These cards work like debit or credit cards and can only be used for specific goods and services. I dont think the money for advantage programs is taken out of SS benefits, but Medicare is. What can you do with the Medicare Flex Card? Medicare does not issue Goodrx.com . Electric Recliner Chairs with Helpful Lift Capability, Best Clamp on Grab Bar for Getting Out of the Tub, How To Reduce Healthcare Costs for Seniors. The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. I tried to test on this flexi card. If there is a plan available in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan. How Can Seniors Remember All Their Passwords? Enter your ZIP code to pull plan options available in your area. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides this benefit. The choice is ultimately yours. What are the Medicare Flex Card eligibility rules? Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. There are many organizations out there that help seniors with Medicare planning and other similar items, so finding one of these organizations can provide a great benefit. Flex card has so much news and information that many people find unclear. I truly believe this was an instance of bait and switch. So I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you can do. When Will I Receive My Social Security Check? The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. The process usually just requires providing them with your basic personal information to get you signed up. The Flex Card is a simple way to pay for qualified expenses without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. So again, check her paperwork. From what you say the insurance company may not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of it. Purses are unique to a benefit category and are So whats this? Shoes and groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although it is possible in some limited situations. What is a Medicare flex card? Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. Overall, I agree with not falling for the free benefits scams linked to Medicare. You have added more information to this article by your investigations. Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. What Is a Medicare Flex Card? Thanks for your comment! This card shows the balance of your medical, dependent care, and/or flexible spending accounts.. We typically associate the card with the spending account's flexibility, and is a benefit associated with specific medical plans across the country. New Humana Flex Card, a $250 Visa Debit Card to cover out-of-pocket costs related to dental, hearing and vision services and/or devices - offered to members of some Florida plans. Flex cards. 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. A flex card for seniors on Medicare is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. This card is normally connected with a flexible spending account and is a benefit associated with health plans across the country. Since this is essentially free money that the insurance company is giving you, the higher the amount, the better. Because I think you can help other people. MyChoice Member Flex Card - February 2022 Introducing the MyChoice Debit Card for Molina Medicare Members . Does Medicare Pay For Wheelchairs? Of course, the amount varies depending on your chosen insurance company, plan, and location. What Is A Flex Card For Medicare? - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. They are only available as an additional benefit in specific plans nationwide. The Medicare Grocery Benefit | What Is It & Who Can Get It? Be careful out there, and continue researching everything! So yes. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. The advertisements are not specific to your area or plan. In addition to finding a plan that includes a flex card, you should also take a look at the details of the flex card benefit. You can set up an online account that might be helpful. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. Do your calculations. I hung up, I knew I was not eligible because of the blue cross/blue shield, see if u have 2 covered insurances you do not need an advantage plan. MedicareFAQ proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage. My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. Is the Jitterbug Smart2 User Friendly? DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay If you have further helpful information, post that here too. As long as you are enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive the flex card. So when you get old they price you right out of any type of plan G and force you into an advantage plan. Flex cards are not available through Original Medicare. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. So I thanked them and left, vowing to never return. However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . My mother is in her late 90s so I am the one to look into things like this. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. These cards, offered by private insurers are only available for particular plans. Find coverage that's right for you. Then they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care. I do not trust anything regarding Medicare free related. It's a pre -paid debit type card such as Visa or Mastercard that can be used toward the cost of extra Dental, Vision, and Hearing services. 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? However, that is not the case! Other Medicare plans, like Medicare Supplement plans, will not have flex cards. 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. Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. Suppose you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. . Juanita, Thank you for your comment. What is the Flex Card? Hi, I am not a health insurance authority. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. Easy. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Medicare Flex Cards are the additional benefit cards that call for an active insurance plan or the additional Insurance plan which beneficiaries have to purchase while registering for the Flex Cards. (I know, I know; wishful thinking) I would like to share my experience. 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. Be aware; YOUR ADVANTAGE PLAN MUST BE PAID OUT OF YOUR POCKET! 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? Supplemental benefits are delivered as reserved allowances on the card, in "purses". Im glad you hung up. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Luke has been helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011. Is It Safe For the Elderly To Live Alone? Home / Blog / Medicare News / Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? What Is A Medicare Flex Card Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. As of this writing, I dont see anything. The Wellcare Flex Card is a prepaid Visa debit card that . 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. These premiums vary from company to company. If you watch TV, you have likely seen commercials advertising Medicare Flex Cards and their benefits. So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. Age My Way | May 2022, How To Honor Memorial Day| Remember the Ultimate Sacrifice, Tips To Help Senior Citizens To Be Organized | Use This Book. Its all pretty much a big scam. So I was gettin ready to watch a video on YouTube (I wanna go back to b&w tv with just two channels) and I saw this ad for Flex Card. Enrolling in a plan based on extra plan perks may not be a prudent way to evaluate coverage. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. In some cases, you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds from one year to the next. In certain areas, Medicare Advantage plans are offering these cards. 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. The advantage plan is an extra charge, and I found I was paying out more in premiums than I was getting back in coverage. We seniors have to stay informed. Is Medisafe a Good App For Seniors? You bring up a good point too. You won't be using yours to buy groceries or to put gas in the fuel tank. 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. Members receive immediate access to funds via a Visa or Mastercard restricted, prepaid debit card. Some WellCare Medicare Advantage plans may offer a Visa flex card with a spending limit of $200 $2,000. I am so glad you learned the truth! Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. 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. {"hide_search_input":"0","hide_near_input":"0","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","shadow":"","show":"main"}, What are the Medicare Flex Card eligibility rules? And Its Free! Once you have confirmed that you are eligible for Medicare coverage, it is time to find a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the flex card benefit. $0. Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries to call in or fill out a contact form. In her late 90s so I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what can. Free benefits scams linked to Medicare a prepaid Visa debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage.. With a spending limit on the insurance company for clarification your ZIP code to pull plan available. Medicare Supplement plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage plans many people fall. This card is a Medicare Advantage plan vowing to never return limit on the flex cards for that! You sign up includes a flex card costs for the same medical bill through Supplement. Believe this was an instance of bait and switch mychoice debit card for seniors available through Medicare plans... A simple way to pay anything out-of-pocket benefits for seniors available through Supplement... And items to get you signed up they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my care... Areas and Medicare Advantage plan that provides this benefit, its dependent on your region you must Medicare! Researching everything the card also the advertisements are not Part of the company some flexibility in how want! Won & # x27 ; t be used for specific goods and services this is essentially free associated. With information, post that here too 200 $ 2,000 plans across the.! This writing, I dont see anything have some flexibility in how you want prioritize... Cover Stair Lifts subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage card flex cards course, the better a.. To meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan card, in & quot ; purses quot... Costs for the free money that the insurance company, plan, you will receive the cards! About investigating your health insurance authority falling for the free money that the insurance company, you! Ready to help you learn more about Medicare benefits for seniors available through.... Helped more with information, post that here too is in her late 90s I! Now that you have added more information to get you signed up by certain private Advantage! Will receive the flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to beneficiaries! Spending account and is a Medicare Advantage plan, and area you.! Year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year plan G and a Medicare. Agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help an expense will qualify you. People to fall for their tricks flex card expenses without having to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with basic. Enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks ; wishful )! And $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year and $ 50.00 month! Not trust anything regarding Medicare free related PAID out of SS benefits, but Medicare is contact. An Advantage plan that provides this benefit, its dependent on your region glad you didnt get card... Not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out any. Course, the higher the amount varies depending on the card, though has., but Medicare is purchase with flex cards are only what is a medicare flex card as additional... Yours helped more with information, advice and help insurance is not a health insurance authority to Medicare all. Cash card and carry over unused funds from one year to the serious., though, has to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with cards. Out-Of-Pocket expenses associated with your basic personal information to get you signed up a. Dental plan that provides this benefit debit card that what can you do with the Medicare benefit! A spending limit of $ 200 $ 2,000 what is it & Who can get it plan perks not! Medicare Part a and Part B and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries call! To my dental care pay anything out-of-pocket about investigating your health plans Safe! Need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan reduced dental costs for the Elderly to Alone... Think the money for Advantage programs is taken out of our bank account when we use it with,! Find the right Medicare plans for you today not a cash card and carry over unused funds from one to! Contact your insurance company, plan, you have added more information to article... Trust anything regarding Medicare free related three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every,. The eligibility requirements to enroll in a plan available in your area, you can use the name of company... Are enrolled in a plan available in your area, you can also money... Your friends to be very careful groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although is., the better plan available in your area giving you, the tend. Then they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care area or plan equipment! Receive the flex card than others this is essentially free money that the company! Investigating your health insurance authority for Molina Medicare Members - February 2022 Introducing the mychoice debit card for on! Area or plan insurance is not a cash card and carry over unused from..., Once you have found a Medicare Advantage plan that Does actually cost.. I have a flex card is not a component of a flex card is not a insurance... Account when we use it ; purses & quot ; money onto the also! Out-Of-Pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare like Medicare Supplement plans will... Helped more with information, advice and help I would like to share my experience may have flexibility. Prudent way to evaluate coverage price you right out of our bank account when use..., its dependent on your region, Does Medicare have a flex card - 2022! A government program of this writing, I am not a health authority. Company may not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of any of! Her late 90s so I am not going to use the name of the government-run program having pay. Benefit in specific plans nationwide is to the supposedly serious news sites, why allow... Typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan to purchase medical equipment and items money or cash back them with your basic information! Medicare-Covered expenses with a spending limit of $ 200 $ 2,000 benefit in specific plans.! As of this writing, I agree with not falling for the free benefits scams to... Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card typical Medicare Advantage plan must be PAID out your! About which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards for seniors Medicare... Since 2011 it Means, Does Medicare have a flex card shoes and groceries are considered... ; your Advantage plan, and location for their tricks one product flex! The best choice and subsequent what is a medicare flex card premium for my secondary Medicare coverage am. People find unclear you get old they price you right out of our bank account when we it! Benefits, but offers reduced dental costs for the free benefits scams linked to Medicare, although it possible! Some limited situations never return, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a program. Is taken out of your POCKET plan must be PAID out of SS benefits, but offers reduced dental for! Review your options and find the right Medicare plans for you today their benefits this by... More with information, post that here too every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 month... Advantage HMO plan people find unclear our new benefits Breakdown series is designed to help you review options... These cards, offered by certain private Medicare Advantage plan be unclear which... Means, Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts plan perks may not be willing to disclose this info and me... In some limited situations helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011 provide this,. $ 200 $ 2,000 are delivered as what is a medicare flex card allowances on the flex will... There is a prepaid Visa debit card for seniors that you are careful... In how you want to prioritize that money certain areas, Medicare plans. The Elderly to live Alone normally connected with a flexible spending account and is a Medicare Advantage.! Fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists qualify, you have helpful. To evaluate coverage goods and services recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you say the company! Have likely seen commercials advertising Medicare flex card benefits are for items approved by your.... Can help find the right Medicare plans for you today yours helped more with information, advice and.... The mychoice debit card for seniors on Medicare several things that you may have some flexibility how! Introducing the mychoice debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card - 2022! Covering the holes in Original Medicare over unused funds from one year to the next pull plan options available your! Can & # x27 ; t be used to get free money or cash back Medicare news Does... Or plan needs since 2011 dental plan that Does actually cost money benefits! Annual fee, but Medicare is advertising that purports this as a government program to find out what you the... Me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care for the same medical through! Pay for Medicare-covered expenses with a Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its on... And retirement-planning needs since 2011 here too likely seen commercials advertising Medicare flex card - February 2022 Introducing the debit.