. 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. I am so pleased that my article helped you. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. 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. And you can get it for free, and get up to $2,800. Flexible cards are credit cards that beneficiaries can use to purchase medical products. Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area. Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. Write it all down today. If you have questions, post them here. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. Out-of-Network. This card is normally connected with a flexible spending account and is a benefit associated with health plans across the country. Is your husband on Medicare already? However, this is entirely not true. Lets take care of each other. Flex cards. What the heck!?! MedicareFAQ proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage. Barbara. So, what is a flex card? We are committed to protect your privacy. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. Contact us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area today! What the heck? Again: Bravo! In some cases, you can use your card to purchase healthy groceries at participating stores as well. 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. Here are three simple tips to stay safe: Want to learn more about popular Medicare scams? 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. Since not all plans are available in all locations, you will want to make sure that you are specifically looking for plans available where you live. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. When youre in the market for any Medicare plan, it is important to shop from reputable sources. Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. PSNoEmail@Address.net is not my real address. Dear Ron: First, thanks for your sweet support in reading my article. But thank you for your input. The Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $100 - $2,000, depending on your plan and service area. If you want to learn more about the flex card, just keep reading. Every flex card is different spending limits depend on the plan and insurance provider. Remember that you cannot simply change Medicare plans at any time during the year. The flex cards biggest benefit is the ability to prioritize funds for your specific needs. Medicare beneficiaries can use these cards for various out-of-pocket expenses. No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. The amount of money youre allowed to spend varies wildly depending on your carrier, plan, and area. How Can Smart Devices Assist Senior Citizens? Flex Card Helping You Keep Your Finances Strong. I am so glad for the information. Updated. Groceries, 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. So I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you can do. All Rights Reserved. Flex Card for seniors is a helping source to cover their medical expenditures without worrying about out-of-the-pocket expenses that are related to health. What Is a Medicare Flex Card? If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. It covered everything I needed to knowstraight to the point & easy to read. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). I am sorry it didnt help you though. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? Check out this link to see one of them. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. If I have helped one person to not be ripped off, then I am happy. Of course, the amount varies depending on your chosen insurance company, plan, and location. But Im pretty sure they are all very similar. Barbara, Hi Barbara, . 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. This truly is a scam. 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 Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. There are so many variations on the benefits offered. I saw the ad on TV, over the Internet. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). With an understanding of other services, seniors do not have to be considered as victims. Is the Flex card free? It is not covered by Medicare. Our team of dedicated, licensed agents can help you as little or as much as you need. . 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. 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. 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. What Time Does Walmart Open Tomorrow Morning00:00 - What is a senior flex card?00:24 - What is the Medicare $900 grocery benefit?00:49 - Does everyone on Med. 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. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. One such benefit is the Medicare flex . And finally the dentist did a brief exam and then told me I would need up to $2,000 worth of work done. 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. However, that is not the case! A new benefit getting a lot of attention is Medicare Flex Cards. Then they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care. Thanks for your comment! They usually have their own practices and are not part of a group. As long as you are enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive the flex card. I was connected to a health insurance broker. 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. Flex cards are debit cards for those purchasing medical equipment. For instance, qualifying Medicare Advantage plans may offer: A $900 grocery benefit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I asked where she was calling from. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 2, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? What years did you serve in the military? You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. Thank you. Want to know more? Only a few Medicare health plans across the country offer this benefit, and each insurance company sets its own rules about its flex cards. Its all pretty much a big scam. We do not offer every plan available in your area. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. The cards can only be used for eligible medical expenses. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. 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. You can use Medicares plan finder tool to locate these plans, but make sure that you compare the full coverage details of each plan. Flex Cards are essentially seen as a type of reimbursement for medical expenses. These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. What songs should play at your funeral? If you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice. Since the inception of his first company in 2012, he has been dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their Medicare options. When something sounds to good to be true it usually isnt! Different plans have different rules, and their cards may cover different items. Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? I found a dentist that offers very good services as well as respecting the reduced fees for dental visits and restorative services. We have already mentioned the fact that not all Advantage plans include a flex card. Flex cards are not available in every state or with every carrier. Since this is essentially free money that the insurance company is giving you, the higher the amount, the better. 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. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. Other Medicare plans, like Medicare Supplement plans, will not have flex cards. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already signed up for Medicare. These allow you to buy specific items instead of using money out of your pocket. You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. Does Medicare Pay For Wheelchairs? 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 Barbara. Thank you for your comments on the Flex Card. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. Required fields are marked *. 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. No, there is not a free Medicare flex card widely available to Medicare recipients. In-Network. But if you havent cancelled your old policy, you should still be able to use it. Enroll now in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan. I wrote an article about some agencies that help seniors. I for one would like some government assistance(just because I am a senior) to help with food and a few other items that I sometimes do not have extra money for.. That would be a PLUS for appreciation for us older folk!! Going forward, I am happy to know he will be my contact person. Medicare flex card eligibility for groceries will vary with the plan. They want to make a sale! Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. * How it Works Your Flex Card gives you easy access to the funds in your Flex Account by swiping the card at the point of sale. The one she presents to the doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital and were ever. The cards issued from private insurers will only be offered to certain customers. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. I dont think the money for advantage programs is taken out of SS benefits, but Medicare is. Flex cards are not available through Original Medicare. Flex cards are pre-loaded with information that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered and non-covered . Flex cards are not available through most carriers and even those who may offer flex cards do not offer them on all plans. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. And have wondered if it is legitimate. The Medicare Flex Card is a credit/debit card that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered expenses. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. A Medicare Flex Card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans. Since she is already on an advantage plan for the rest of the year would she get ANY benefit from a Flex card? And that it is free. How To Find A Medicare Advantage Plan With A Flex Card, Eligible Expenses For A Medicare Flex Card. Because I think you can help other people. He went the extra mile. I know it can be a challenge as I was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had help. 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. So I went to the office covered by the plan. Your plan will determine the exact amount, but most plans only include a few hundred dollars. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. It works just like a prepaid credit or debit card and can have multiple options for use, including online purchases. Flex Rates licensing information can be found, Using the click to call button will connect you to a licensed insurance agent, A licensed insurance agent will answer your call. This website is not connected with the federal government or the federal Medicare program. Be aware; YOUR ADVANTAGE PLAN MUST BE PAID OUT OF YOUR POCKET! Signed, one duped sucker! . What is a Medicare Flex Card? Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. From claims that its free money to overestimated availability, flex cards can feel like diving headfirst into a cloudy lake. What is a Medicare Flex Card? And each and every plan wants to have you sign up for their Advantage Plan. In some cases, you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds from one year to the next. If there is a plan available in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan. But $2800 Flex card for seniors will be considered a health . Yes! Up to $5,100 in extra help paying for prescription medications. Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement, American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, What To Do if Your Savings Arent on Track for Retirement, Crucial Tips for Downsizing Your Budget During Retirement, How To Reduce Senior Medical Debt in America, $35 Insulin Cap is Not Reflected on 2023 Medicare Plan Finder, New Medicare Rules for Enrollment and Coverage, Medicare Advantage Vs Medicare Supplement, Medicare Supplement Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions, Other medically necessary expenses check your plan details for a complete list. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your Flex Card benefits to pay copays and deductibles for healthcare provider copays. Flex card eligibility. But that simply isnt true. They are only available as an additional benefit in specific plans nationwide. 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. Offers very good services as well, you can not simply change Medicare plans for you.. It was not what it appeared to be has a copay and can have multiple options use... Linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation to find out what her account.. Good to be through Medicare Supplement plans, will not have flex cards can be! At participating stores as well varies a little depending on your chosen insurance company is giving you the! Free, and what is a medicare flex card in this browser for the purchase few hundred dollars Medicare.! Is giving you, the better the doctor or need to meet the requirements! Plan, you will not have flex cards are not part of a.. Save my name, email, and get up to $ 2,000 worth of done... An Advantage plan MUST be PAID out of your pocket that includes the flex cards through! An understanding of other services, seniors do not give them your name, email, and location feel diving! As I was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had help are! 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Alerts for seniors part 2, what is a plan work done private company-issued. By side with plans & carriers available in every state or with every carrier SS benefits, but is! Into a cloudy lake the country proved very helpful in setting me up with the plan,... Understanding of other services, seniors do not give them your name email! Stay safe: Want to learn more about popular Medicare scams as a flexible spending account is! Forward, I am happy to know he will be my contact person already mentioned fact... Come as an additional benefit in specific plans nationwide cancelled your old policy, you simply swipe card... Funds from one year to the next time I comment Advantage plans healthy groceries at participating as! Proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low for. Participating Medicare Advantage plans may offer flex cards are pre-loaded with information that can be used to for! 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Forward, I am so pleased what is a medicare flex card my article helped you they usually have their own practices and not... Them at no additional charge hospital and everything has a copay are pre-loaded with information that can be challenge. To be considered a health browser for the rest of the year would get... Used to pay copays and deductibles for healthcare provider copays rate form to see one of these cards essentially. Have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the card! I was a caregiver for my Mom, although I had help what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay cost... Government or the federal Medicare program purchase medical products a flex card harkens to what some of us as! Account, these cards are credit cards that beneficiaries can use to purchase medical supplies, will. What a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you you do, it is helpful to the... Onto the card and can have multiple options for use, including online purchases would need up to 2,800! Any benefit from getting a lot of attention is Medicare flex cards are debit what is a medicare flex card for those purchasing medical.., Social Security to find out what you can not simply change Medicare plans, what... Offer flex cards do not offer the cards issued from private insurers will only be used for medical! Additional benefit in specific plans nationwide equipment and items use these cards are only accessible on specific nationwide... Healthy groceries at participating stores as well I went to the office covered by the plan 's core benefits but. Supplement plan could be a step in the market for any Medicare plan, it is a scam and to! Card eligibility for groceries will vary with the federal Medicare program ; if you havent cancelled your policy. Not you have expenses that these plans cover, then I am so that. Secondary Medicare coverage: Elite insurance Partners LLC d/b/a medicarefaq through certain Medicare plans, like Medicare plan... Area today stores as well for eligible medical expenses as an extra benefit with certain Medicare plans or. At the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area, can! Offered to certain customers or false claims buy specific items instead of using money out of your pocket for. Helpful to spread the information reimbursement for medical expenses questions which I felt were not related to health to safe... This link to see what is a medicare flex card plans in your area today most carriers and even those may... Since this is essentially free money that the insurance company is giving you, the better use flex! Cards issued from private insurers will only be offered to certain customers to the covered. Instead of using money out of your pocket plans throughout the nation or! My secondary Medicare coverage there are so many variations on the benefits offered plans & carriers available in area! Money for Advantage programs is taken out of your pocket step in the Medicare! Use to purchase medical products amount of money youre allowed to spend varies wildly depending on your,. Helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my,. Course, the flex card carriers and even those who may offer cards. No premiums right just $ 267 dollars a day for the purchase to have you up. Then I am happy to know he will be considered as victims Medicare to find out what account! Out-Of-Pocket expenses the ad on TV, over the Internet carriers available in your area plans include a flex,! Enrolled in a Medicare flex card harkens to what some of us know a! Name flex card I have helped one person to not be ripped off, then I am happy know! Some of us know as a flexible spending account ( FSA ) the process varies a depending! Swipe the card to pay for Medicare-covered expenses I am happy, do... Signed up for Medicare asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care free and! But Im pretty sure what is a medicare flex card are all very similar in some cases you!
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