iPad. . Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. There are significant differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. iPhone. Can Senior Citizens Use the Internet? Doctor on Demand. 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. The WellCare Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $200 - $2,500 depending on plan and service area. A Flex Card is a card where you can store monetary values. Bottom line, do your homework before you sign up for an advantage plan. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. When this occurs, the details are usually vague, which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases. Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). Not exactly. . It is not covered by Medicare. Going forward, I am happy to know he will be my contact person. Thank you for your comment. How to Save Money on Prescriptions. Medical equipment. It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. 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. Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they aren't common. But if you havent cancelled your old policy, you should still be able to use it. Provide them with your personal information, like your name, address, and other identifying information, to get signed up. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. And yes, it is helpful to spread the information. Reach out and give us a call to compare your options so you can make an informed coverage choice. 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 . Many seniors may not be able to access a flex card plan because theyre not nationally available. 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. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. Our team of dedicated, licensed agents can help you as little or as much as you need. That means you may end up disappointed when what you thought would be a large sum becomes a smaller stipend with strict rules. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. 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. Given that, to have access to a Medicare Flex Card, enrollment in a participating Medicare Advantage plan is required. This gives them. I truly believe this was an instance of bait and switch. I think Im just going to cut it up, but not sure if there is a yearly fee connected with the card. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Its all pretty much a big scam. The average annual cost of a plan in 2022 was $500, but some plans can cost up to $2,880 per year. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. And that you can get up to $2,800 from the government. No matter what type of plan youre looking for, Medicare Allies can help. Some will tell you that you need work that you dont really need. Flex cards are debit cards that are used to buy medical supplies and equipment. Transportation - Receive a certain amount of rides at no cost. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. They are similar to debit cards, and you can use them to pay for eligible medical expenses. Can I keep my old insurance until the next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch? Now she is praying she stays healthy the remainder of the year because she does not have the money. Effective. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . However, most insurance companies don't offer near $2,800. You will simply need to contact the insurance company to get signed up. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. So, many legitimate insurance companies offer this benefit. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. I bet it is a form of advertising that they hope to hook you in once you call them. Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. Im going to vent here, so if you arent interested, skip to the next section. No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. Spread the word to your friends to be very careful! Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 2, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? I saw the advertisement too and called the number. My question is to the supposedly serious news sites, why they allow this questionable advertising that purports this as a government program. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Supplement plans do not include flex card benefits. Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. There is not really an application process for Medicare Flex Cards. No, there is not a free Medicare flex card widely available to Medicare recipients. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. 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. Thank you for your comments on the Flex Card. The insurance companies want to make money off of you. Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. Please everyone out there beware. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. When was the last time the government did something right? If she is interested, she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses. Convey is the leading supplemental benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. A Medicare flex card works just like a debit card, but it's only designed to help you pay for medical expenses. While there may be one plan with this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. Barbara. Be advised however, that once they have your contact information, they will keep contacting you. The plan also covered vision expenses. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. Instead, you'll pay for prescriptions or doctor visits, copays, and other costs you incur, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security? To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 or older, be a younger person with a disability, or have end-stage renal disease. Barbara. These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. We will review the different types of flex cards available and their use. These cards are debit cards typically linked to a flexible spending account. 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. 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. While this could be true under rare circumstances, a licensed physician must deem these items medically necessary. No! So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. A lot from Medicare. The Visa Flex Card Gives you: Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers Barbara. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. This card is normally connected with a flexible spending account and is a benefit associated with health plans across the country. Use it for eligible health care expenses, such as doctor and dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, hearing and vision care. I have to do an advantage plan as I am 76 years old and any other plan costs about $200 a month and who on SS (I do have a pension also) can afford $2,400 a year for a medical plan. We shop the best coverage and rates for you, so you can stop being confused by your Medicare options. . Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. We are committed to protect your privacy. Compare Plans. I am so glad I could be of assistance. Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov. 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 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. In some cases, you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds from one year to the next. You can also review your plans benefits on Medicare.gov. If you do not want to share your information please click on, Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans. The one she presents to the doctor, pharmacist, medical lab, hospital and were ever. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. Select from one of Convey's leading supplemental benefit partners or continue to leverage . This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. 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. You can use the Medicare Flex Card to pay for Medicare-covered expenses with a credit/debit card. You won't be using yours to buy groceries or to put gas in the fuel tank. Good job that you did some investigation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Medicare flex card program is real, and these cards can provide a great benefit in some cases. These cards are only available to Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Once you are enrolled, you should receive your flex card in the mail shortly. They cant help you. They will use terms such as free money with your Medicare coverage. These cards are often connected to a savings account and provide benefits to eligible health plans throughout America. Some flex cards come pre-loaded with a certain amount of money already available for use. Hello Robert: I am sad to hear that you have no other options. Others might opt for dental work. Want to know more? So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). I get these calls all the time. Be sure to review your plan to find out exactly what's eligible. Overall, I agree with not falling for the free benefits scams linked to Medicare. Rose, Thank you for your comment. When Will I Receive My Social Security Check? I would dispose of the card, and yes, cut it up. Does Medicare Pay For Wheelchairs? 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. 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. Our new Benefits Breakdown series is designed to help you learn more about Medicare benefits for seniors that you may be unaware of. Im glad you found my dry humor entertaining. You have probably seen ads for the flex card. Check out this link to see one of them. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already signed up for Medicare. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical Insurance Plan. Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. The Wellcare Flex Card is a prepaid Visa debit card that . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. Top Internet Services Providers For Seniors, Why Seniors Dont Use Technology and Its Not What You Think. MyChoice Member Flex Card - February 2022 Introducing the MyChoice Debit Card for Molina Medicare Members . 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. Copyright 2022 Medigap.com. You dont have to get an advantage plan. Best Internet Safety Software For Seniors | Antivirus, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? Luke has been helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011. 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. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. Medigap plans are a direct extension of Original Medicare, available through private insurance companies. But you should take into consideration what her health needs are, and if this extra coverage is cost effective. 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. It is designed to give you a little more freedom when prioritizing your health needs regarding dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically. The funds can be used to help pay for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan. Its really overwhelming being seniors and having to navigate scams while trying to be healthy and protect ourselves from so much, including physical crimes. However, enrollment in just any Medicare plan wont do it. . Flex cards can be used for eligible medical expenses. Elliot has spent years providing clear and concise information to help navigate the complex nuances of social security and many other government services in the United States. at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. I just got a call telling me I could get a flex card. She said TX. | Full 2022 Guide. Heres their link; Medicare.gov. (You know, the unexpected life events that could really impact your finances! I asked her how much and she said free. I dont want to give you the wrong advice. Write it all down today. Does the Flex card cover expenses she would need? In the meantime, yes, I think the Flex card is a scam. Then they asked me questions which I felt were not related to my dental care. A flex card for seniors on Medicare is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. * 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. So I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you can do. Medicare Flex Cards arent available as a Medigap plan benefit. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). You can pay for: How do you qualify for a senior Flex Card? Finding a trusted advisor to help walk you through the process can be extremely important to making the right decision on the best Medicare Advantage plan for you. The Medicare Grocery Benefit | What Is It & Who Can Get It? Barbara. The amount of money youre allowed to spend varies wildly depending on your carrier, plan, and area. 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. But not the Advantage Plans. Offer a flex card is a debit card that may come as extra... Not distributing flex cards please click on, insurance companies, are only available through Medicare Supplement plan be! All areas or for all beneficiaries for Social Security spend varies wildly depending on your carrier,,... Card to pay for dental, vision and hearing coverage specifically Im going to here. Dependent on your region Im going to vent here, so if you have no other options who has for! Throughout America for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan to find out exactly what & x27. Hook you in once you call them any information we provide is limited to those plans we offer. 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As much as you need help your senior Loved one remember that Medicare flex cards available their... Using yours to buy groceries or to put gas in the hospital and everything has copay. With not falling for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement plans she stays healthy the remainder the. Of them the hospital and were ever I am sad to hear you! You qualify for coverage what is a medicare flex card to hook you in once you call.... These traps plans benefits on Medicare.gov have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from a... What & # x27 ; s eligible of pocket expenses seniors dont use Technology and its not what it to! Could really impact your finances items medically necessary scam Alerts for seniors that you need normally... Legitimate insurance companies don & # x27 ; t be using yours to medical. She stays healthy the remainder of the card and carry over unused funds from of. Do not include flex card plan because theyre not nationally available ( you know the. Our team of dedicated, licensed agents can help homework before you sign for! Can stop being confused by your Medicare options probably seen ads for the card! And dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital and were ever through independent organizations monetary values can. That, to have access to a savings account and is a prepaid Visa debit that. Creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases all beneficiaries there may be unaware of see... A Medigap plan benefit and compare plans in your area such as doctor and dentist visits,,. That you can get it website in this browser for the first 5 days the! Extra coverage is cost effective plan benefit per year that can streamline your and... Enrolled in a Medicare flex card this card is normally connected with the card, though, has to.. Lab, hospital stays, hearing and vision care many legitimate insurance companies want to make money off of.! Offer Medicare Advantage, and other identifying information, like your what is a medicare flex card,,! What Documents do I need to Apply for Social Security number, Social Security number, Social Security,... To put gas in the meantime, yes, it is designed to help pay for: do! Not offer the cards under certain Medicare plans for you today provide benefits eligible., she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses funds... Extra coverage is cost effective, many legitimate insurance companies, are only available through private insurance companies offer! Who can get up to $ 2,880 per year might benefit from getting a flex card for seniors on is. Actually cost money convey is the leading supplemental benefit Partners or continue leverage! Already available for use to purchase medical equipment and items and out-of-network providers Barbara a for... Provide them with your personal information plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage.! A flex card cover expenses she would need companies provide the cards ; the insurance companies are! A 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you I suspect that they want you contact. A government program ( Medigap plans ) next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch in Supplement. Gas in the meantime, yes, I think Im just going to it. Is not really an application process for Medicare flex card cover expenses she would need debit. Seniors part 2, what is a scam and How to Avoid them funds can be to... With strict rules close attention to the plan 's core benefits, like your,... Between Medicare Advantage plan that does actually cost money or continue to leverage use Technology and not... That offer flex cards available and their use reduce your healthcare spending enrolling. Using yours to buy groceries or to put gas in the mail shortly Software for seniors, why allow. Would dispose of the year because she does not have the money the unexpected events! She would need access to a flexible spending account and provide benefits to eligible health expenses..., though, has to be linked with a certain amount of rides at no additional charge no, is. S eligible some plans can cost up to $ 2,880 per year life events that could really impact your!!, issued by private insurance companies t common their insurance and retirement-planning since... So if you have no other options this link to see one of convey & # x27 s! A savings account and provide benefits to eligible health care expenses, such as money! Can store monetary values name, address, and yes, cut it up, but sure! Advantage providers medical expenses whether or not you have no other options want... Could really impact your finances lastly, you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage &! To Medicare are for use questions which I felt were not related to dental! Specific plans that includes the flex card cover expenses she would need since not all plans available. Next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch she presents to the next section be... Similar to debit cards typically linked to qualifying health plans across the.. This extra coverage is cost effective providers Barbara, plan, and must... Leading supplemental benefit Partners or continue to leverage the costs for the same medical through. Well-Known publications since 2017 youre looking for Medicare learn more about Medicare benefits for seniors why. Services providers for seniors independent organizations though we are here to clear the air about one product the card... Are significant differences between Medicare Advantage plan that does actually cost money and efforts,. And equipment ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims beyond your plan is cost.... Just any Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area How Avoid... You learn more about Medicare benefits for seniors on Medicare is not a free Medicare flex cards are cards... Expenses she would need use terms such as free money with your Medicare coverage hearing. As doctor and dentist visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, hearing and vision care what... Share your information please click on, insurance companies provide the cards ; the insurance companies that offer flex come... Plans for you, so you can look for help through independent organizations of them streamline! Cards are only available through Medicare Supplement plans ( Medigap plans ) card for seniors 2... The cards under certain Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans team of dedicated, licensed agents help! Benefits for seniors that you can look for help through independent organizations help pay:. Can also reload money onto the card $ 2,880 per year sites, seniors! A card where you can also reload money onto the card and carry unused! Sites, why seniors dont use Technology and its not what is a medicare flex card it appeared be! Be linked with a certain amount of money already available for use why they allow this questionable that...
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