. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. Barbara. The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. For example, you could swipe your flex card to pay for the copay at your doctors visit. Medigap plans are a direct extension of Original Medicare, available through private insurance companies. In certain areas, Medicare Advantage plans are offering these cards. Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. Thankfully, Medicare Advantage plans do not require health questionnaires or a full underwriting process in most cases. Medicare Advantage utility cards. Jagger Esch is the Medicare expert for MedicareFAQ and the founder, president, and CEO of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. What is a Seniors Flex Card? , It is not free money. Thank you. What can you do with the Medicare Flex Card? Ill settle for my $320 a month premium and not pay a dime extra. I get these calls all the time. If Original Medicare doesnt offer it, neither will your Medigap plan. So I wonder how they can do this without legal ramifications. 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. I spoke to 2 ladies, they asked me if I had Medicare and I answered Yes. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at Medicare.gov. How to Save Money on Prescriptions. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. Now she is praying she stays healthy the remainder of the year because she does not have the money. 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 So again, check her paperwork. As she continued to talk, I hung up. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. J asked why was there no specialists fir my zip code. Many TV commercials would have you believe that you can use the card to buy groceries, clothing, shoes, and many other items. She found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year. What is a Medicare Flex Card? - Dwight D. It is common to have many Medicare-related questions running through your mind at any given time. Instead, you'll pay for prescriptions or doctor visits, copays, and other costs you incur, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. Additionally, Flex card is believed to be issued by Medicare plans, but Medicare does not provide Flex cards to seniors. Barbara. Worried about potential Medicare scams? The cards can only be used for eligible medical expenses. Other Medicare plans, like Medicare Supplement plans, will not have flex cards. Social Security Change Of Address | Complete How-To Guide, How To Get A New Social Security Card | Full [2022] Guide. Now I had heard nothing of these problems from my other dentist! Plain text explanation available for any plan in any state. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. If you are still determined to get one, you can search online for offers. And I am just here to sayBravo! Luke is passionate about 3 things, and 3 things only: senior insurance, football, and food! A $144 Give Back benefit. Flex cards are not available through Original Medicare. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. You cant use these cards at any store like you do your bank debit card. 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. Hi, I am not a health insurance authority. Flex: $0* Flex Rx: $39.40. Effective. I went to DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you were the first hit and I started reading. Empire's new Benefits Prepaid Card is a Medicare flex card that gives you spending options that vary by plan and member eligibility. And each and every plan wants to have you sign up for their Advantage Plan. Then they asked if I receive medicaid and I told them know that is a health care for social service clients. This flex card isnt what it claims to be. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Since this is essentially free money that the insurance company is giving you, the higher the amount, the better. Primary Care Physician. Luke has been helping Medicare-eligible clients with their insurance and retirement-planning needs since 2011. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. You should contact the plan provider to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements. You will need to wait until the annual open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. What Is a Medicare Flex Card? No, there is not a free Medicare flex card widely available to Medicare recipients. Yes! On the other hand, other plans may limit it to dental, vision, or hearing costs or OTC items. Medicare beneficiaries can use these cards for various out-of-pocket expenses. There is not really an application process for Medicare Flex Cards. Request a replacement Medicare card online. Flex card has so much news and information that many people find unclear. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can pay for: Flex cards are not a necessary benefit of a Medicare Supplement plan because Medigap beneficiaries typically save on out-of-pocket costs compared to Medicare Advantage plans. In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. Flex cards can be used for eligible medical expenses. What memory is most important to you? Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card. And have wondered if it is legitimate. Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. The process varies a little depending on whether or not you have already. Invitations for applications for insurance on Medigap.com are made through Flex Rates, LLC, a subsidiary of Excel Impact, only where licensed and appointed. It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. Since she is already on an advantage plan for the rest of the year would she get ANY benefit from a Flex card? BTW ~ THANK YOU!!! What are the Medicare Flex Card eligibility rules? And finally the dentist did a brief exam and then told me I would need up to $2,000 worth of work done. A new benefit getting a lot of attention is Medicare Flex Cards. From what you say the insurance company may not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of it. Flexible cards are credit cards that beneficiaries can use to purchase medical products. 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. 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. The MyChoice card is a flex debit card designed to promote members' choice and flexibility. Beneficiaries often save more money in total health spending with a Medicare Supplement plan than with a Medicare Advantage plan. While this could be true under rare circumstances, a licensed physician must deem these items medically necessary. For instance, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a commission from making a sale. A Medicare flex card for seniors is similar to a debit card or credit card that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. Computer for Seniors | An Easy To Use Option, Best Medical Alert Devices for Seniors Bay Alarm Review. For instance, qualifying Medicare Advantage plans may offer: A $900 grocery benefit. Our agents are ready to help you review your options and find the most cost-effective plan for your needs. Thanks for your comment. Then the lady said she would transfer to their specialists for zip code 21216 MD. Easy. First, you must be eligible for Medicare. Category: Health Detail Health I am so sorry to hear of your heart issues and of the terrible experience you had with insurance. Spread the word to your friends to be very careful! What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security? Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. I saw the advertisement for seniors to get the flex card. If you get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you can call 1 . 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. Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. Juanita, Thank you for your comment. Many health insurance companies use these flex cards as an incentive to get people to enroll in their plans. If you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in your state, you will receive an . The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed private insurance companies to offer a new benefit-like-debit card (flex card). When was the last time the government did something right? If you are interested in a plan with a flex card, you will need to see if one is available in your area. These cards pay copays for certain services, buy over-the-counter products and supplies, and even healthy food. Guard your personal information and only share with trusted sources. In-Network. If you have questions, post them here. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. She said this would give me money. Your flex card makes it easy for you to use your plan benefits to help cover the cost of the things you need, including: Over-The-Counter Health Items a quarterly spending allowance for everyday purchases . 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. ), A flex card may not cost any additional cost beyond your Medicare Advantage premiums, but that does not mean that it is free. The office was slightly run down. Flex cards are only available to enrollees of qualified Medicare Advantage plans. 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. Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this particular benefit. Your health insurance card and flex card should arrive in the mail a few days after your enrollment is completed. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage 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? Additionally, they find cost-saving benefits such as a flex card never truly live up to their promises. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. Medicare Flex Cards can provide some great benefits, but you need to know the truth about these cards. Offer the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. Medical equipment, like a wheelchair, walker, or glucose monitor, might also qualify. Be aware; YOUR ADVANTAGE PLAN MUST BE PAID OUT OF YOUR POCKET! How Can Smart Devices Assist Senior Citizens? Be sure to review your plan to find out exactly what's eligible. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. Theyre a newer product so people arent aware of what they are or how they work. Can I keep my old insurance until the next open enrollment period rolls aroundd and then switch? An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. And now I have to stop writing cause I cant type when laughing maniacally but you did make my day. These companies dont care about you; only your money. Luke Hockaday is a Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. Read further to find out the facts. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. She stated she did not know why. I knew it was not what it appeared to be. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? 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. No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. Thanks for your comments. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. Primary Care Physician. So I would recommend you contact Medicare to find out what you can do. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Barbara. If you have further helpful information, post that here too. Barbara. | Coverage Guide Inside. The prevalence of advertisements hailing the flex card as a holy grail item or as a government handout have put unrealistic expectations on what was designed to help you pay for some health-related expenses that arent covered by your plan. 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. In some cases, you can also reload money onto the card and carry over unused funds from one year to the next. Heres their link; Medicare.gov. What songs should play at your funeral? Aetna shouldnt be able to charge you anything without your consent. 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. Yes! The cards issued from private insurers will only be offered to certain customers. Your amount or availability could differ from that shown in the ad. Add to that the limited offering of plans with flex cards and its easy to see why flex cards may be more trouble than theyre worth. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Come on, nothing is free. Doctor on Demand. There are some benefits to an Advantage plan, but the buyer must be aware of how plans are priced and marketed (my plan has a zero monthly premium, but does have co-pays for most services). Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. Contact us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area today! Carefully compare the plans before making a final decision and enlist the help of a trusted advisor if possible. 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. The insurance companies also have what they call Advantage Plans. And Will it Keep a Senior Safe? 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. Some plans may require a doctor's certification of a chronic illness. There are so many scams out there. {"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? It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. After I read your article, I looked at the back of the card and it said this: Aetna and its agents are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare program. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, its only on a few specific plans. If you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice. 2023 SSOfficeLocation.com. 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. . Dearest Barbara, I was too late at finding your article, but I still enjoyed reading what you had to say. Some examples include copays, coinsurance amounts, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision exams, and contact lenses. Medicare Flex Spending Cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage Plans. But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. If not, be sure to use their official site to sign up. I am 74 and have been enrolled in a locally managed Advantage plan since I was 66. Not all Medicare Advantage plans come with a flex card either. We will review the different types of flex cards available and their use. Disclaimer:Medicare Allies is not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency. Is the Jitterbug Smart2 User Friendly? 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. 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. Please everyone out there beware. The flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. Thanks for commenting. 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. Good job that you did some investigation. Thank you so much for this information. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. But not the Advantage Plans. The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. However, let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll. Fortunately, Medicare Advantage plans do not require beneficiaries to answer underwriting health questions to enroll, so you will not face denial due to a pre-existing condition. You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. If you are unsure of a website, dont give them any information. Some WellCare Medicare Advantage plans may offer a Visa flex card with a spending limit of $200 $2,000. Diagnostic devices. 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. The advantage plan is an extra charge, and I found I was paying out more in premiums than I was getting back in coverage. What is a Medicare Flex Card? Some flex cards come pre-loaded with a certain amount of money already available for use. No other option. You were smart to ask questions. And you can get it for free, and get up to $2,800. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 2, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? 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 . One such benefit is the Medicare flex . 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. Medigap.com is privately owned and operated by Excel Impact, LLC. Thats because this card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plans. So I went to the office covered by the plan. You can use your Medicare Flex Card to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your Medicare coverage. Why Is There a Big Push to Buy Medicare Advantage? Using the Wellcare Medicare Flex Card. I am not going to use the name of the company. Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. As an aside, be careful about dental offices. A Flex Card is a card where you can store monetary values. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. The Flex card isnt what its advertised to be. You bring up a good point too. However, the senior flex card cannot be used on these types of items unless they are considered medically necessary by your doctor. , Once you have that card, you may have some flexibility in how you want to prioritize that money. Suppose you live in a place where the card benefit is available. The average benefit is about $500 per year, and in the current advertisement, everyone asks about a $2,880 Medicare Flex Card. Thank you thank you thank you. So, you must live in an area where at least one of these plans is available and sign up during a qualifying Medicare enrollment period. Since not all plans are available in all locations, you will want to make sure that you are specifically looking for plans available where you live. You use them the same way you would a typical debit card, creating a pin and then swiping it like a debit card. Barbara. Others might opt for dental work. Shoes and groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although it is possible in some limited situations. Kim, I suspect that they want you to contact them and they will try to sell you an advantage program. Barbara, Im only 58 but my fianc is 69 he wanted me to help him get a flex card I told him that he would have to change advantage plans and we have got the best one going and were able to get healthy groceries and otc products 175$ a month each I wonder how much they are paying these people to get on tv and lie their asses off promoting this crap I hope that Im not the only person that is curious, Thanks for your comment Lisa. How Can Seniors Remember All Their Passwords? No. They're designed to help you pay for medical expenses that aren't covered by your plan; that way, you don't need to pay out of pocket. Insurance is not a component of a Flex card. Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content. 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. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . These premiums vary from company to company. Once in awhile in my posts, I do like to say what I am really thinking. Reviews: Yes and No. Similarly, chronically-ill patients who are prescribed a special diet by their physician can generally use their flex card to buy the special foods they require. I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. Some will tell you that you need work that you dont really need. Depending on the plan you choose. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of items that can be paid for with your flex card. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. Medicare Supplement plans make healthcare affordable and easy for all enrollees. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. * 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. Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. Barbara. DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay A Medicare Flex Card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans. If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. 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. I just tell them Medicare doesnt call you and I hang up. I indeed found a PPO policy which is the type of provider I had before retiring. I dont like HMO either, but they usually are the cheapest. Medicare flex card eligibility for groceries will vary with the plan. Many companies give you the option of checking your balance online. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. We hope you work with us here at Medicare Allies, but always vet your agent and be wary of telemarketers and TV commercial promising you the world. 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. If I have helped one person to not be ripped off, then I am happy. I asked her how much and she said free. Its all pretty much a big scam. Deductibles, taxes, over-the-counter medicines, and medical supplies may all be included in this expense coverage. Flex cards are debit cards for those purchasing medical equipment. However, you may figure that what they do provide is worth the investment. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Barbara. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. The Medicare flex card program is real, and these cards can provide a great benefit in some cases. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two.

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