In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. The cards can also only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries. When was the last time the government did something right? Unfortunately, I couldnt use my own dentist, whom I love and who is very professional. wellcare 0000 0000 0000 CARDWOLDER NAME Pay for your extra dental, vision, and hearing expenses with a preloaded $1,500 Wellcare Flex Card. The flex cards biggest benefit is the ability to prioritize funds for your specific needs. Your amount or availability could differ from that shown in the ad. Provide them with your personal information, like your name, address, and other identifying information, to get signed up. However, this may not be so simple. When this occurs, the details are usually vague, which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases. But thank you for your input. So if you have to pay for an Advantage Plan up front, then it follows that this Flex Card isnt free. These cards are only available to Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. This didnt immediately alarm me as Im always looking to find the best coverage for me, plus, theres always a possibility of an insurance provider having a benefit such as this. Flex cards are not available in every state or with every carrier. - Dwight D. It is common to have many Medicare-related questions running through your mind at any given time. 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. If you have any questions about whether an expense will qualify, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. Be advised however, that once they have your contact information, they will keep contacting you. And that it is free. At least they tell you up front that they are not a Medicare program. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. So again, check her paperwork. iPad. She didnt take Medicare Insurance. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . We'll email you new posts as we add them. Medicare beneficiaries can use these cards for various out-of-pocket expenses. I got to your second sentence: The claim is the government did something right! These cards work like debit or credit cards and can only be used for specific goods and services. However, make sure that you closely examine all the coverage details offered by the plan. When something sounds to good to be true it usually isnt! This truly is a scam. We will give you the truth about how these cards work and how you can get one. It is worthwhile to search around for dentist and other healthcare professionals that may work with you to give you a reduced fee. You dont have to get an advantage plan. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. Check out this article about phone scams seniors should avoid. First red flag! Barbara. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. 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. I get these calls all the time. Flex cards are debit cards that are used to buy medical supplies and equipment. The Wellcare Flex Card is a prepaid Visa debit card that . A flex card for seniors on Medicare is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. Thank you for your comment. Medicare Supplement plans make healthcare affordable and easy for all enrollees. The pitch in their ads are You cant use these cards at any store like you do your bank debit card. Should I Get One? Juanita, Thank you for your comment. If you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in your state, you will receive an . Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. 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. Thanks for commenting. So yes. I do not trust anything regarding Medicare free related. I wrote this article because I wanted to help people avoid getting ripped off. That means you may end up disappointed when what you thought would be a large sum becomes a smaller stipend with strict rules. (You know, the unexpected life events that could really impact your finances! It is depressing how many phone calls and pieces of mail we receive weeklysometimes daily. So, what is a flex card? The choice is ultimately yours. In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. If you are interested in a plan with a flex card, you will need to see if one is available in your area. If you watch TV, you have likely seen commercials advertising Medicare Flex Cards and their benefits. But you will be encouraged to do so. I spoke to 2 ladies, they asked me if I had Medicare and I answered Yes. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? A new benefit getting a lot of attention is Medicare Flex Cards. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. Find a reputable dentist. Everything you need to know about flex cards for seniors: what they are, who needs them, and how Medicare can help provide coverage. We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. A Medicare flex card is designed to be used only for qualifying expenses, including durable medical equipment, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications, as well as the deductible and other services. J asked why was there no specialists fir my zip code. A flex card is a prepaid credit or debit card provided by an insurance plan for use on certain health-related costs. Flex cards aren't the only extra benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans. It seems to be a scam. 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. Then you should receive a publication from them on how to choose your plan. If your Medicare Advantage plan allows over-the-counter items as part of the flex benefit. So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. | How To Get Approved, Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Services? Check with your plan provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card. Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. Is Medisafe a Good App For Seniors? Each plan offers specific amounts, and a guaranteed large sum might also indicate a scam. The MyChoice card is a flex debit card designed to promote members' choice and flexibility. We will review the different types of flex cards available and their use. 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. On the other hand, other plans may limit it to dental, vision, or hearing costs or OTC items. All rights reserved. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . How Can Smart Devices Assist Senior Citizens? Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. The products and services you can use the card will vary according to your chosen plan. What Is a Medicare Flex Card? Not all cards have the same benefits. Not all Medicare Advantage plans come with a flex card either. First, you must be eligible for Medicare. These companies dont care about you; only your money. Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. Members can pay for supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, chiropractic, healthy foods, over-the-counter (OTC) items, and more with the Medicare Advantage flex card from WEX. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. Flex cards hold money that can be used like a debit card to pay for certain medical expenses, like doctor's visits, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. 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. 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. One such benefit is the Medicare flex . Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. We recommend paying close attention to the plan's core benefits, like what a 5-day inpatient hospital stay would cost you. MyChoice Member Flex Card - February 2022 Introducing the MyChoice Debit Card for Molina Medicare Members . So, what is a Medicare flex card? 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits explained in plain text. They are only available as an additional benefit in specific plans nationwide. As an aside, be careful about dental offices. You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. Are You a Senior That Wants To Build a Website? It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. Be sure to review your plan to find out exactly what's eligible. Told her no thank you, Ill stick with what I have. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. I signed up for the plan because I wanted dental insurance coverage. . He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. Flex card will take money out of our bank account when we use it. Getting a flex card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this particular benefit. Flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, and the average amount loaded onto the cards is about $500. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. I also let my family know and friends be aware. Other Medicare plans, like Medicare Supplement plans, will not have flex cards. The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Medigap.com is privately owned and operated by Excel Impact, LLC. 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. These cards are often connected to a savings account and provide benefits to eligible health plans throughout America. Since she is already on an advantage plan for the rest of the year would she get ANY benefit from a Flex card? 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. - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. These cards are usually linked to a debit or credit card, work like an FSA, and can be a valuable plan to offset the costs of specific Medicare benefits. If she is interested, she should shop around and found out all the out of pocket expenses. Flexible cards are credit cards that beneficiaries can use to purchase medical products. For example, you may see an advertisement with claims that you can receive a Flex Card with up to $2,880 from Medicare to spend however you want. Your Medicare plan is fundamentally about your health care coverage needs. Told her I had great insurance already. Flex Card (New in 2022): Up to $1,000 each plan year to reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision, and hearing needs - on top of what may be covered in their health plan. However, let me tell you it wasnt easy to un-enroll. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Im assuming because its out of the open enrollment period. I wish you the best. Your Blue Advantage Flex Card is a prepaid debit card that helps pay for out-of-pocket costs, including: $500 for prescription hearing aids $225 for eyeglasses and contacts $200 for over-the-counter supplies ($50 per quarter) Quarter 1 (January, February, March) Quarter 2 (April, May, June) Quarter 3 (July, August, September) Medicare does not issue Goodrx.com . I called back and went through the same problem. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Barbara. 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. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. Want to know more? I suggest you check out various ads for this card. Signed, one duped sucker! Medicare Flex Spending Cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage Plans. . Aetna shouldnt be able to charge you anything without your consent. Once the card arrives, you can begin using it for qualified medical expenses like copays, deductibles, OTC medications, and other expenses. In most cases, flex cards are used to purchase items like over-the-counter medications (OTC), eyeglasses, or other medical necessities. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. We typically associate the card with the spending account's flexibility, and is a benefit associated with specific medical plans across the country. I know the money is taken out of her social security check. It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. 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. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. If you are still determined to get one, you can search online for offers. (I know, I know; wishful thinking) I would like to share my experience. Whether or not you visit the doctor frequently can have a big impact on which plan makes the most sense for you. Not long ago my husband received an aetna payflex card. The office was slightly run down. Home / Blog / Medicare News / Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? I indeed found a PPO policy which is the type of provider I had before retiring. Bottom line, do your homework before you sign up for an advantage plan. These help purchase pre-approved items like medical equipment and more. And enjoy all the PayFlex Card has to offer. Suppose you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Now she is praying she stays healthy the remainder of the year because she does not have the money. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Compare Plans. I asked her how much and she said free. Copyright 2022 Medigap.com. Medigap plans are a direct extension of Original Medicare, available through private insurance companies. The benefits of your Flex Card will vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan and carrier you choose and your area. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to meet the essential eligibility criteria for Medicare. By. You are very correct, so many companies just want your money. No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. Please everyone out there beware. Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans will advertise benefits to entice beneficiaries to call in or fill out a contact form. 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. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed private insurance companies to offer a new benefit-like-debit card (flex card). Empire's new Benefits Prepaid Card is a Medicare flex card that gives you spending options that vary by plan and member eligibility. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. , For those who enroll in a plan with a flex card, you will receive a card with a set amount of funds. ; t the only extra benefit offered by the plan because I wanted to help avoid. | how to choose your plan may limit it to dental, vision, or hearing costs OTC. Taken out of our bank account when we use it seniors available through certain Advantage. 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