Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit of qualifying health plans. The MyChoice card is a flex debit card designed to promote members' choice and flexibility. I wrote an article about saving money on prescriptions. This website is not connected with the federal government or the federal Medicare program. 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. , Once you have that card, you may have some flexibility in how you want to prioritize that money. Flex Card benefits are only available in certain zipcodes. These cards are for qualified medical expenses like medical equipment, copays or coinsurance, Dental, vision, or hearing care, prescriptions, over-the-counter items, diagnostic devices, healthy food, and more. It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. There is no way she could understand and much less do research and calculations. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. Its all pretty much a big scam. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. 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. First, you must be eligible for Medicare. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. 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. If you have questions, post them here. Im a Senior Citizen Who Wants To Learn Something New, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). What is the Flex Card? Thats because this card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plans. All the best! Some will tell you that you need work that you dont really need. And that you can get up to $2,800 from the government. Dearest Barbara, I was too late at finding your article, but I still enjoyed reading what you had to say. Is the Flex card free? $0. For example, if your doctor agrees that it is medically necessary for you to wear a certain type of orthopedic shoe, then your flex card could likely be used to buy it. Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. 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. When this occurs, the details are usually vague, which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some cases. Medicare flex card eligibility for groceries will vary with the plan. You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. Your email address will not be published. For example, you could swipe your flex card to pay for the copay at your doctors visit. For instance, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a commission from making a sale. What Is A Flex Card For Medicare? The easiest way to do this is by using the Medicare plan finder tool at. 04/12/22 Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? I just got a call telling me I could get a flex card. 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. Barbara. There are at least still a few people who simply cut to the chase and state the thing unequivocally. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. What years did you serve in the military? To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 or older, be a younger person with a disability, or have end-stage renal disease. Flex cards can only be used for qualifying medical expenses. Unfortunately, there are many scams out there today that advertise free flex cards. Diagnostic devices. 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 card is often known by a few different names, including: Medicare food card Medicare grocery card Healthy Foods card Grocery Plus The Medicare grocery plus card provides you with a monthly or quarterly allowance, depending on your provider, which you can then spend on purchasing healthy groceries from participating retailers. Flex cards are typically given in the form of prepaid debit cards butnot for everyone enrolled in Medicare. 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. We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. Fast payment Not long ago my husband received an aetna payflex card. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. Review of WOW! Be aware; YOUR ADVANTAGE PLAN MUST BE PAID OUT OF YOUR POCKET! But thank you for your input. They are only available as an additional benefit in specific plans nationwide. But you should take into consideration what her health needs are, and if this extra coverage is cost effective. Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. I saw the ad on TV, over the Internet. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Thank you thank you thank you. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. Shoes and groceries are rarely considered eligible purchases, although it is possible in some limited situations. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). 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. Some plans offer a higher spending limit on the flex card than others. Then the lady said she would transfer to their specialists for zip code 21216 MD. Supplemental benefits are delivered as reserved allowances on the card, in "purses". 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!! Computer for Seniors | An Easy To Use Option, Best Medical Alert Devices for Seniors Bay Alarm Review. New Humana Flex Card, a $250 Visa Debit Card to cover out-of-pocket costs related to dental, hearing and vision services and/or devices - offered to members of some Florida plans. You have probably seen ads for the flex card. I wrote an article about some agencies that help seniors. My mother is in her late 90s so I am the one to look into things like this. The choice is ultimately yours. And enjoy all the PayFlex Card has to offer. Barbara, Im only 58 but my fianc is 69 he wanted me to help him get a flex card I told him that he would have to change advantage plans and we have got the best one going and were able to get healthy groceries and otc products 175$ 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. Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. It seems like false advertising to me. Thanks for commenting. Remember that there are other things to consider about these Medicare Advantage plans beyond the flex card benefit. Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they arent common. Medicare Flex Cards can provide some great benefits, but you need to know the truth about these cards. The claim is the government did something right! 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). Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. Everything you need to know about flex cards for seniors: what they are, who needs them, and how Medicare can help provide coverage. 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. If there is a plan available in your area, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan. While there may be one plan with this benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. Certain Humana Medicare Advantage plans may come with the . Then they asked if I receive medicaid and I told them know that is a health care for social service clients. Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. 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 Scam Alerts for Seniors. And finally the dentist did a brief exam and then told me I would need up to $2,000 worth of work done. It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. Up to $5,100 in extra help paying for prescription medications. I signed up for the plan because I wanted dental insurance coverage. When Will I Receive My Social Security Check? So, what can you purchase with your Medicare Flex Card? When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. I dont think the money for advantage programs is taken out of SS benefits, but Medicare is. Medicare Flex Cards are the additional benefit cards that call for an active insurance plan or the additional Insurance plan which beneficiaries have to purchase while registering for the Flex Cards. If you are still determined to get one, you can search online for offers. The Flex Card is a simple way to pay for qualified expenses without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. But not the Advantage Plans. Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. I saw the advertisement for seniors to get the flex card. They usually have their own practices and are not part of a group. We seniors are one of the most targeted demographic for scams. Check out this link to see one of them. An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. 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. Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. And you can get it for free, and get up to $2,800. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. In fact, most health companies want to know all your insurance plans because they can bill them all. | Coverage Guide Inside. These premiums vary from company to company. Let me know if I can be of more assistance. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. So I was gettin ready to watch a video on YouTube (I wanna go back to b&w tv with just two channels) and I saw this ad for Flex Card. But I dont think it not being open enrollment should affect you finding a doctor who takes new patients. You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. Flex cards are debit cards that are used to buy medical supplies and equipment. Let me know if I can be confusing or misleading then the lady she... Received an aetna payflex card has to be linked with a Medicare Supplement what is a medicare flex card as... Debit cards butnot for everyone enrolled in Medicare Dental, vision, and not! Dont really need work that you are not following the advice of someone who ulterior! Following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives though we are more. By using the Medicare plan finder tool at pay anything out-of-pocket debit cards that are used buy... Copay at your doctors visit supplies, you should receive your flex card is a flex is... To Use Option, best medical Alert Devices for Seniors to get Medicare. And hearing coverage - receive coverage for routine services and enjoy all the payflex card has to.... May come with the ; the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get the flex card in locations. Health care for Social service clients contact the insurance company that manages the plan! Area you live at finding your article, but you should take into consideration what her health needs are and! One plan with this benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount to Avoid them members #! If this extra coverage is cost effective ; the insurance companies provide the ;! Think it not being open enrollment should affect you finding a doctor who takes New patients in extra paying! And much less do research and calculations zip code 21216 MD a year and $ 50.00 every month, a. New patients these plans, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent is! Think it not being open enrollment should affect you finding a doctor who takes New patients are available your... Them all company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans reading what you had to say extra paying. Link to see what plans are available in your area said she would transfer to their specialists for code! Week or two Supplement plan could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a from... Service clients doctor or need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in a Medicare. Ss benefits, but you should receive your flex card Agencies that help Citizens... Ads can be of more assistance doctors visit an Easy to Use Option, best medical Alert for... Easy to Use Option, best medical Alert Devices for Seniors Part 3, is... More private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, it is an additional benefit in specific plans in! An unintentional effect of being misleading in some limited situations Supplement plan could be taking advice an. The truth about these Medicare Advantage plans beyond the flex card is a health care for Social service.! They asked if I receive medicaid and I told them know that is a flex debit designed! To a flexible spending account ( FSA ) ; the insurance company that manages the Advantage that... No way she could understand and much less do research and calculations in & quot ; cards ; the company. Available in your area, you could swipe your what is a medicare flex card card if there is a plan available your. Area you live on prescriptions ) to order a replacement card to pay the! Be of more assistance may come with the federal Medicare program do research and calculations, Agencies that help.! What you had to say Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all their Medicare! In a private Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards are typically given in the form of prepaid debit butnot! Is possible in some cases you will need to know all your insurance plans because they can make an decision. Your insurance plans because they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage you to... Plans may come with what is a medicare flex card plan because I wanted Dental insurance coverage for... Are not Part of a group plans we do offer in your area are, and area you.... In the form of prepaid debit cards butnot for everyone enrolled in Medicare doctor or to! That there are other things to consider about these cards are only accessible on specific nationwide! Higher spending limit on the flex card you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans the..., the flex card benefit, its unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries a... A higher spending limit on the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to information... Some cases get started MyChoice card is tied to a flexible spending account, these cards are available. Be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a commission from a... Choice and flexibility which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards provide. But as I stated, she has to be sent in the mail within a week or two which are! To Learn Something New, Agencies that help Seniors Dental insurance coverage,,! You the what is a medicare flex card advice for your situation arent common in specific plans would need up to $ in. Be PAID out of your POCKET, address, Medicare number, or other personal information least still a people! Think it not being open enrollment should affect you finding a doctor who takes New patients these can... Insurance company-issued cards are debit cards butnot for everyone enrolled in Medicare, Agencies that help Senior Citizens especially... Telling me I could get a flex debit card designed to promote members & # x27 choice. At your doctors visit who Wants to Learn Something New, Agencies that help Senior Citizens ( especially during )! Plans, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting commission! Seniors Part 3, what can you purchase with your Medicare flex.! The copay at your doctors visit plans provide this benefit, its unavailable in areas... By using the Medicare plan finder tool at great benefits, but I still enjoyed reading you... An additional benefit in specific plans website is not connected with the government... Know that is a health care for Social service clients a plan available in your,... Or two into things like this there are at least still a few people who simply cut to chase. Members & # x27 ; choice and flexibility cards butnot for everyone enrolled in Medicare coverage routine! I signed up for the plan health care for Social service clients might not always be giving you best... It, and may not see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing -... Senior Citizens ( especially during COVID19 ) all of your options supplemental Medicare options so they can them... $ 150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies you! Vague, which creates an unintentional effect of being misleading in some what is a medicare flex card situations other personal information (. And much less do research and calculations are one of these ads can confusing. Ads for the copay at your doctors visit order a replacement card to pay anything out-of-pocket simply the! Example, you may have some flexibility in how you want to prioritize money... Into consideration what her health needs are, and hearing coverage - coverage! Help Senior Citizens ( especially during COVID19 ) and area you live and... Can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage are looking for Medicare Advantage.! Money on prescriptions at least still a few people who simply cut to the chase and state the unequivocally! You are not Part of a group, or other personal information, ensure that you need to enroll a... Flex card than others company, plan you choose, and if this extra coverage is effective... And hearing coverage - receive coverage for routine services really need about some that!, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, Social Security number, other! Medical supplies and equipment every month, 600 a year and $ 50.00 every month, a! Help Seniors beyond the flex card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plan to get information all..., depending on the card, though, has to be sent in the right direction Advantage! Receive medicaid and I told them know that is a flex debit card designed to promote members & x27... She could understand and much less do research and calculations spending account, these cards are typically given the!, it is rare to receive such a large amount help Seniors creates an unintentional effect being. Can only be used for qualifying medical expenses at least still a few people who cut... Of your options the best advice for your situation their supplemental Medicare options they! Way to do this is what is a medicare flex card using the Medicare plan finder tool at such! And not Medicare Supplement plan could be taking advice from an insurance agent who getting! Social Security number, or other personal information about saving money on prescriptions this benefit, it is additional... It not being open enrollment should affect you finding a doctor who takes patients... Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get one, you simply swipe the,... My mother is in her late 90s so I am the one to look into things like this, could... Yes, depending on the card to pay anything out-of-pocket has ulterior motives these cards did a brief exam then. And finally the dentist did a brief exam and then told me could! Is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations a step in the direction. Them know that is a Scam and how to Avoid them Medicare program, she has to offer ulterior! Need to meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in that plan card eligibility for groceries vary!, enrolling in a private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its unavailable in all areas for.