I saw the advertisement too and called the number. For instance, qualifying Medicare Advantage plans may offer: A $900 grocery benefit. 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. You might be giving up valuable coverage just to get the flex card. All Medicare beneficiaries pay a premium for Part B coverage, and most Medicare Advantage plans require the payment of a monthly premium. Medicare Coverage Outside the United States No! If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. Disclaimer:Medicare Allies is not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency. Elliot has a passion for helping those in need of these services to be able to find timely access to news and information that is relevant and helpful to their daily lives. The Visa Flex Card Gives you: Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers Are You a Senior That Wants To Build a Website? You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. Signed, one duped sucker! I am so pleased that my article helped you. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. Fast payment While this could be true under rare circumstances, a licensed physician must deem these items medically necessary. - Dwight D. It is common to have many Medicare-related questions running through your mind at any given time. What the heck? You should contact the plan provider to get specific information about coverage details and eligibility requirements. If your plan utilizes the Wellcare Flex Card, you will have a separate login page to manage your allowance, balance, and benefits. First, you must be eligible for Medicare. In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. The Medicare flex card program is real, and these cards can provide a great benefit in some cases. 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits explained in plain text. 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. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. If you have great eyesight but have trouble hearing the television, a hearing consult might be your first choice. You can use your Medicare Flex Card to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with your Medicare coverage. Review of WOW! Can Senior Citizens Use the Internet? at Medicare.gov to locate Advantage plans in your area. Convey is the leading supplemental benefits administrator that can streamline your operations and efforts. The cards can also only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries. In fact, most health companies want to know all your insurance plans because they can bill them all. Many health insurance companies use these flex cards as an incentive to get people to enroll in their plans. Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. 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. So I went to the office covered by the plan. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. Do your calculations. Suppose you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Well, the Flex card is an insurance plan. Worried about potential Medicare scams? When logging in for the first time, you will have to create a new account by clicking the "Get Started" button. For instance, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a commission from making a sale. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. Do I Have What It Takes To Be an Entrepreneur? So if you have to pay for an Advantage Plan up front, then it follows that this Flex Card isnt free. 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. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. I called back and went through the same problem. I found a dentist that offers very good services as well as respecting the reduced fees for dental visits and restorative services. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? Flex cards are not part of the federal Medicare program and Medicare does not distribute these cards. Spread the word to your friends to be very careful! The advertisements include claims that lead beneficiaries to believe they can receive a flex card with up to $2,880 from Medicare to spend as they choose. In-Network. Our team of dedicated, licensed agents can help you as little or as much as you need. Hope this answer is helpful. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, its only on a few specific plans. The flex cards biggest benefit is the ability to prioritize funds for your specific needs. * 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, what is a flex card? I knew it was not what it appeared to be. If you want to learn more about the flex card, just keep reading. Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. Dear Lillian: Thank you for your input. Go ahead and contact the insurance company that manages the Advantage plan to get started. I went to DuckDuckGo and entered the term and you were the first hit and I started reading. Private Medicare Advantage plans distribute the cards in these ads not Original Medicare. I saw the advertisement for seniors to get the flex card. Have you called this new insurance and told them about your issues? Not all Medicare Advantage plans come with a flex card either. I just got a call telling me I could get a flex card. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. (I know, I know; wishful thinking) I would like to share my experience. The plan also covered vision expenses. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. The pitch in their ads are If you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in your state, you will receive an . I am not an insurance specialist, and find I have my own challenges. I am so glad you learned the truth! I bet it is a form of advertising that they hope to hook you in once you call them. If your Medicare Advantage plan allows over-the-counter items as part of the flex benefit. Utilities, water, electric, phone, cable TV So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. Thanks again. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your Flex Card benefits to pay copays and deductibles for healthcare provider copays. Flex: $0* Flex Rx: $39.40. After calculating that I would be out a certain amount of money by year end due to the extra premiums, I decided an Advantage plan was not for me. A Medicare Flex Card is a new benefit from private insurance companies offering Medicare Part C health plans. I am glad I did not get the card Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. Diagnostic devices. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. This tool makes it easy to search for and compare plans in your area. 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) However, most insurance companies don't offer near $2,800. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed private insurance companies to offer a new benefit-like-debit card (flex card). But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. Your situation also dictates which plan is best for you. The amount of money youre allowed to spend varies wildly depending on your carrier, plan, and area. You may help a fellow senior avoid a scam or a program where they lose money. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. What memory is most important to you? How do you qualify for a senior Flex Card? Flex cards can be used for eligible medical expenses. Hopefully your experience and telling about it here on this comment will help others. And have wondered if it is legitimate. Now that you have found a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a flex card, how do you sign up? Then it stated that we should log into AetnaMedicare.com if there are any questions. The answer is, not really. Once in awhile in my posts, I do like to say what I am really thinking. It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. Whether its answering a few questions about Medicare or creating a comprehensive Medicare Planner with you, we are your Medicare Allies. Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer flex cards provide them at no additional charge. How I Make Money Online as a Senior Citizen; It Takes Work! Easily manage your Flex Spend Card or Shop Healthy Card with UPMC Medicare Flex! Check with your plan provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card. 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. Updated. This card would allow beneficiaries to use funds from the private insurance carrier for medical services. And even if the ad is legitimate, be aware that there are lots of scams out there. 122 W. Prairie Avenue Decatur, Illinois 62523 Toll-Free: 833-801-7999. DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay And you can get it for free, and get up to $2,800. A new benefit getting a lot of attention is Medicare Flex Cards. Enrollment in Medicare is not enough to get one, and you cannot buy just anything with the card. If you have access to her insurance information, I would check to see what she is paying. 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. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of items that can be paid for with your flex card. How To Find A Medicare Advantage Plan With A Flex Card, Eligible Expenses For A Medicare Flex Card. But that simply isnt true. You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. The claim is the government did something right! Check out this article about phone scams seniors should avoid. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical Insurance Plan. Barbara, Janice: I explained in my article that the flex card will cost you. Medicare does not issue Goodrx.com . The benefits are for items approved by your health insurance plan. On the other hand, Medicare Supplement plans allow beneficiaries to save money while receiving the benefits they need to reduce Original Medicare costs. 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