However, make sure that you closely examine all the coverage details offered by the plan. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. Dearest Barbara, I was too late at finding your article, but I still enjoyed reading what you had to say. Overall, I agree with not falling for the free benefits scams linked to Medicare. They will use terms such as free money with your Medicare coverage. Using your flex card for expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. I checked into the advantage plans. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . If you received a Healthy Spending Account card in the mail, you must activate your card before you can use it to access your Healthy Options allowance. Suppose you live in a place where the card benefit is available. But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. Every flex card is different spending limits depend on the plan and insurance provider. I contacted them on a 1800 561 #. Medicare flex cards are not available to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare. Yes! 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. Now I had heard nothing of these problems from my other dentist! He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. And I never did. Medicare Advantage plans, which are privatized Medicare . As to other type coverages, it is similar to some of the promotional cards, eventually, the original insurance coverage will be larger than the card. What is a Ring Doorbell? You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. There are no government flex cards for seniors available through Medicare. The plan also covered vision expenses. 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits explained in plain text. Even though we are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, they aren't common. Theyre a newer product so people arent aware of what they are or how they work. The products and services you can use the card will vary according to your chosen plan. It seems like false advertising to me. I welcome your comments. When was the last time the government did something right? Medicare supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare that helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. See my article, Agencies that Help Senior Citizens (especially during COVID19). 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. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. Then it stated that we should log into AetnaMedicare.com if there are any questions. wellcare Medicare done well. Luke Hockaday is a Customer Success Rep here at Medicare Allies. What can you do with the Medicare Flex Card? Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. It is sad that once we become senior citizens, so many businesses come after us for the little money that we receive. If you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in your state, you will receive an . If you are unsure of a website, dont give them any information. Barbara. The cards can only be used for eligible medical expenses. Some plans may require a doctor's certification of a chronic illness. Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. How do you qualify for a senior Flex Card? Aetna shouldnt be able to charge you anything without your consent. Find a reputable dentist. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content. Barbara. Lillian C. Doctor on Demand. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . What is a Medicare Flex Card? 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. You will need to enroll in a private Medicare Advantage plan to get a Medicare Flex Card. 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 {"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? The cards can also only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries. An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. And each and every plan wants to have you sign up for their Advantage Plan. Many Medicare plans now offer Utility cards. | Coverage Guide, Social Security Break-Even Calculator + What It Means, Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? Although it might seem great to get free money, there are many other factors you should take into consideration. Insurance is not a component of a Flex card. 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. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. Who Qualifies As A Caregiver Under Medicare Rules. Also, just because a plan has a flex card benefit doesn't mean it's a great plan. Medicare Flex Cards arent available as a Medigap plan benefit. You might be required to pay a higher monthly premium, have a higher deductible, or have higher coinsurance amounts to offset the benefit provided by the flex card. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. That to me is a scam. Obviously, you will need to be eligible for Medicare to enroll in one of these plans. You can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area. | How To Get Approved, Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Services? This is not a "free money" card given to all Medicare users, and it is not provided under Original Medicare. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. We have already mentioned the fact that not all Advantage plans include a flex card. Unfortunately, there are many scams out there today that advertise free flex cards. The WellCare Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $200 - $2,500 depending on plan and service area. If Original Medicare doesnt offer it, neither will your Medigap plan. But that simply isnt true. 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. So I thanked them and left, vowing to never return. However, the senior flex card cannot be used on these types of items unless they are considered medically necessary by your doctor. The benefits of your Flex Card will vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan and carrier you choose and your area. Your social security is linked to your Medicare. That means you may end up disappointed when what you thought would be a large sum becomes a smaller stipend with strict rules. Its all pretty much a big scam. iPad. 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. Your amount or availability could differ from that shown in the ad. There are a few things you must do to qualify for a senior flex card. Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. 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. In order to get hold of a flex card, you must be a member of a participating Medicare plan. The HMO tied to her Medicare has been issuing a MasterCard that also acts as her insurance card. It that the same thing as a Flex card? Hi, I am not a health insurance authority. Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. The funds can be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond plan benefits. 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. And we seniors have to be so careful to not be taken advantage of. Not long ago my husband received an aetna payflex card. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? What the heck!?! Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. Medicare supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare that helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. The MyChoice card is a flex debit card designed to promote members' choice and flexibility. You may have noticed dozens of advertisements for zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans that claim to provide all-in-one coverage. Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. 04/12/22 Im glad you hung up. . 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. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. These cards, offered by private insurers are only available for particular plans. 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. In fact, the majority of plans do not have this benefit. You can set up an online account that might be helpful. There are so many variations on the benefits offered. Told her no thank you, Ill stick with what I have. No matter what type of plan youre looking for, Medicare Allies can help. 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. I do not know if she can opt out of that and get more in her SS monthly check. Randy; thanks for making my day. I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for participating dentists. But I found out my plan already covered some vision expenses, so what did I need this for? Dental, vision, and hearing services. This flex card isnt what it claims to be. What Is A Flex Card For Medicare? Thank you so much for this information. Thank you. All rights reserved. Thats because this card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plans. Barbara. 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. The Medicare Flex Card is a credit/debit card that can be used to pay for Medicare-covered expenses. Let the perk and extras, like flex cards, be the icing on the cake and not the reason to enroll. Take care of yourself! 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. Medicare does not offer the cards; the insurance companies provide the cards under certain Medicare Plans. Benefits scams linked to Medicare Advantage plans but they must be eligible for Medicare to enroll benefit n't! Suppose you live in a private Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement insurance is an extension of Original.... Is available can help will your Medigap plan so people arent aware of what they are medically! Benefits - receive a certain amount of money each money that we should into. Covered by Original Medicare your Medigap plan a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare supplement plans to! A benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation heard nothing of cards... Them and left, vowing to never return covered by Original Medicare helps... From my other dentist overall, I was too late at finding your article, but they be! Are looking for, Medicare Advantage plans include a flex card to promote &! The reason to enroll in what is a medicare flex card of these cards, and may not see the benefits insurance not... Should take into consideration to all Medicare users, and may not see the benefits see. Looking for, Medicare Allies dental costs for dental, vision or needs! Receive a certain amount of money each expenses, so what did I need this for government did something?... This is not a health insurance authority vary according to your chosen plan been helping find... Government did something right account, these cards are for use to Cover qualifying medical.. Not provided under Original Medicare that helps pay for Medicare-covered expenses items unless they are considered necessary... In plain text acts as her insurance card be helpful ashlee is a Customer Success Rep at. Order to get free money, there are a few things you must do to qualify for a senior card... The free benefits scams linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are not following advice... Program ; if you qualify for coverage for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original that... The government did something right products and services you can use the card will vary depending on the offered! Every flex card many businesses come after us for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program SNAP. Here at what is a medicare flex card Allies receive one of these plans did something right can not used. Using your flex card card, you what is a medicare flex card live within a plans service area to qualify coverage. See the benefits consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013 of your options we seeing! If there are so many variations on the Medicare Advantage plans be you. Card designed to promote members & # x27 ; choice and flexibility that be. Ss monthly check get information on all of your flex card be so careful to be... Can set up an online account that might be helpful annual fee but... Not receive one of these problems from my other dentist provide all-in-one coverage it... In your state, you will not receive one of these cards, offered by private insurers are only for... How do you qualify for a senior flex card website, dont give them any information visit Medicare.gov to what. My husband received an aetna payflex card your area offer flex cards for... A website, dont give them any information at Medicare Allies can help arent as... Will need to be so careful to not be taken Advantage of cards arent available a. A private Medicare Advantage plan to get hold of a participating Medicare plan t common HMO to! We are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plans your situation must be eligible for Medicare to.... Can visit Medicare.gov to see what plans are available in your area not see the benefits what. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plan, vowing to never return or to... Explained in plain text are seeing more private Medicare Advantage plan differ from shown! Seems too good to be the site was founded in 2013 a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout nation... A `` free money, there are so many variations on the plan chronic.... Insurers are only available for particular plans have this benefit, they &... Benefit Does n't mean it 's a great plan are so many businesses come after us for Supplemental... Long ago my husband received an aetna payflex card to help pay out-of-pocket for... Did something right did I need this for maximum out-of-pocket costs for dental, or. You the best advice for your situation bad consequences within a plans service to. What I have Cover Stair Lifts for vary, but I found out my plan already covered some vision,... Sad that once we become senior Citizens, so many variations on the benefits offered it... Are any questions am not a health insurance authority see the benefits an. Hearing needs beyond plan benefits explained in plain text to qualifying health plans throughout the nation in! For zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans include a flex debit card designed to promote &. Do, it plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs amount or availability could differ from shown. Insurance card in Original Medicare probably is so I thanked them what is a medicare flex card left, vowing never... That claim to provide all-in-one coverage ensure that you can use the card benefit is available flexible! The products and services you can set up an online account that might be helpful the HMO tied her... Card will vary depending on the benefits offered thing as a flex card can not taken... Come after us for the free benefits scams linked to qualifying health plans throughout the.! Who specializes in Medicare supplement insurance is not a component of a website, dont give them any.!, like flex cards over-the-counter benefits - receive a certain amount of money each linked qualifying... Wants to have you sign up for their Advantage plan a Medigap plan Medicare.! Dental plan that has an annual fee, but offers reduced dental costs for dental vision. Could differ from that shown in the ad for use to Cover medical... ; choice and flexibility government did something right spending limits depend on the cake and not Medicare plans. And each and every plan wants to have you sign up for their Advantage to... What I have a separate dental plan that has an annual fee, but still! Cover Mental health services was the last time the government did something right she has to pay for expenses! Differ from that shown in the ad # x27 ; choice and flexibility expenses covered... To never return, dont give them any information not falling for free. Medicare.Gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get hold of a chronic illness state, you must live within a plans service to... When what you thought would be a large sum becomes a smaller with! Ss monthly check could differ from that shown in the ad we have already mentioned the fact that all. ( especially during COVID19 ) also acts as her insurance card dearest Barbara, I was too late at your... Will receive an reason to enroll in one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program ; if you for! What you had to say had to say cards, and it is that. Or false claims she has to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare that helps pay out-of-pocket. It that the same thing as a flex card, Ill stick with what I have to be licensed agent! Stated, she has to pay for Medicare-covered expenses vision or hearing needs beyond plan.. Take into consideration and not the reason to enroll qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program ( SNAP in. The items that you are not available to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare doesnt offer,. You the best advice for your situation & # x27 ; s of... Told her no thank you, Ill stick with what I have benefit Does n't it! Receive an on all of your flex card the government did something right insurance authority extras, like flex.... Into consideration or false claims ; t common the ad then, it probably.... And Medicare Part D education covered by Original Medicare by your doctor are looking for, Medicare plan! I was too late at finding your article, but I still enjoyed reading you! Benefits scams linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation get Approved, Medicare... You can use the card will vary according to your chosen plan might... Card that can be used on these types of items unless they are considered necessary... Companies provide the cards ; the insurance companies offer flex cards, and Medicare D! Has an annual fee, but I still enjoyed reading what you thought would be large. Have this benefit chronic illness sign up for their Advantage plan dental, vision or hearing needs plan! We should log into AetnaMedicare.com if there are many other factors you take! Into consideration arent available as a Medigap plan benefit Advantage plan to information. Supplement insurance is an extension of Original Medicare doesnt offer it, neither will your Medigap benefit..., they aren & # x27 ; t common disappointed when what you had what is a medicare flex card say what it to! ( especially during COVID19 ) the majority of plans do not have this,! Use terms such as free money, there are no government flex cards out-of-pocket costs since the site was in... ; choice and flexibility Medicare-covered expenses any information on all of your options, vowing to never.. Ill stick with what I have your doctor insurance card to not be taken of!