Now I had heard nothing of these problems from my other dentist! Copyright 2022 Medigap.com | All rights reserved | 382 NE 191st Street, Ste 57537, Miami, FL 33179. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Many seniors may not be able to access a flex card plan because theyre not nationally available. Your health insurance card and flex card should arrive in the mail a few days after your enrollment is completed. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. However, that is not the case! Flexi card is for the employer's plan. 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. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. The HMO tied to her Medicare has been issuing a MasterCard that also acts as her insurance card. Collecting Unemployment While On SSDI/SSI. I like the doctor Im seeing, but hes out of network, for this policy which means to keep seeing him with this policy, I will have to pay a co-pay that I cant afford. There are significant, differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. I welcome your comments. Cosmetic services are not covered. I tried to test on this flexi card. Is your husband on Medicare already? 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. She said TX. Before I tell you about it, I suggest you do your homework. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Other Medicare plans, like Medicare Supplement plans, will not have flex cards. Obviously, you will need to be eligible for Medicare to enroll in one of these plans. iPad. The plan also covered vision expenses. Is It Safe For the Elderly To Live Alone? Dental, vision, and hearing services. And I never did. Finally, ensure that you are looking for Medicare Advantage plans and not Medicare supplement plans. Medicare Flex Card is used to cover qualified Medicare expenses such as copayments, deductibles, and other medically approved expenses. Theyre a newer product so people arent aware of what they are or how they work. Call or visit your local Social Security Administration office. Your amount or availability could differ from that shown in the ad. Barbara. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that comes preloaded with a certain amount of money that may be used on specific healthcare expenses, and they're often marketed to seniors on Medicare. 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) 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. Using the Wellcare Medicare Flex Card. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. So, you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the flex card benefit. You won't be using yours to buy groceries or to put gas in the fuel tank. So again, check her paperwork. The items that you can use the card for vary, but they must be eligible medical expenses. She found out about it after the first and so far only doctor visit this year. And I am just here to sayBravo! And have wondered if it is legitimate. Also, good to know that people are reading this post, because I think the Flex card is a ripoff. I also explain to her that I had Blue cross blue shield, then states there is no specialist at this time. The cards can also only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses which rarely include shoes or groceries. Which I highly recommend you read. wellcare Medicare done well. They are similar to debit cards, and you can use them to pay for eligible medical expenses. If you have access to her insurance information, I would check to see what she is paying. Again: Bravo! Suppose you live in a place where the card benefit is available. And contact Social Security to find out what her account says. Upon enrollment in one of these plans, you should receive your flex card in the mail within a week or two. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. It gives her $150.00 every three months, $ 450.00 a year and $ 50.00 every month, 600 a year. You will not receive one of these cards from the Federal Medicare program; if you do, it is a scam. It can be used at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 3, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? What they do not say is that you many not be able to cover one of these much less all of them from the amount you get. Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. I for one am so sick of all the scrap that is out there geared for seniors as if we are so brain addled that we cannot see a ripoff for what it is! Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to use your Flex Card benefits to pay copays and deductibles for healthcare provider copays. 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. But as I stated, she has to pay for it, and may not see the benefits. An Overview of Medicare Flex Cards People can use debit cards known as Medicare "Flex Cards" to buy medical items and supplies. The Medicare flex card program is real, and these cards can provide a great benefit in some cases. Groceries, I was very disappointed with my plan and dropped it when I realized it wouldnt really help me. Thanks again. So you will need to make sure your new plans network covers your physicians. Medicare flex card eligibility for groceries will vary with the plan. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. So, what is a Medicare flex card? Many TV commercials would have you believe that you can use the card to buy groceries, clothing, shoes, and many other items. Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. I saw the advertisement too and called the number. Vital Rx Flex | Flex Rx Flex | Flex Rx PPO Monthly Premium 1. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. All the best! To be eligible, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the card benefit. Not all plans are available in all areas, and you must live within a plans service area to qualify for coverage. These cards, offered by private insurers are only available for particular plans. Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. Barbara, Thank you so much for this article! Scam Alerts for Seniors Part 2, What is a Scam and How to Avoid Them? Social Security Change Of Address | Complete How-To Guide, How To Get A New Social Security Card | Full [2022] Guide. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Flex Spending Cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage Plans. By. 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. I contacted them on a 1800 561 #. 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. A flex card for seniors on Medicare is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. You may have noticed dozens of advertisements for zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans that claim to provide all-in-one coverage. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. 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. Deductibles, taxes, over-the-counter medicines, and medical supplies may all be included in this expense coverage. 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. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Check with your plan provider for details on what items to buy and where to use your card. The funds can be used to help pay for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan. Im glad you hung up. I am glad you are being careful about investigating your health plans. If you have expenses that these plans cover, then you might benefit from getting a plan. It is an additional benefit for specific plans offered in select locations. Since not all areas and Medicare Advantage plans provide this benefit, its dependent on your region. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. 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. There are significant differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. Medicare Coverage Outside the United States Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. Remember that Medicare flex cards are not distributed by Original Medicare. I made several phone calls, got the run around and had to get rather nasty to have them cancel my coverage. They usually have their own practices and are not part of a group. If you get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you can call 1 . 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. Save time and hassles while making the most of your Flex Spend Card or Shop Healthy Card by quickly checking your balances and details. However, enrollment in just any Medicare plan wont do it. No premiums right just $267 dollars a day for the first 5 days in the hospital and everything has a copay. I do not trust anything regarding Medicare free related. Can Amazons Alexa Together Help Your Senior Loved One? We'll email you new posts as we add them. Thats because this card is exclusive to Medicare Advantage plans. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Then the lady said she would transfer to their specialists for zip code 21216 MD. Review of WOW! Flex cards are not available through Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans). I bet it is a form of advertising that they hope to hook you in once you call them. Extra Benefits In Some Plans You can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Check out the Medicare Advantage PPO plans listed below to see which one may best fit your needs. Should I Get One? Computer for Seniors | An Easy To Use Option, Best Medical Alert Devices for Seniors Bay Alarm Review. This card is normally connected with a flexible spending account and is a benefit associated with health plans across the country. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? 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. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. I would dispose of the card, and yes, cut it up. Seniors can use the Flex Card to cover eligible medical costs with no out-of-pocket costs easily. | Coverage Guide Inside. Lets take care of each other. What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security? Flex Rates licensing information can be found, Using the click to call button will connect you to a licensed insurance agent, A licensed insurance agent will answer your call. From what you say the insurance company may not be willing to disclose this info and allow me to opt her out of it. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. I wish that the government website for Medicare (www.medicare.gov) had an article about this card. Thanks for your comment. What memory is most important to you? You cant use these cards at any store like you do your bank debit card. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. Qualifying for a flex card means enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a flex card benefit. Health (1 days ago) WebThe Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit card that helps eligible seniors pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs and other approved items. What is a Medicare Flex Card? Hopefully your experience and telling about it here on this comment will help others. You might find yourself owing taxes or penalties on the money used for non-qualified expenses. Category: Health Detail Health The flex card is one benefit that some plans offer. 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. However, this is almost never the case. Its all pretty much a big scam. Yes, depending on the insurance company, plan you choose, and area you live. Overall, I agree with not falling for the free benefits scams linked to Medicare. If your plan utilizes the Wellcare Flex Card, you will have a separate login page to manage your allowance, balance, and benefits. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides this benefit. 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. She stated she did not know why. 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. Using your flex card for expenses that do not qualify could have bad consequences. Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. Best of all, one debit card can provide access to all Flex Accounts - FSA, HSA, HRA and Commuter. Be aware; YOUR ADVANTAGE PLAN MUST BE PAID OUT OF YOUR POCKET! In the mail within a plans service area to qualify for coverage your Advantage plan that offers card. Listed below to see what she is paying that people are reading this,. Part a and Part B and enroll in a Medicare Advantage providers program is,. So people arent aware of what they what is a medicare flex card similar to debit cards, issued private. Medical supplies may all be included in this browser for the Elderly to live Alone by Original Medicare for... 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