Once we are notified, we will order cards for the new members, based on the enrollment information received from the employer. Most legitimate organizations require you to reach out first; they wont contact you unsolicited. They are non-taxed accounts that are used to pay for certain medical expenses not covered by employer plans. Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. You may also want to contact your primary care doctor and local pharmacist to head off any attempts by scammers to use your information. Wellcare Visa Flex Card? In some cases, you can use your card to purchase healthy groceries at participating stores as well. Medicare does not issue the flex card. Flex card offers that claim to give you free money are also a red flag because, put simply, they arent giving you free money. Each insurer sets its own terms for the spending limit and permitted uses. Flex cards aren't the only extra benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans. The Flex Card is a preloaded debit card that is available in a variety of categories for eligible medical care beneficiaries. Always be aware of whats going on around you, and dont let anyone approach you without your permission. A flex card for seniors is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. Visa flex card I got a email from the flex card program that said I could get up to 10,000 in credit. The flex card for seniors offer is typically tied to a Medicare Advantage plan. Ultimately, the amount of money that you may be able to receive on a flex card varies depending on where you live and what plan you select. . If the Medicare plan offered $1000 of Dental benefits and the Flex card has a $500 allowance then you would have a total benefit of $1500. Verify: Can Medicare recipients receive a free Medicare flex card? So, you must live in an area where at least one of these plans is available and sign up during a qualifying Medicare enrollment period. You're just a few steps away from seeing your Medicare plan options, Understanding The Different Life Insurance Options. But most of the time, youll be drawn to a scam that will take all your money. Learn more about our editorial and advertising policies. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. . Flex cards are not available in every state or with every carrier. The senior flex card is usually linked to a Medicare Advantage plan. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Medicare flex cards for seniors are available exclusively through private insurance companies. While the claim may be objectively true, consider how these funds are dispersed. Got questions about the flex card for seniors? Flex cards are tied to health insurance, and these flex card for seniors are actually a health insurance marketing tactic designed to lure seniors into switching to specific Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement. Once you receive your Humana Spending Account Card in the mail, you must activate it before you can use it. If you dont read the fine print carefully, you may end up paying the price in other areas of your plan. Qualify [sic] Seniors Can Spend up to $2,880 each year for medical appointments prescriptions and more. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. (The website) may receive paid compensation for clicks or sales produced from the content found on this webpage.. However, this is entirely not true. Medicare-qualifying beneficiaries can use pre-loaded flex cards to pay for medical costs. certain items that can be purchased with an EBT card. Thats not accurate at all. $125 food and $500 medical. You can report scams online with the FTC complaint assistant or by a phone call. A Facebook post says that senior citizens can get a Medicare "flex card" that pays for groceries and prescriptions. How can you lower the costs of your groceries and still get the nutritious food that will keep you . 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. The message states, "Sixty years old or older, you now qualify for the new national senior assistance to receive $3,000 in free grocery savings certificates.". Dental, vision, and hearing services. We were unable to find any Flex Cards that actually had the $2,880 that they originally advertised. . A flex card is not included with government-provided Medicare plans. "It was stated it was set up by the government with Medicare for senior citizens . Depending on the advertisement, some claimed these cards could be worth $2,880 or more! However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . On many of the sites advertising the flex card for seniors, youll find a warning like this: Please be aware that this is an advertisement and not an actual news article, blog, or consumer protection update. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. Historically, the open enrollment period between October and December is a prime time for scammers who want to prey on seniors because this is when seniors can change their health care plans. Fake phone calls are designed to get your personal information, credit card number, or other financial information in exchange for phony products or unsolicited (and often inaccurate) advice. While flex cards may be offered as part of Medicare Advantage plans, there is no government flex card for seniors. The card also has no role in government-funded programs. If you have regular, recurring medical expenses, this quarterly flex card model may work for you, but if your health needs are more variable, upfront funds may be a better choice. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Phone: (800) 783-5901. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Get a personalized Home Insurance quote now. In fact, we could not find any plans that offer Flex Cards with a benefit anywhere near that amount of money. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). In the case of Original Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or report online at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Facebook posts advertise a "Medicare Flex Card" that seniors can use to pay for expenses such as groceries. Christmas In this article, were going to answer your most important questions, including: Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. What conditions are part of the Medicare Advantage plan that goes along with the card? Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. They can be used to buy medical equipment, medical expenses, and certain other items. . Hi Theresa. Ultimately, you are responsible for your financial and other decisions. So, why does the Center for Medicare & MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States. Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. While these cards come with the advantage of directly available funds that can be used at your discretion for healthcare expenses, getting a flex card may be more complicated than advertisements make it appear and may come with additional costs and complications worth considering. Aside from that, there are also many websites that have affiliate relationships with various Medicare Advantage providers, which means they get a commission if they can lure you into a sale. So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. Key Takeaways. Avoid captive agents whenever possible. If it seems to be any fraudulent activities, you should keep away from those sources. The largest legitimate flex plan I found included a $1,000 flex card and a $50 monthly debit card for other out-of-pocket costs, for a total of $1,600 per year. As a senior citizen, you may qualify for assistance programs that can help with health care costs, nutrition, and access to community volunteer activities and employment opportunities, among other benefits. Were here to help you make the right decision for your dental care needs and explain when Medicare covers dental services. Dont fall for it. Tools such as state insurance databases can help you look up agent or company credentials. That's a lot less than . In the case of Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or1-877-7SAFERX. We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. If a scammer calls you or your older adult to ask for their Medicare number or other personal information, hang up immediately. Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. If youve provided any credit card information, notify your card provider and cancel the cards to reduce the risk of any fraudulent spending. In addition, policyholders cannot carry both Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance. Senior people over 50 are prone to . Posted on Published: November 22, 2021- Last updated: November 17, 2022. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. Assurances license information can be found here. You may be eligible for survivor benefits from the government following a family member's death. Another option for dental coverage is to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits. Using a flex card is like using a debit card. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. According to Healthcare.gov, a flex card can be used to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. Assurance IQ, LLC is not affiliated with Assurance Agency, Ltd., nor any government agency. You need to check out their program and their plans. This year only certain foods with the $125 and only certain medical on the $500. Flex Cards are essentially seen as a type of reimbursement for medical expenses. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides nutritious, domestically-sourced USDA foods to low-income persons 60 years or older. Flex cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plans. Many states have a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program that can assist you in navigating these complex benefits. Medicare is very complicated as it has many parts. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. Health insurance fraud results in losses of up to $300 billion each year. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. However, whats covered may vary from provider to provider. This might include higher deductible payments, larger copayment percentages, or an increase in your average healthcare premium. We bought a medical item and it came off the $125. To be eligible for SSI cash benefits, your countable resources must be less than $2,000 for an individual, and $3,000 . In such a case, you will need to wait until the General Enrollment Period to sign up for Original Medicare. 2. As a general rule, you should never provide your sensitive personal information online to unknown organizations. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. This year that benefit happens to be the Flex card for seniors. Its also worrisome if theres no information to be found at all. There is a lot of government department and platform to provide free government money for seniors over 50. college Developing senior leaders in the U.S. Government through Leadership for a Democratic Society, Custom Programs and Interagency Courses. Heres what you need to know about flex cards and their function. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications, including USA Today, The Daily Herald, The Chronicle and more. If the Medicare plan offered $1000 of Dental benefits and the Flex card has a $500 allowance then you would have a total benefit of $1500. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Its always good to work with a licensed broker who can guide you. Most of the time it is a combined benefit . These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. The government does not set up Flex Card but these are connected to a specific health insurance plan. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. For the 2023 plan year, the average is $500. A Guide for Older Adults . The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. Health Plans have the freedom to create flexible benefit accounts that cover multiple categories to best suit member needs. Since insurance operates on the risk-reduction model, this information is relevant to help your provider create an accurate insurance quote. In my experience, the best way to find a trustworthy Medicare counselor is to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. THE ANSWER. What they dont tell you is that this is basically just a flex card with a new and exciting name. Fraud may also be carried out by companies who offer services that they never deliver or who obtain customers personal data and then use it to commit identity theft. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and cant be used to get FREE money or cash back. Jan 10 2012. you can get a Flex Card worth up to $2,880 from Medicare. For example, one plan might offer a flex card with $2,000 pre-loaded on the card at the beginning of each year that is then topped up to $2,000 every year thereafter. Even if you are eligible, its important to evaluate any Medicare Advantage plan very carefully. These cards are offered only by insurance companies that provide these flexible cards. This is a marketing . cheap Seniors can get their "Medicare Flex Card" for a limited time. The cards are available in limited geographic areas. Therefore, if the Flex card has a $500 allowance and the Medicare plan offers, let's say, $1000 in dental benefits, your total benefit for the year would be $1500. Misconceptions about Medicare flex cards. Health plans with a WEX Medicare Advantage flex card are versatile to provide members flexibility on how and where to spend supplemental dollars on various eligible healthcare costs, such as: Flex Cards are not compatible with Medicare Supplement InsuranceMedicare Supplements are additional insurance policies that Medicare beneficiaries can purchase to cover the gaps in their Original Medicare health insurance coverage. Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, your provider will ask for personal and medical information to determine the overall cost of your plan and the best mix of coverages and limits that work for you. Money on the card can be used to pay for specific health services, such as dental or vision care, prescriptions, or even healthy groceries. And youre wondering is it real or is it a scam? You may have noticed dozens of advertisements for zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans that claim to provide all-in-one coverage. Most of the time it is a combined benefit annually to be used for either dental, vision or hearing. They may be advantageous to seniors who have a Medicare plan. If you have a Medigap policy that covers the Medicare Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Additionally, there may be any fraud that can attract you to go plans by any risky platforms. In order to qualify for a flex card, you must qualify for a health insurance plan with a flexible spending account. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. It is a pre-paid debit card that can be used to pay for dental, vision . For example, you might see an offer for a flex card with a $1,000 balance but if the insurance plan tied to the card comes with a $25 per month increase over your current Medicare Advantage premium and doubles your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you could end up paying more each year even with your flex 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. Is the senior flex card legitimateno, the Senior Flex Card is not a legitimate form of payment. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. A Flex card is provided by an insurance company on behalf of a Flex card licensee. While advertising for these cards may make it seem like youre being given free money to spend on healthcare expenses, this is not exactly true. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Typically linked to a flexible spending account, these cards are a benefit linked to qualifying health plans throughout the nation. members to the flexible spending program who need a flex debit card. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. Please note that this line is for HEARING AIDS and not for information about the Flex Cards. The money on these cards is offered in addition to existing insurance coverage and allows cardholders to use them as they see fit. How Does an EBT Card Work? Learn what some Flex Card benefits may offer and whether it's something that may be useful to you. Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). I got scammed on the last offer all they wanted was me to change to them for Medicare coverage I dont know where they get people to say they got a flex card. FSAs also require you to pay for covered health services out-of-pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement, while flex cards let you access money for costs directly. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. The main benefit of a flex card is the additional funds to pay for the expenses of medical supplies. Yet, this depends on how long you delayed Medicare benefits without creditable coverage. Military funeral and burial honors. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? Only talk to them if they approach you first. Does any of this value roll over to the next year? For a total of $1,600 per year, the most extensive valid flex plan identified featured a $1,000 flex card and a $50 monthly debit card for other out-of-pocket expenses. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1800MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options. When it comes to flex cards, its worth reading the fine print to make sure youre eligible for a card before agreeing to the plan. What Is A Seniors Flex Card. Scammers will:1. Expanded Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Seniors. You probably heard the news about $2888 Medicare Government Flex card for seniors, such as this article: "Americans Over 65 Are Rushing To Claim Their Flex C. I was able to identify many flex cards from legitimate insurers like Humana but I could not find any that offered as much money as the advertisements claimed. Nicole started Low Income Relief after a personal experience with poverty. Instead of offering flex cards for seniors, now theyre offering an All-Access Black Card. They will explain the important details of the coverage in the plan. But in some cases, fraud may be more subtle. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. As a result, its worth asking your prospective provider-specific questions and demanding clear answers in return. When you sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage goes into effect on the first day of the following month. Our agents are ready to help you review your options and find the most cost-effective plan for your needs. This is because flex cards are offered as part of private insurers Medicare Advantage plans, not as stand-alone items. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . library For example, theCalifornia Department of Insuranceoffers their Check a License tool that provides both license status and any records of disciplinary action, and many states departments of insurance have similar resources. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. Posts claiming to provide a spending card for adults over the age of 51 through government programs are a scam. Qualified employees can enroll in the business retirement plan during the first 60 days after experiencing a QLE, such as marriage or the birth of a child. Housing help. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. To qualify, you generally need to be at least 65 years old and to have lived in the United States for at least five years as a citizen or permanent resident.