Lately, there have been many misleading advertisements about Medicare benefits that may or may not be available. One of those misleading advertisements concerns the flex card currently offered by some health insurers that offer Medicare Advantage plans.

Beneficiaries can use flex cards to buy medical equipment and other items. These are debit cards typically associated with a flexible spending account. These cards are a benefit available to qualifying health plans nationwide.

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Only specific plans offer these cards, which private insurance companies issue. Spending limits for the cards vary by plan and carrier. The flex card benefit is not widely available in Medicare Advantage plans, but a few plans throughout the nation do offer it.

The TV commercials that advertise the Medicare Flex Card are unusually misleading, and it’s surprising to many of us in the industry that CMS hasn’t put a stop to the Medicare Flex Card scam.

In this article, we intend to set the record straight about flex cards so that seniors who are skeptical or confused about flex cards will be aware of the who, when, where, and how much.

How can Seniors get a Flex Card?

Seniors can get a flex card if they are enrolled in a qualifying health plan that offers this benefit. Flex cards are typically linked to a flexible spending account, which is a special account that can be used to pay for eligible healthcare expenses.

To obtain a flex card, seniors should first check with their health insurance provider to see if their plan includes this benefit. If the plan does offer a flex card, the senior will need to enroll in a flexible spending account. Once the account is set up, the flex card will be issued by the insurance company and sent to the senior.

It’s important to note that while flex cards are not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, some plans do offer this benefit. Seniors who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers additional benefits may qualify for a Flex Card. Medicare Advantage should check with their plan to see if a flex card is available.

What can Seniors purchase with a Flex Card?

Flex cards can be used to purchase eligible healthcare products and services. The specific products that can be purchased with a flex card may vary depending on the health plan and the type of flexible spending account associated with the card. However, some common examples of products that may be eligible for purchase with a flex card include:

  1. Prescription medications and medical supplies
  2. Over-the-counter medications (with a doctor’s prescription)
  3. Medical equipment such as crutches, wheelchairs, and home oxygen supplies
  4. Diagnostic devices such as blood glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors
  5. Dental and vision expenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, may be covered by a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Flex Card.
  6. Counseling and therapy services
  7. Acupuncture, chiropractic, and other alternative therapies (if prescribed by a doctor)

It’s important to note that not all healthcare expenses are eligible to be paid for with a flex card. It’s always a good idea to check with the health plan or the flexible spending account provider to confirm which expenses are eligible.

  1. Prescription medications and medical supplies
  2. Over-the-counter medications (with a doctor’s prescription)
  3. Diagnostic devices such as blood glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors
  4. Dental and vision expenses, such as glasses or contact lenses
  5. Counseling and therapy services
  6. Acupuncture, chiropractic, and other alternative therapies (if prescribed by a doctor)

It’s important to note that not all healthcare expenses are eligible to be paid for with a flex card. It’s always a good idea to check with the health plan or the flexible spending account provider to confirm which expenses are eligible.

You should also notice that products like sneakers, clothing, groceries, and beer cannot be purchased with a flex card, only items that are medically necessary.

Who is Eligible for a Flex Card?

To qualify for flex cards as an optional additional benefit to a Medicare Advantage plan, you must have a policy that offers the program. However, not all health insurers that offer Medicare Advantage plans to participate in this program, as it is only offered by a small percentage of plans available nationwide. To take advantage of this benefit, you must reside in an area where at least one participating plan is available and enroll during a qualifying Medicare enrollment period.

The good news is that Medicare beneficiaries are not required to answer underwriting health questions to enroll in a Medicare plan that offers a Flex Card. Medicare Advantage plans, which means you will not be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. However, it’s important to note that Medicare Advantage plans often have strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs, so you should ensure that your physicians are covered by the plan’s network.

It’s also worth noting that flex cards may not be available in every state or with every carrier. To confirm if your plan offers this benefit, it’s best to contact your insurer directly or review your plan’s benefits on Medicare.gov.

Are there any Medicare Supplement Plans that offer a Flex Card?

Flex card benefits are not included in Medicare Supplement plans. Medigap plans, which are offered by private insurance companies, serve as a direct extension of Original Medicare. The main purpose of Medicare Supplement plans is to help beneficiaries limit out-of-pocket expenses by filling in the gaps in Original Medicare.

Flex cards are not considered an essential benefit of Medicare Supplement plans as Medigap beneficiaries usually enjoy savings on out-of-pocket costs when compared to Medicare Advantage plans.

In many cases, private Medicare Advantage plans come with high maximum out-of-pocket costs, prompting insurers to offer Flex Cards as extra benefits to make these policies more appealing to consumers. In contrast, Medicare Supplement plans enable beneficiaries to save money while still receiving the benefits necessary to reduce the costs of Original Medicare.

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The Bottom Line

Although the senior flex card program is legitimate, we take issue with the way it is presented in some television advertisements. Also, there are reports of scammers who are using this Flex Card advertising to hook seniors into giving personal information that can be used to enroll them in a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t even offer the Flex Card program.

If you hear any of the following promises regarding a Medicare Flex Card scam, hang up and report the caller if at all possible:

  • “You can use your card to buy groceries and gasoline”
  • “Your card comes pre-loaded with thousands of dollars”
  • “I just need to prequalify you and then transfer you to an agent”

If you get an unsolicited call that sounds suspicious or doesn’t feel right, you can report it to Medicare by going to https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse or you can contact Medicare at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227).

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the medicare flex card for seniors work?

The medicare flex card for seniors works like a prepaid debit card, allowing users to access a specific allowance to pay for eligible healthcare expenses that may not be covered by traditional Medicare.

What is the allowance provided by the flex card benefit?

The allowance provided by the flex card benefit varies by plan but is typically a set amount each month that can be used for various healthcare-related expenses, such as dental, vision, or over-the-counter medications.

Can I get a medicare flex card through Original Medicare?

No, you cannot get a medicare flex card through original Medicare. Flex cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans.

How can I qualify for a medicare flex card?

To qualify for a medicare flex card, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this benefit. Eligibility typically requires that you have Medicare coverage and meet the specific criteria set by the plan.

Are there any scams associated with medicare flex cards?

Yes, there are scams related to medicare flex cards. It is important to be cautious of unsolicited offers and to verify the legitimacy of any program by contacting a Medicare representative or your state health insurance office.

What types of expenses can I use the flex card for?

The flex card can be used for various expenses including dental services, vision care, over-the-counter medications, and other health-related products, depending on the specific benefits of your Medicare Advantage plan.

How do I apply for a medicare flex card?

To apply for a medicare flex card, you need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes this benefit. During the medicare open enrollment period, you can compare plans and choose one that offers a flex card.

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