An ad saying there was $2,880 available in a Medicare Flex Card looked like a windfall to Laurence Archer. There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. They are offered as a benefit to some . You may be eligible for survivor benefits from the government following a family member's death. Flex cards are frequently offered in conjunction with health insurance coverage. Along with watching out for red flags, there are also other steps you can take to protect yourself against fraud, such as taking your time when considering a new provider and ensuring that you get clear and accurate answers to any questions you may have about a flex card and how it works. MedicareFAQ proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage. You can even add a flex card to your Amazon account for eligible purchases. While this could be true under rare circumstances, a licensed physician must deem these items medically necessary. For health insurance companies to stay profitable, they need to make money on the products and services they sell. I am so glad for the information. Once the money in the flex card account is spent, the card cannot be used again until it is reloaded by the insurance provider based on their guidelines. A flex card is not included with government-provided Medicare plans. We were unable to find any Flex Cards that actually had the $2,880 that they originally advertised. If someone reaches out to you and then asks for your personal information, thats a big red flag. Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). . But most of the time, youll be drawn to a scam that will take all your money. However, when it comes to dental coverage on Medicare, you are not without options. Since insurance operates on the risk-reduction model, this information is relevant to help your provider create an accurate insurance quote. Does any of this value roll over to the next year? While it is true that the maximum benefit Medicare will allow plans to offer is $2,880, that is not the amount they deposit on the Flex Card. food stamps Our new $1.5 million direct cash transfer pilot program, Strong Families, Strong Future DC will provide $900 per month for one year to 132 new and expectant mothers in Wards 5, 7, and 8. Phone: (800) 783-5901. Just like there are only certain items that can be purchased with an EBT card, there are only certain items that can be purchased with a Flex card as well. Call CareConnect USAs secure affordable hearing aid line at 888-258-5305 for assistance today! OPM's Human Resources Solutions organization can help your agency answer this critically important question. 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. 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. Get a Life Insurance quote today. 10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Life Insurance Options. 2023 we got one card for both food and medical. If you are searching for a Flex Card, one way to start is by contacting your current provider to see if they offer one. . The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs; increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agricultural programs; and aid in the development of new and . Interested employees can learn more about FSAFEDS by visiting the FSAFEDS website or by calling an FSAFEDS Benefits Counselor at 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337). . Tap Below To Call & Qualify! Facebook posts advertise a "Medicare Flex Card" that seniors can use to pay for expenses such as groceries. 1. The Flex Card Is Linked to a Medicare Advantage Plan. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Private Medicare Advantage plans distribute the cards in these ads not Original Medicare. EBT You also have to be wary of in-person advisors with an agenda. These cards are offered only by insurance companies that provide these flexible cards. However, whats covered may vary from provider to provider. Shop at participating stores like Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Kroger. Even with the flex card benefit, the Medicare Advantage HMO plan still produces higher out-of-pocket costs than the Medicare Supplement Plan G. In fact, a recent study by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance shows that a higher number of people are enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan G to help save money on out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Flex Cards vs. Workers who decide to join the union after the Open Season has ended but before their 60-day anniversary of hire are considered new members. Health care is confusing and its too important to make mistakes on. 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. Start with some basic research by searching for the company or agents name online and seeing what comes up. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. Sample Disclosures Of Management Why Corporate Governance Matters: Board Diversity Citizen Complaints Against Police Officers, United States Post Office Change Of Address Form, How To Report Harassing Text Messages To The Police, a recent illness, injury, accident or surgery that led to a decline in function or movement, a flare-up or worsening of symptoms from a previous fall, accident, surgery, or chronic condition that led to a decline in function or movement. Seniors can get their "Medicare Flex Card" for a limited time. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. As a senior, it is important to note that Medicare coverage is a complex issue and you need to discuss it with an unbiased health counselor before changing any health care plan. Benefits.gov is home to a range of information on senior related resources offered by our Federal Partners. homeless Cape Coral, FL 33914 For more information about the new Medicare card, visit the CMS new card information page. Details such as your Doctor visit and facility co-pays, prescription drug costs, and other medical costs. Low Income Relief is an informational website that provides tips, advice, and information to help you make ends meet. Health insurance is complicated enough without worrying about these bad actors, but its something we have to always be vigilant about. Learn more about our editorial and advertising policies. Updated. Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. The card will be linked to a flexible savings account and will have a spending limit. Healthcare cost management . This Medicare benefit is available for a limited-time and can be used for medical visits, prescription drugs and even groceries. Depending on the advertisement, some claimed these cards could be worth $2,880 or more! 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. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and cant be used to get FREE money or cash back. pets These criteria vary based on the provider. Jan 10 2012. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. 3, Report #820758. And youre wondering is it real or is it a scam? The Administration on Aging (ACL) promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities. Thats not accurate at all. In some instances, this fraud is carried out by individuals who provide misleading or false information to insurance providers as a means to access services at reduced costs or by using someone elses identity. you can get a Flex Card worth up to $2,880 from Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. For example, the flex card can be used for the following expenses: Medicare Flex Card Coverages. 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. 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. Since Medicare Advantage providers are the issuers of flex cards, carrying a Medigap plan means there is no way to access a flex card. * Your information is 100% protected. . children If you have a Medigap policy that covers the Medicare Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. However, these advertisements were not very clear on what a flex card actually is. In 2022, this amount is$3,050 per year. Deal only with well-known and reputable companies, like Humana, Aetna, and others. Tell your older adult there will be a charge for the new card, so they need to verify their personal information, bank information, or credit card information. As a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states, she is dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare by providing the necessary resources and tools. Learn more about the Medicare grocery card for seniors: Eligible members get a monthly grocery allowance. Our service is 100% free and were happy to help you. If someone calls you & asks for your personal information, thats a big warning sign. While both FSAs and flex cards may be used to cover the cost of health services, FSAs have set contribution limits. Why do so many people try to scam seniors? It is a scam that tries to get seniors to sign . college However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . These costs may include: Flex cards are typically offered alongside health insurance plans. Co-payments and deductibles. However, this is entirely not true. The amount of each monthly food stamps payment is based on household size and income, but the maximum monthly payment for the benefit period of October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023 is $281 for a one-person household and $516 for a two-person household. A Flex card is provided by an insurance company on behalf of a Flex card licensee. Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. 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. Flex cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plans. Enter your ZIP code to pull plan options available in your area. Always be aware of whats going on around you, and dont let anyone approach you without your permission. Flex cards share some similarities with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which can be used to pay for deductibles, copayments, and prescriptions. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. 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). This might include higher deductible payments, larger copayment percentages, or an increase in your average healthcare premium. And you just might be surprised when the benefit you called for isnt available in your area, or you dont qualify for it. financial assistance She has over 20 years of professional research and writing experience, and she has been solely dedicated to investigating low income topics for the last 10 years. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. TTY 1-800-952-0450. Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. Hi Theresa. Employees can contribute up to $2,850 per year to their FSA, and employers may also contribute if they choose. Two cards. They are offered by private health insurance companies as an additional benefit to their members. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare . Senior people over 50 are prone to . Christmas We also have written an article on whats a flex cards for seniors? Avoid captive agents whenever possible. school supplies Were always tempted to cave to our anxiety and offer them our private details. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. This large of a . Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. Only private insurance carriers offer Medicare flex cards, not the federal government. When your physician or nurse practitioner has referred you for physiotherapy after experiencing: You May Like: Post Office Change Of Address Form. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. Low Income Relief is not a bank or financial institution and we do not provide cash or financial products.Low Income Relief is part of The Lighthouse Information Network LLC, a content creation company owned by Nicole Thelin and based in Utah, USA. Get a personalized Home Insurance quote now. You can make contributions to your FSA through payroll deductions for as long as you are employed. Much of the advertising about Medicare flex cards boasts that recipients can enjoy a starting balance of up to $2,880 in their accounts. Invitations for applications for insurance are made through Assurance IQ, LLC, a licensed insurance agency, only where licensed and appointed. 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. At best, it will be annoying. Spending Limit for Medicare Flex Cards. Getting a senior flex card starts with finding a private health insurance provider that offers these cards as part of their Medicare Advantage plans. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Flex cards are debit cards loaded with a predetermined amount of money. Ask your older adult to confirm their Medicare number or Social Security number so a new card can be mailed out. Expanded Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Seniors. 2022 we each got $50 for food and $500 each for medical each. 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 theyre often marketed to seniors on Medicare. Medicare Flex Cards are debit cards offered by private Medicare Advantage providers and insurance companies. To get the card, you'll need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the program. Its offered through private Medicare Advantage plans and only available in specific areas around the country. Flex card offers that claim to give you free money are also a red flag because, put simply, they arent giving you free money. Home / FAQs / Medicare Coverage / What Dental Services Are Covered by Medicare. This year only certain foods with the $125 and only certain medical on the $500. 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. Again, Medicare Advantage plans do not typically include the flex card benefit. In fact, many of the advertisements were downright deceptive and implied . You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Diagnostic devices (blood sugar test kits, etc. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. military The flex card for seniors offer is typically tied to a Medicare Advantage plan. THE ANSWER. 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. Its a pre -paid debit type card such as Visa or Mastercard that can be used toward the cost of extra Dental, Vision, and Hearing services. Is the full amount provided upfront or over a period of time? Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area. Also, be wary of live gurus who have their own plans. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. As a general guideline, you should never provide private information online to unknown businesses. Flex cards for seniors work like pre-loaded debit cards. rent Participating providers send qualifying seniors a Medicare flex card for food. By. Most of the time it is a combined benefit annually to be used for either dental, vision or hearing. Open Season ends on September 30 if you are a new QLE employee and havent yet tor, this is your last chance. 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. First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. Last year ,2021, we got 50 and 500 but found out in November we could buy anything. When people advertise things like this, its usually because they have a financial interest in getting you to sign up. first time home buyer programs Medicare-qualifying beneficiaries can use pre-loaded flex cards to pay for medical costs. 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. Part A is hospital coverage. A Guide for Older Adults . Your remaining balance in your FSA, HSA or other healthcare account is displayed here. Thats far less than the $2,880 that I originally saw advertised. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. There is a lot of government department and platform to provide free government money for seniors over 50. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. In addition, policyholders cannot carry both Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? As a result, its worth asking your prospective provider-specific questions and demanding clear answers in return. Please note that this line is for HEARING AIDS and not for information about the Flex Cards. To qualify for a flex card, you must have health insurance that offers a flexible spending account. However, theyre not offered by Medicare directly. Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. Getting a card means signing up for a new insurance plan, which comes with its own set of costs, benefits, and coverage limits. SNAP debt food Consequently, there are several legitimate insurance companies that provide these advantages. Qualify [sic] Seniors Can Spend up to $2,880 each year for medical appointments prescriptions and more. Dont waste money on expensive hearing aids! Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. seniors However, if your prospective flex card plan is asking for personal information to provide you with a high-level overview of the plan, this is a red flag. Military funeral and burial honors. You may find out that the flex card for seniors is just a distraction from damaging fine print that would put you in a far worse financial situation overall. Fact Checked. Remember, when you enroll in Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, you may be responsible for paying late enrollment fees. While some private insurance companies may offer cards that carry balances of several thousand dollars each year, many may fall in the lower hundred-dollar range. 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. Thanks EIP! That means 3 out of 5 seniors who qualify are missing out on benefits. 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. 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. Flex cards hold money that can be used like a debit card to pay for certain medical expenses, like doctors visits, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. Social Security If someone is offering you a flex card with an Original Medicare or Medicaid plan they are trying to scam you. - Dwight D. It is common to have many Medicare-related questions running through your mind at any given time. The cards are available in limited geographic areas. There might be other supplemental benefits included as well in specific Plans such as a benefit for groceries, utilities, and over the counter medications. Common health services covered by flex cards include: Keep in mind that because flex cards for seniors on Medicare are provided by private insurers, these companies can decide what their cards cover and what they dont. But more often than not, you might find yourself attracted towards a scam that can take all your money. Educational assistance. This card is often known by a few different names, including: Medicare food card; A flexible spending account, or flex card, is a type of flexible spending account that reimburses medical expenses. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? Buy healthy food online or in person. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Dont fall victim to online scams. How can you lower the costs of your groceries and still get the nutritious food that will keep you . 855-487-0142. Some would half do the work, ask for money or take money . 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. Health insurance fraud results in losses of up to $300 billion each year. Private health plans do not advertise their cards. In such a case, you will need to wait until the General Enrollment Period to sign up for Original Medicare. Flex Card Program offered me a $1000 with a deposit of $69, I was appoved and offered another $1000 for $29 NO CARD EVER CAME Boca Raton, Florida. This card, however, must be linked to a Medicare Advantage Plan, which is a paid service. So, how do you avoid these scams? So, it's not free; you're unlikely to recoup $2,800.00 or anything close to it. 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. That's a lot less than . You can deposit money onto a Flex Card. You're just a few steps away from seeing your Medicare plan options, Understanding The Different Life Insurance Options. Get a personalized Auto Insurance quote now. 4706 Chiquita Blvd S. Suite 200-415 Once you sign up for a plan, your provider will send you your flex card along with information about how you can spend the money. Thank you. Millions of Americans could now be eligible to get their "Flex Card" to spend up to $2,880/year free of charge. If you dont read the fine print carefully, you may end up paying the price in other areas of your plan. Although they arent technically scammers, some of them dont mind playing dirty and being deceptive in their advertising. Author: Unadilla, New York. New Medicare Benefit Gives Seniors "Flex Card' To Spend $2,880 Every Year Free Of Charge. Then you can get a flex card and the amount of money to spend through a flex card may highly depend on the type of Medicare Advantage plan you select. Some may offer plans that include flex cards to customers who have been with the company for a certain length of time or may make these cards part of a tiered pricing system that requires customers to purchase plans with higher deductibles or copayments. SilverSneakers Now Offers Apple Fitness+ Benefit, Do Not Sell nor Share My Personal Information. But you must retain your calm and stay away from the trap. The Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $100 - $2,000, depending on your plan and service area. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications. Government-provided Medicare plans do not come with a flex card. Its not that they condone it, but it takes them a while to crack down on the offending health insurance companies. This is how the ad and the website appeared at the time of writing: Fraudsters take advantage of times when things are changing and its more difficult to spot a scam. You should be careful in everything you do, not just online. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical . Compare Plans and Get Quotes Flex cards are currently only available for Medicare Advantage plans, not for any other Medicare program. health Despite a recent uptick in online advertising, however, these cards remain relatively rare. This is her home that her retirement pays for, which is good because the son has . Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), What to Do If Youre a Victim of Medicare Fraud. Some Medicare Advantage plans with flex cards make all funds available upfront at the beginning of the year, while others opt for installment models that see additional money added every month or every quarter. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan? It helped me a lot to understand what the Flex card is about. That includes the Flex Card. The Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit card that helps eligible seniors pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs and other approved items. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. ShopMyExchange: 5 Super Deals for Veterans. What is a seniors flex card? What they dont tell you is that this is basically just a flex card with a new and exciting name. Medicare Flex Card for Seniors: An Overview. 1. If you believe that you have been the victim of a Medicare scam or you see advertisements for flex cards or other plans that seem suspicious, you can report these scams to the government. What Is A Seniors Flex Card. Enrollment Assistance. Most legitimate organizations require you to reach out first; they wont contact you unsolicited. Several attendences from government funded agency were sent, but they would take advantage of his situation. No such program exists and Social Security benefits are limited to certain groups . Health Plans have the freedom to create flexible benefit accounts that cover multiple categories to best suit member needs. So you will need to make sure your new plans network covers your physicians. Many states have a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program that can assist you in navigating these complex benefits. If you give that site your personal information, they are likely going to sell it for profit. Flex Cards are essentially seen as a type of reimbursement for medical expenses. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. Get More Details and Apply Here: Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. The senior flex card is usually linked to a Medicare Advantage plan. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Serviceapply. Instead of offering flex cards for seniors, now theyre offering an All-Access Black Card. Filed Under: All About Medicare, Blog Posts, Medicare Advantage Tagged With: flex card for medicare seniors, flex card for seniors on medicare, what is the flex card for seniors. This means that a Medicare Advantage plan might have a flex card benefit in Georgia and North Carolina, but it may not be available in Texas.If youre interested in finding out whether there are plans that offer flex cards in your area, to see if there are any available. Cash Services: Flex Card Program. As part . Depending on how many times you spend your money, you will have the same limits as on the other cards that youve got. Not all private insurers offer flex cards, and not all flex card programs are created equal. This post may contain affiliate links. Federal Assistance Open Season for FSAFEDS enrollment happens yearly between the months of November and December. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan. 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. Youve probably seen TV commercials and ads online promoting a free Flex Card for seniors or Medicare Flex Card. Eligibility for the Seniors Flex Cards.