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Senior Care. 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. And funds can only be used for eligible, qualifying, medically necessaryServices or supplies that are needed for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition and meet accepted standards of medical practice. 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. Weve had countless people reach out to us, asking if this is a legitimate offer or a terrible scam. Not all private insurers offer flex cards, and not all flex card programs are created equal. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. You should automatically receive your flex debit card in the mail around the beginning of your plan Money-Saving Benefits for Seniors. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical . This might include higher deductible payments, larger copayment percentages, or an increase in your average healthcare premium. The cards are not provided by Medicare. 1. They can be used to buy medical equipment, medical expenses, and certain other items. Flex cards are debit cards that are used to buy medical supplies and equipment. A flexible spending account, or flex card, is a type of flexible spending account that reimburses medical expenses. To apply for flex card benefits, contact your Medicare Advantage provider. No, Medicare Flex Cards are not a scam. Scammers will:1. Fact Checked. Do not give them your name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information. If someone is offering you a flex card with an Original Medicare or Medicaid plan they are trying to scam you. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications. make money Getting a card means signing up for a new insurance plan, which comes with its own set of costs, benefits, and coverage limits. This is a scam. The reason of course is to get you to respond or call so they can enroll you in a Medicare plan. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan. Educational assistance. cash assistance Extra benefits are a good thing, but dont sacrifice important medical benefits to get a Flex Card allowance. This is a red flag because ads like this make it seem as though the government has some role in overseeing or managing these cards. If you must work with someone who has a financial interest in getting you to sign up, then at least make sure they offer plans from many different providers so that youre more likely to get a good fit. Seniors expect to have to provide sensitive personal information, like their name, Social Security Number, Medicare information and even bank information during this process, so its even easier than usual for scammers to get this information. So make sure you know which are. So, it's not free; you're unlikely to recoup $2,800.00 or anything close to it. EBT Again, Medicare Advantage plans do not typically include the flex card benefit. 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). Boca Raton, Florida. They will explain the important details of the coverage in the plan. Few seniors participate in SNAP Only 2 out of 5 eligible adults over age 60 are enrolled in SNAP. Seniors can only use the Flex Card for Seniors to receive free money or cash back, as the Flex Card is not a cash card. 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. disability Tools such as state insurance databases can help you look up agent or company credentials. In reality, a very small percentage of plans available nationwide offer this benefit. Often, the so-called advisor will pressure you to act quickly. In 2022, the average Flex Card will have a $500 pre-loaded balance. Additionally, there may be any fraud that can attract you to go plans by any risky platforms. 2. Is the full amount provided upfront or over a period of time? Got questions about the flex card for seniors? 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. Get a personalized Auto Insurance quote now. Assurance IQ is a licensed representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PPFS organizations and prescription drug plans with a Medicare contract. 2022 GovernmentDigest.net | Contact us: contact@governmentdigest.net. 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. coinsurance, you basically already have a Flex Card for all Medicare-approved expenses. 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. However, most of the time these cards do not have that high of an amount (in 2023 the average was $500) and the funds . Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care. So for that reason I say stick it in your ear thank you very much. The senior flex card is usually linked to a Medicare Advantage plan. This is how the ad and the website appeared at the time of writing: 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. Our popular Dental Plan includes Vision and Hearing options. You can even add a flex card to your Amazon account for eligible purchases. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. Ask your older adult to confirm their Medicare number or Social Security number so a new card can be mailed out. Hi Audrey. They cover some of the out-of-pocket costs built into Medicare Part A and Part B, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. Medicaid Deal only with well-known and reputable companies, like Humana, Aetna, and others. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. If someone calls you & asks for your personal information, thats a big warning sign. Health insurance is complicated enough without worrying about these bad actors, but its something we have to always be vigilant about. But most of the time, youll be drawn to a scam that will take all your money. A flex card is not included with government-provided Medicare plans. 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. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. Invitations for applications for insurance are made through Assurance IQ, LLC, a licensed insurance agency, only where licensed and appointed. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Serviceapply. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. help with bills These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. A flex card for seniors is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. SNAP Why do so many people try to scam seniors? If you are having difficulty covering your health care expenses on your own, there are legitimate Medicare resources that can provide assistance. Depending on the advertisement, some claimed these cards could be worth $2,880 or more! Would be nice if we knew what we can buy. 1. seniors Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement, American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, How To Promote Mental Wellness in Old Age, How To Be a Snowbird Without Breaking the Bank, What To Do if Your Savings Arent on Track for Retirement, Crucial Tips for Downsizing Your Budget During Retirement, How To Reduce Senior Medical Debt in America, Medicare Advantage Vs Medicare Supplement, Medicare Supplement Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions, Other medically necessary expenses check your plan details for a complete list. Threaten to cancel your older adults health benefits if they dont share their current Medicare number or other personal information. Limitations and exclusions may apply. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Its always good to work with a licensed broker who can guide you. 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. You need to check out their program and their plans. 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. How can you protect yourself from scammers and bad actors? Flex cards share some similarities with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which can be used to pay for deductibles, copayments, and prescriptions. Learn about programs and resources for older adults. 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. students There are many legitimate-looking websites that are just trying to phish your information. 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. Transportation - Receive a certain amount of rides at no cost. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. These cards are offered only by insurance companies that provide these flexible cards. 2022 we each got $50 for food and $500 each for medical each. This Medicare benefit is available for a limited-time and can be used for medical visits, prescription drugs and even groceries. Private Medicare Advantage plans distribute the cards in these ads not Original Medicare. This is true even if they did not work during the Open Season. In fact, many of the advertisements were downright deceptive and implied . This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. Thank you. Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. Seniors can get their "Medicare Flex Card" for a limited time. It helped me a lot to understand what the Flex card is about. This is a scam. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), What to Do If Youre a Victim of Medicare Fraud. What are the costs of premiums and deductibles on the flex card plan compared to those without a flex card option? Much of the advertising about Medicare flex cards boasts that recipients can enjoy a starting balance of up to $2,880 in their accounts. 3, Report #820758. If a service or benefit is not covered under Medicare Part A or Part B, it cant be covered by a Medigap plan, either. In my experience, the best way to find a trustworthy Medicare counselor is to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. Learn more about our editorial and advertising policies. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. Ps its a shame to treat seniors that way. Senior people over 50 are prone to . . While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. 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. Benefits Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 9:00pm eastern time. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare . Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. Medicare Flex Cards are debit cards offered by private Medicare Advantage providers and insurance companies. 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. TTY 1-800-952-0450. You can do this online at Healthy Benefits Plus or by calling 855-256-4620 (TTY: 711). Suppose you do not enroll in Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period and do not have creditable coverage in place. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. 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. The Visa Flex Card Gives you: Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers; A Facebook post says that senior citizens can get a Medicare "flex card" that pays for groceries and prescriptions. Medicare does not issue the flex card. Also Check: Getting Passport At Post Office. An ad saying there was $2,880 available in a Medicare Flex Card looked like a windfall to Laurence Archer. 3. 2023 we got one card for both food and medical. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. Thats not accurate at all. 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. newly Eligible employees can enroll in FSAFEDS during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season in November and December. But more often than not, you might find yourself attracted towards a scam that can take all your money. 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. In addition, policyholders cannot carry both Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance. Cape Coral, FL 33914 This large of a . While the claim may be objectively true, consider how these funds are dispersed. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. They are offered by some private insurance companies through Medicare Advantage plans. In such a case, you will need to wait until the General Enrollment Period to sign up for Original Medicare. He does not make any commission on any other plans, so he steers everyone toward United Healthcare even if it isnt in their best interests. Be careful what you click on and always read the fine print. This post may contain affiliate links. . 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. Scammers love Medicare open enrollment season. Thanks EIP! Shop at participating stores like Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Kroger. In 2022, this amount is$3,050 per year. The amount of money you can use will depend on your health care insurance provider and plan. You can make contributions to your FSA through payroll deductions for as long as you are employed. 2. Does any of this value roll over to the next year? The spending allowance deposited on most cards is only a few hundred dollars. It is best to contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this benefit. benefits discounts While flex cards may be offered as part of Medicare Advantage plans, there is no government flex card for seniors. Speak with a licensed insurance agent Mon-Fri, 9AM-8PM EST . Not everyone in a Medicare Advantage plan will qualify for a flex card. How can you protect yourself from Medicare scams? library Dental, vision, and hearing services. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. 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. On the other hand, Medicare Supplement plans allow beneficiaries to save money while receiving the benefits they need to reduce Original Medicare costs. However, these advertisements were not very clear on what a flex card actually is. Avoid captive agents whenever possible. Get a personalized Health Insurance quote now. RMP This is especially true for insurance contracts, which may contain provisions or stipulations that can affect both your coverage and how much you pay. . What Is Permanent Life Insurance and How Does It Work? For example, the flex card can be used for the following expenses: Medicare Flex Card Coverages. To learn more, Reach out Today at NewMedicare. If they approach you or contact you first, do not engage. Flex cards are frequently offered in conjunction with health insurance coverage. We strive to provide up-to-date information but make no warranties regarding the accuracy of our information. These are optional plans that bundle various parts of Medicare and other services into health care packages especially designed for seniors. Social Security Retirement Benefits, USA Medicare Plan Get financial help for seniors from 2,500+ federal, state, and private benefits programs. When people advertise things like this, its usually because they have a financial interest in getting you to sign up. Humana Honor, a Medicare Advantage plan in its third year and designed with U.S. military veterans in mind, will be available in 47 states, up from 46 in 2021. FLEX is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by American Councils for International Education. 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. Many states have a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program that can assist you in navigating these complex benefits. The Flex Card is a preloaded debit card that is available in a variety of categories for eligible medical care beneficiaries. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. Only one agent from our office will contact you. When her husband was medically discharged from the US Army, their family experienced tremendous financial hardship. Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. Only private insurance carriers offer Medicare flex cards, not the federal government. Dont waste money on expensive hearing aids! But the cards are not provided through Medicare -- the US insurance program for people 65 and older -- and experts say that such ads should be approached with caution, warning that some exaggerate eligibility and benefits. * Your information is 100% protected. Consequently, there are several legitimate insurance companies that provide these advantages. The government does not set up Flex Card but these are connected to a specific health insurance plan. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. 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. 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. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? military Required fields are marked *. For example, if youre in the market for new glasses, but your Medicare Advantage plan does not provide vision coverage, you may be able to use your flex card to cover some or all of the cost. Low Income Relief is an informational website that provides tips, advice, and information to help you make ends meet. Thats far less than the $2,880 that I originally saw advertised. Since insurance operates on the risk-reduction model, this information is relevant to help your provider create an accurate insurance quote. Is the senior flex card legitimateno, the Senior Flex Card is not a legitimate form of payment. 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. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. For example, if you enroll during March, your coverage will become effective on April 1. What is the Flex Card for Seniors? Federal Assistance Open Season for FSAFEDS enrollment happens yearly between the months of November and December. Next, contact your bank to inform them that you may have been a victim of Medicare fraud and identity theft and ask them to watch for any suspicious activity. Here are three techniques to guard against the majority of Medicare frauds. These costs may include: Flex cards are typically offered alongside health insurance plans. Consumers mislead by Medicare Flex card ads. 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. Jan 10 2012. . Independent agents work with a wide variety of providers, whereas captive agents work with only one or two providers. Despite a recent uptick in online advertising, however, these cards remain relatively rare. housing However, you cant just spend flex card money on anything. . Your remaining balance in your FSA, HSA or other healthcare account is displayed here. The blog notes that the cards are distributed by Medicare Advantage plans and says they are not available in every state and are not available with every carrier. These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. While various Medicare Advantage providers offer these cards, its also important to remember that Medicare Advantage Plan benefits will vary based on location. The Flex card is not going to be free but you may need to pay an additional premium to the Medicare advantage plan offered by the company. 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. If the healthcare service being provided is covered by the flex card, cardholders would swipe the card at point-of-sale (POS) terminals to pay for services, and the amount is deducted from the account. Millions of Americans could now be eligible to get their "Flex Card" to spend up to $2,880/year free of charge. What conditions are part of the Medicare Advantage plan that goes along with the card? 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. . The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. The whole point of the flex card for seniors is to lure seniors into enrolling in new Medicare Advantage plans while its open enrollment season. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), meanwhile, are offered through employer-sponsored healthcare. A flex card is not free money. Are the flex card for seniors legitimate or a scam? In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). 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. school supplies The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. How Does an EBT Card Work? Keep in mind that these cards are not associated with government-run programs such as Original Medicare, so any ads indicating that its possible to obtain a government flex card for seniors are false. Government-provided Medicare plans do not come with a flex card. Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. Health care is confusing and its too important to make mistakes on. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. You should be careful in everything you do, not just online. The card will be linked to a flexible savings account and will have a spending limit. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. 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. Open Season ends on September 30 if you are a new QLE employee and havent yet tor, this is your last chance. pets Flex cards are currently only available for Medicare Advantage plans, not for any other Medicare program. If someone reaches out to you and then asks for your personal information, thats a big red flag. Another might offer $2,000 but spread that amount out over an entire year by adding $500 on the card in January, $500 in April, $500 in July, and $500 in October. 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 .