you can get a Flex Card worth up to $2,880 from Medicare. - Jeff R. Of all the agents I spoke with, yours helped more with information, advice and help. . You will probably get a lot of phone calls and contact from insurance companies that have paid for your information. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. Military funeral and burial honors. We got $125 each for food and $500 for medical. 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. Required fields are marked *. Assurance IQ, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. In fact, in 2022, it looks like some savvy health care plans have changed their vocabulary. Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? 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. Expanded Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Seniors. Health care is confusing and its too important to make mistakes on. There are many organizations out there that help seniors with Medicare planning and other similar items, so finding one of these organizations can provide a great benefit. Only talk to them if they approach you first. When her husband was medically discharged from the US Army, their family experienced tremendous financial hardship. Although flex cards do come pre-loaded with a set dollar amount you can use, the benefits of this money may be offset by additional out-of-pocket costs such as higher deductibles, higher coinsurance rates, and higher monthly premiums. 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. 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. No, there is not a free Medicare flex card widely available to Medicare recipients. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. There are many legitimate-looking websites that are just trying to phish your information. While the claim may be objectively true, consider how these funds are dispersed. If you are searching for a Flex Card, one way to start is by contacting your current provider to see if they offer one. Once you receive your Humana Spending Account Card in the mail, you must activate it before you can use it. Why do so many people try to scam seniors? 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. The average SNAP benefit for seniors is $105/month A common myth about SNAP is that it only gives $16 worth of benefits per month. A flex card for seniors is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. The purpose of the flex card for seniors is to entice them into enrolling in new Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment season. Medicare Flex Cards are debit cards offered by private Medicare Advantage providers and insurance companies. 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. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Consumers mislead by Medicare Flex card ads. If you see an advertisement for a free flex card or an Original Medicare flex card, it's probably not legitimate. A public service connecting you to services for older adults and their families. 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. Nicole started Low Income Relief after a personal experience with poverty. You can take advantage of many senior discounts when you are as young as 50. Nicole is the owner and lead researcher for Low Income Relief. A Facebook post says that senior citizens can get a Medicare "flex card" that pays for groceries and prescriptions. Social Security However, it isnt difficult to see how private insurance companies can use them in a slimy way to promote free money and free Flex Cards. Jagger Esch is the Medicare expert for MedicareFAQ and the founder, president, and CEO of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. 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. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. 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. Millions of older adults may be missing out on programs to help pay for food, housing, healthcare, and more. So, who qualifies for Medicare flex card? Flex cards are debit cards loaded with a predetermined amount of money. Thats not accurate at all. Get affordable hearing aids that dont break the bank. Most businesses with a good reputation will ask you to contact them first they will only do something with your permission. Millions of Americans could now be eligible to get their "Flex Card" to spend up to $2,880/year free of charge. This is how the ad and the website appeared at the time of writing: So it is important to know these programs very clearly and get started for application. At worst, it could result in you being scammed. disability Companies That Offer a Medicare Advantage Flex Card. In the case of Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or1-877-7SAFERX. The cards are not provided by Medicare. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. debt These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. While this could be true under rare circumstances, a licensed physician must deem these items medically necessary. What are the costs of premiums and deductibles on the flex card plan compared to those without a flex card option? 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. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. Its not just online that you have to be careful, either. The amount that comes preloaded on the card and the services and items you are allowed to spend it on is determined by your Medicare Advantage provider. Get a Life Insurance quote today. Not all private insurers offer flex cards, and not all flex card programs are created equal. 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. . 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 . Senior discounts can save you substantial amounts of money 10% to 80% off the normal price of a wide range of goods and services, including restaurant meals, travel and even prescription drugs. The new Medicare card is free. Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Call 211 to find agencies and community organizations that can assist you with finding food in an emergency. 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. Remember, when you enroll in Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, you may be responsible for paying late enrollment fees. What is the Flex Card for Seniors? So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. benefits We were unable to find any Flex Cards that actually had the $2,880 that they originally advertised. Information is available in English and Spanish. 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. Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? Be especially careful with people who approach you without you asking or who push particular plans. It can be almost impossible to differentiate between the paid agents and the legitimate unbiased experts. Co-payments and deductibles. Phone: (800) 783-5901. The cards are not provided by Medicare. This post may contain affiliate links. items. 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. college Instead, stop all contact with the scammer and report the scam to the authorities. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. The reason of course is to get you to respond or call so they can enroll you in a Medicare plan. 2023 we got one card for both food and medical. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Dental, vision, and hearing services. The senior flex card is usually linked to a Medicare Advantage plan. According to one commercial, you can use the card for gas, groceries, new clothing, and shoes. Christmas As you may know from our previous video on Medicare benefits, Medicare has many parts and is very complicated. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. 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. Even if you do everything right, you could still be a victim of Medicare fraud. The government does not set up Flex Card but these are connected to a specific health insurance plan. Dont Miss: Government Money Market Fund Spaxx. health Medicare Flex Card for Seniors: An Overview. They are offered as a benefit to some . There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. Diagnostic devices. Using a flex card is like using a debit 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. Your email address will not be published. These cards are offered only by insurance companies that provide these flexible cards. However, the costs for these plans vary and not all seniors are eligible for them. But $2800 Flex card for seniors will be considered a health . If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. In November 2022 we tried to use the flex medical card for everything we bought, it worked for anything. For example, money may be added in a lump sum each year or in smaller amounts each quarter. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. By. For questions about how to use your card, call the member help line at 855-396-0691 (TTY: 711). Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), meanwhile, are offered through employer-sponsored healthcare. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare . Mar 7, 2022. He went the extra mile. The top 3 Medicare Supplement plans for 2020 include Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Find out which ones you're eligible for here. free food And youre wondering is it real or is it a scam? 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. The purpose of this site is the solicitation of insurance. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. 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. Depending on how many times you spend your money, you will have the same limits as on the other cards that youve got. So, how do you avoid these scams? Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. The cards are available in limited geographic areas. She regularly spends hundreds of hours combing through countless resources to make sure that Low Income Relief has the most comprehensive and complete resource directories on the internet today. First, take the time to verify that the company or agent youre dealing with is legitimate. We do not offer every plan available in your area. 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. These are optional plans that bundle various parts of Medicare and other services into health care packages especially designed for seniors. $125 food and $500 medical. Since Medicare Advantage providers are the issuers of flex cards, carrying a Medigap plan means there is no way to access a flex card. utilities What is a Life Insurance Annuity And How Does it Work? Get More Details and Apply Here: Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Contact us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area today! 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. Advertisements that claim or indicate that flex cards are being offered by government agencies are, therefore, patently false. It is best to contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this 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). Instead of offering flex cards for seniors, now theyre offering an All-Access Black Card. Ultimately, you are responsible for your financial and other decisions. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account. 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. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. What Does Medicare Cover for Home Health Care? The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides nutritious, domestically-sourced USDA foods to low-income persons 60 years or older. Its always good to work with a licensed broker who can guide you. This card is often known by a few different names, including: Medicare food card; 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.". Most legitimate organizations require you to reach out first; they wont contact you unsolicited. You can even add a flex card to your Amazon account for eligible purchases. Is the full amount provided upfront or over a period of time? We bought a medical item and it came off the $125. Advertisements that claim or indicate that flex cards are being offered by government agencies are, therefore, patently false. Medicare is very complicated as it has many parts. This is a scam. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. Medicare Advantage insurers make it a little easier by bundling all the benefits together and often packaging additional benefits into their plans. Educational assistance. Government-provided Medicare plans do not come with a flex card. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. A flexible spending account, or flex card, is a type of flexible spending account that reimburses medical expenses. Get a personalized Home Insurance quote now. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Boca Raton, Florida. He is what is known as a captive agent because he only works with one insurer in this case, its United Healthcare. Health Plans have the freedom to create flexible benefit accounts that cover multiple categories to best suit member needs. For example, you might see an ad offering a Medicare flex card while these flex cards are part of Medicare Advantage plans, not being clear about this upfront is a red flag. Is the senior flex card legitimateno, the Senior Flex Card is not a legitimate form of payment. legal Medicare Flex Cards for seniors are only available on certain Medicare Advantage Plans. In addition, policyholders cannot carry both Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance. 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. You simply need to swipe your card at the providers location and select the credit/credit card option from the drop-down menu in order to avoid having to pay any transaction fee or enter a PIN. Medicare Flex cards do not replace Original Medicare. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. 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. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare recipients are eligible for the cards let alone cards with $2,880 in free money. OPM's Human Resources Solutions organization can help your agency answer this critically important question. Seniors can get their "Medicare Flex Card" for a limited time. That's a lot less than . To make sure you don't fall victim to this scam . When you sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage goes into effect on the first day of the following month. Suppose you do not enroll in Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period and do not have creditable coverage in place. Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. Medicare Flex Cards vs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm 61 years old and on Medicaid,can I get a Flex card. 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. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. For health insurance companies to stay profitable, they need to make money on the products and services they sell. But most of the time, youll be drawn to a scam that will take all your money. students Federal Assistance Open Season for FSAFEDS enrollment happens yearly between the months of November and December. You need to check out their program and their plans. Jan 10 2012. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), What to Do If Youre a Victim of Medicare Fraud. The FTC accepts complaints about all scams, like imposter scams, phone calls, emails, computer support senior scams, prizes, grants, and sweepstakes offers, student loan or scholarship scams, fake checks, and demands for you to send money. They can be used to buy medical equipment, medical expenses, and certain other items. 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 can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. This means they are not part of government-managed Medicare plans. Depending on the advertisement, some claimed these cards could be worth $2,880 or more! "It was stated it was set up by the government with Medicare for senior citizens . Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Avoid captive agents whenever possible. Thats far less than the $2,880 that I originally saw advertised. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan? Hi Theresa. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. Every plan has a different credit card spending cap and list of permitted uses. Fraudsters take advantage of times when things are changing and its more difficult to spot a scam. Much of the advertising about Medicare flex cards boasts that recipients can enjoy a starting balance of up to $2,880 in their accounts. Unlike flex cards, however, FSAs are linked to health insurance plans that are offered through employment. Home / FAQs / Medicare Coverage / What Dental Services Are Covered by Medicare. However, this is entirely not true. In fact, many of the advertisements were downright deceptive and implied . First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications.