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. Additionally, Flex card is believed to be issued by Medicare plans, but Medicare does not provide Flex cards to seniors. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides nutritious, domestically-sourced USDA foods to low-income persons 60 years or older. They may be advantageous to seniors who have a Medicare plan. Medicare Supplement plans do not include flex card benefits. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. And you just might be surprised when the benefit you called for isnt available in your area, or you dont qualify for it. The money on these cards is offered in addition to existing insurance coverage and allows cardholders to use them as they see fit. ). If you suspect that youve been victimized, the first step is to reduce the amount of damage the scammer can do to your identity or credit history. Benefits for Seniors Through SSA For example, they may only be offered by certain private insurance companies in certain states, and even then, only for customers on select plans or who meet specific criteria. 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. 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. However, despite the name, Medicare flex cards are not issued by Medicare itself, but are promotional efforts by private health insurance companies to encourage customers to sign up for their Medicare Advantage plans. Jan 10 2012. Medicare flex cards for seniors are available exclusively through private insurance companies. They can be used to buy medical equipment, medical expenses, and certain other items. Thats not accurate at all. Assurance IQ, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. We do not offer every plan available in your area. . If someone is offering you a flex card with an Original Medicare or Medicaid plan they are trying to scam you. A non-government site powered by Health Insurance Associates, LLC., a health insurance agency. In addition, policyholders cannot carry both Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance. Author: Nicole Smith Created Date: 11/1/2021 2:59:08 PM . While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. 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. The flex card for seniors offer is typically tied to a Medicare Advantage plan. Also Check: Getting Passport At Post Office. SilverSneakers Now Offers Apple Fitness+ Benefit, Do Not Sell nor Share My Personal 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. Sometimes you have to qualify for that type of plan or benefit based on your health needs and income such as being eligible for assistance programs such as Medicaid. The new Medicare card is free. disability Since Medicare Advantage providers are the issuers of flex cards, carrying a Medigap plan means there is no way to access a flex card. Verify: Can Medicare recipients receive a free Medicare flex card? These ads usually include a multitude of misleading or false claims. 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. If you decide to keep Original Medicare, you can purchase a dental plan alongside this coverage to pay for cleanings, exams, and other dental care. 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. Medicare Flex Cards for seniors are only available on certain Medicare Advantage Plans. Weve had countless people reach out to us, asking if this is a legitimate offer or a terrible scam. You may have noticed dozens of advertisements for zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans that claim to provide all-in-one coverage. 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. 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. There might be other supplemental benefits included as well in specific Plans such as a benefit for groceries, utilities, and over the counter medications. A Facebook post says that senior citizens can get a Medicare "flex card" that pays for groceries and prescriptions. So I called the phone number 561-921-2600 that was on the email and ask many questions everything seemed good so Boca Raton, Florida Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. 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. You need to check out their program and their plans. 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. benefits 855-487-0142. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. How can you protect yourself from scammers and bad actors? Some providers add in clauses that specify certain thresholds for eligibility, such as plan type or medical history, meaning you could sign up for a plan only to discover you wont be getting a flex card. Private health plans do not advertise their cards. 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. 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. housing That means 3 out of 5 seniors who qualify are missing out on benefits. Its not just online that you have to be careful, either. If someone reaches out to you and then asks for your personal information, thats a big red flag. Depending on the advertisement, some claimed these cards could be worth $2,880 or more! While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. Tap Below To Call & Qualify! A Guide for Older Adults . 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. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan? Medicare will not call about the new card and they wont ask for your older adults Social Security number. EBT 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. To protect your older adult from Medicare card scams, educate them about 3 common techniques that con artists may use. 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 . Instead, stop all contact with the scammer and report the scam to the authorities. Senior beneficiaries can use these pre-loaded cards for certain healthcare purchases, including medical equipment and OTC medications. Medicare Advantage insurers make it a little easier by bundling all the benefits together and often packaging additional benefits into their plans. Medigap plans work in lockstep with Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. The cards are not provided by Medicare. Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. This is true even if they did not work during the Open Season. 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. If youve provided any credit card information, notify your card provider and cancel the cards to reduce the risk of any fraudulent spending. As a result, any money loaded onto a flex card is offset by payments somewhere else. When people advertise things like this, its usually because they have a financial interest in getting you to sign up. Were here to help you make the right decision for your dental care needs and explain when Medicare covers dental services. In my experience, the best way to find a trustworthy Medicare counselor is to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. The Flex Card is a preloaded debit card that is available in a variety of categories for eligible medical care beneficiaries. If you see an advertisement for a free flex card or an Original Medicare flex card, it's probably not legitimate. 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. If you complete a purchase using one of our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . As part . You can deposit money onto a Flex Card. This is a scam. In fact, in 2022, it looks like some savvy health care plans have changed their vocabulary. Dental, vision, and hearing services. Medicare is very complicated as it has many parts. No such program exists and Social Security benefits are limited to certain groups . As a general guideline, you should never provide private information online to unknown businesses. Sign Up For Medicare In order to qualify for a flex card, you must qualify for a health insurance plan with a flexible spending account. Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. The devil is in the details. You should automatically receive your flex debit card in the mail around the beginning of your plan If you are having difficulty covering your health care expenses on your own, there are legitimate Medicare resources that can provide assistance. coronavirus The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed private insurance companies to offer a new benefit-like-debit card (flex card). 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. 1. Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. They are offered as a benefit to some customers by private insurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans. Ps its a shame to treat seniors that way. Misconceptions about Medicare flex cards. To make sure you don't fall victim to this scam . Medicare does not issue the flex card. . Hi Audrey. Getting a card means signing up for a new insurance plan, which comes with its own set of costs, benefits, and coverage limits. Claims of free money are meant to distract from other costs, and are a red flag that providers arent being entirely honest. . However, when it comes to dental coverage on Medicare, you are not without options. So, who qualifies for Medicare flex card? cash assistance 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. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan. Its very important to be careful with where you put your information online. The dependent qualifications and use of the funds depend on which FSA you have (caregivers often have . Scammers love Medicare open enrollment season. Dont fall victim to online scams. Only private insurance carriers offer Medicare flex cards, not the federal government. However, theyre not offered by Medicare directly. 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. It is a pre-paid debit card that can be used to pay for dental, vision . Consider a company offering $2,000 flex cards. 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. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. Dont waste money on expensive hearing aids! The flex card for seniors offer is typically tied to a Medicare Advantage plan. What Is Permanent Life Insurance and How Does It Work? 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. "It was stated it was set up by the government with Medicare for senior citizens .