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This skates on the edge of false advertising. here. Consider a company offering $2,000 flex cards. Posted on Published: November 22, 2021- Last updated: November 17, 2022. However, these advertisements were not very clear on what a flex card actually is. However, theyre not offered by Medicare directly. At best, it will be annoying. Im not saying its the government doing this. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. 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. It can be almost impossible to differentiate between the paid agents and the legitimate unbiased experts. As a result, any money loaded onto a flex card is offset by payments somewhere else. 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. Even if you do everything right, you could still be a victim of Medicare fraud. While flex cards may be offered as part of Medicare Advantage plans, there is no government flex card for seniors. This card would allow beneficiaries to use funds from the private insurance carrier for medical services. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and . We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. Start with some basic research by searching for the company or agents name online and seeing what comes up. Benefits for Seniors Through SSA 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. In fact, many of the advertisements were downright deceptive and implied that the seniors flex card was basically free money that all seniors could get. If youre a member of a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers flex cards, be sure to read through your contract to understand what you can purchase with it.Some plans will allow you to use Medicare flex cards to pay for anything, while others will only allow you to purchase health-related items, such as: You May Like: Citizen Complaints Against Police Officers. This card is often known by a few different names, including: Medicare food card; . (The website) may receive paid compensation for clicks or sales produced from the content found on this webpage.. Getting a senior flex card starts with finding a private health insurance provider that offers these cards as part of their Medicare Advantage plans. Federal Assistance Open Season for FSAFEDS enrollment happens yearly between the months of November and December. students If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. 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. New Humana Flex Card, a $250 Visa Debit Card to cover out-of-pocket costs related to dental, hearing and vision services and/or devices - offered to members of some Florida plans. The Flex card for seniors is not something thats offered by Medicare. Is the full amount provided upfront or over a period of time? Your remaining balance in your FSA, HSA or other healthcare account is displayed here. 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. 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. Part B is medical coverage.. Fake Medicare advisor phone calls. This is a marketing . Call CareConnect USAs secure affordable hearing aid line at 888-258-5305 for assistance today! According to Healthcare.gov, a flex card can be used to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. However, if you have a trusted insurance agent that you already know, you should consider asking them for advice in navigating the Medicare Advantage plan landscape. Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card. So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. 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'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. seniors 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. Expanded Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Seniors. 3, Report #820758. It is best to contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this benefit. Independent agents work with a wide variety of providers, whereas captive agents work with only one or two providers. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. 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. 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. Federal Executive Institute. What conditions are part of the Medicare Advantage plan that goes along with the card? veterans. you can get a Flex Card worth up to $2,880 from Medicare. In the case of Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or1-877-7SAFERX. 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. When her husband was medically discharged from the US Army, their family experienced tremendous financial hardship. Read Article . It has two parts. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. A deadline of September 30th, however, must be met. This is especially true for insurance contracts, which may contain provisions or stipulations that can affect both your coverage and how much you pay. 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. Government-provided Medicare plans do not come with a flex card. This is a marketing tool of the private company and gets you to change your Medicare Advantage plan to another company. Youre not alone! They are offered by private health insurance companies as an additional benefit to their members. Depending on how many times you spend your money, you will have the same limits as on the other cards that youve got. 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. 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. Much of the advertising about Medicare flex cards boasts that recipients can enjoy a starting balance of up to $2,880 in their accounts. 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. The deadline for compliance is September 30 after that, there will be repercussions for noncompliance. Low Income Relief is an informational website that provides tips, advice, and information to help you make ends meet. For example, theCalifornia Department of Insuranceoffers their Check a License tool that provides both license status and any records of disciplinary action, and many states departments of insurance have similar resources. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few . Most of the time it is a combined benefit annually to be used for either dental, vision or hearing. Flex cards are not administered by the Federal Government and are not considered insurance. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), meanwhile, are offered through employer-sponsored healthcare. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. This might include higher deductible payments, larger copayment percentages, or an increase in your average healthcare premium. Senior Flex Card. This is how the ad and the website appeared at the time of writing: What Is Permanent Life Insurance and How Does It Work? Save Money on Current Coverage For example, if the company says you get a $2,000 flex card, ask how much of the money you get upfront. Flex cards are debit cards loaded with a predetermined amount of money. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. coronavirus Many seniors have been lured into responding to ads that claimA request for payment that you submit to Medicare or other health insurance when you get items and services that you think are covered. In most cases, the flex card is tied to a flexible spending account (FSA). Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. We'll also explain how . Eligibility for the Seniors Flex Cards. 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. 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. 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. And you just might be surprised when the benefit you called for isnt available in your area, or you dont qualify for it. Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). Then, report it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by going to the FTC website. Two types - a medical care or health care FSA and dependent care FSA - are typically offered through an employer. Every plan has a different credit card spending cap and list of permitted uses. Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. utilities An ad saying there was $2,880 available in a Medicare Flex Card looked like a windfall to Laurence Archer. But in some cases, fraud may be more subtle. benefits THE ANSWER. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? Money-Saving Benefits for Seniors. This Medicare benefit is available for a limited-time and can be used for medical visits, prescription drugs and even groceries. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and cant be used to get FREE money or cash back. We do not offer every plan available in your area. If it seems to be any fraudulent activities, you should keep away from those sources. 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. Benefits Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 9:00pm eastern time. Invitations for applications for insurance are made through Assurance IQ, LLC, a licensed insurance agency, only where licensed and appointed. This post may contain affiliate links. The devil is in the details. That includes the Flex Card. Heres a look at what flex cards are (and are not), how they work, how to get one, and how to protect yourself from potential flex card scams. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. Beneficiaries often save more money in total health spending with a Medicare Supplement plan than with a Medicare Advantage plan. Flex cards aren't the only extra benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans. Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. So, many legitimate insurance companies offer this benefit. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. Millions of Americans could now be eligible to get their "Flex Card" to spend up to $2,880/year free of charge. first time home buyer programs The reason of course is to get you to respond or call so they can enroll you in a Medicare plan. In Network and Out of Network choices! To learn more, Reach out Today at NewMedicare. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical . In order to qualify for a flex card, you must qualify for a health insurance plan with a flexible spending account. They are offered as a benefit to some customers by private insurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans. items. Flex cards are not provided by Medicare the government-run program for senior citizens. Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. Unfortunately, there are many scams out there today that advertise free flex cards. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific 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 . This is a scam. If youve provided any credit card information, notify your card provider and cancel the cards to reduce the risk of any fraudulent spending. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. Get affordable hearing aids that dont break the bank. This is true even if they did not work during the Open Season. Misconceptions about Medicare flex cards. cash assistance Assurance IQ, LLC is not affiliated with Assurance Agency, Ltd., nor any government agency. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. 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. Even if you are eligible, its important to evaluate any Medicare Advantage plan very carefully. Weve had countless people reach out to us, asking if this is a legitimate offer or a terrible scam. 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. Cash Services: Flex Card Program. Remember, when you enroll in Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, you may be responsible for paying late enrollment fees. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. ebt card It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. The Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit card that helps eligible seniors pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs and other approved items. In fact, in 2022, it looks like some savvy health care plans have changed their vocabulary. financial assistance 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. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. A Guide to Understanding Insurance Risks, Understanding The Role of Insurance Limits in Your Policy, Personal Liability Insurance: Protecting Yourself From Unforeseen Legal Costs, Loss of Use Coverage: What to Know Before You Need It, Understanding The Different Types of Home Insurance Riders. Medicare beneficiaries often wonder if their coverage includes dental services. Housing help. Limitations and exclusions may apply. First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area. Medicare Flex Card for Seniors: An Overview. As a general rule, you should never provide your sensitive personal information online to unknown organizations. Flex card advertisements are designed to generate interest with bold statements, but can be short on details. Boca Raton, Florida. Because Medicare supplement plans also called Medigap are designed to help offset out-of-pocket costs for services that are not covered by Original Medicare, flex cards are not available with these plans. Fact Checked. Jagger Esch is the Medicare expert for MedicareFAQ and the founder, president, and CEO of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. Medicare advertisements are constantly flooding our screens. This large of a . Medigap plans work in lockstep with Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. Qualify [sic] Seniors Can Spend up to $2,880 each year for medical appointments prescriptions and more. Fraudsters take advantage of times when things are changing and its more difficult to spot a scam. Burial reimbursement for a COVID-19 death. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. Visa flex card I got a email from the flex card program that said I could get up to 10,000 in credit. For more information about the new Medicare card, visit the CMS new card information page. 10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Life Insurance Options.