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 reason of course is to get you to respond or call so they can enroll you in a Medicare plan. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. 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. SilverSneakers Now Offers Apple Fitness+ Benefit, Do Not Sell nor Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. Housing help. Seniors can get their "Medicare Flex Card" for a limited time. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Again, Medicare Advantage plans do not typically include the flex card benefit. Get a personalized Health Insurance quote now. SNAP Once you receive your Humana Spending Account Card in the mail, you must activate it before you can use it. 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. Flex cards are not available in every state or with every carrier. Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. 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. Author: Nicole Smith Created Date: 11/1/2021 2:59:08 PM . Flex cards are frequently offered in conjunction with health insurance coverage. 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. The largest legitimate flex plan I found included a $1,000 flex card and a $50 monthly debit card for other out-of-pocket costs, for a total of $1,600 per year. Unlike flex cards, however, FSAs are linked to health insurance plans that are offered through employment. In such a case, you will need to wait until the General Enrollment Period to sign up for Original Medicare. Although they arent technically scammers, some of them dont mind playing dirty and being deceptive in their advertising. cheap eats Ripoff Report | FLEX CARD Review - , Internet - Flex card scam int Medicare Flex Card: Is It Legitimate? | HelpAdvisor.com To apply for flex card benefits, contact your Medicare Advantage provider. Thats not accurate at all. How Much Does It Cost To Refinance A Home? Verify: Can Medicare recipients receive a free Medicare flex card? Details such as your Doctor visit and facility co-pays, prescription drug costs, and other medical costs. You may be eligible for survivor benefits from the government following a family member's death. legal How do I qualify for a flex card? - Insuredandmore.com They are offered as a benefit to some customers by private insurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. Developing senior leaders in the U.S. Government through Leadership for a Democratic Society, Custom Programs and Interagency Courses. ShopMyExchange: 5 Super Deals for Veterans. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. By. Always be aware of whats going on around you, and dont let anyone approach you without your permission. Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. 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. In fact, many of the advertisements were downright deceptive and implied . That includes the Flex Card. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. Invitations for applications for insurance are made through Assurance IQ, LLC, a licensed insurance agency, only where licensed and appointed. Open Season ends on September 30 if you are a new QLE employee and havent yet tor, this is your last chance. Please note that this line is for HEARING AIDS and not for information about the Flex Cards. Diagnostic devices (blood sugar test kits, etc. A flexible spending account, or flex card, is a type of flexible spending account that reimburses medical expenses. Aside from that, there are also many websites that have affiliate relationships with various Medicare Advantage providers, which means they get a commission if they can lure you into a sale. Wellcare Visa Flex Card? 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. Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer dental coverage, but many do. Lastly, you can look for help through independent organizations. 1. Christmas No, Medicare Flex Cards are not a scam. But more often than not, you might find yourself attracted towards a scam that can take all your money. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. It has two parts. It can be almost impossible to differentiate between the paid agents and the legitimate unbiased experts. However, when it comes to dental coverage on Medicare, you are not without options. Medical equipment. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few . For example, if you enroll during March, your coverage will become effective on April 1. 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. First, take the time to verify that the company or agent youre dealing with is legitimate. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. If they approach you or contact you first, do not engage. The flex card benefit is not a common feature of Medicare Advantage plans, but you can find it in a handful of plans nationwide. If so, you can reach them at 877-823-8276. A flex card for seniors is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. There are also eligibility criteria to make sure you can avail free government money. Sign Up For Medicare Save Money on Current Coverage Unfortunately, there are many scams out there today that advertise free flex cards. Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. And you just might be surprised when the benefit you called for isnt available in your area, or you dont qualify for it. pets What is a Medicare Flex Card for Seniors? - Boomer Benefits We got $125 each for food and $500 for medical. Some would half do the work, ask for money or take money . There is no enrollment period since not all insurers offer these cards, and those that do may have different rules about the amount of money these cards carry along with the services they cover. 1-877-372-3337. Learn about programs and resources for older adults. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. But most of the time, youll be drawn to a scam that will take all your money. 2023 we got one card for both food and medical. 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 dependent qualifications and use of the funds depend on which FSA you have (caregivers often have . Just a couple less than honest sales people. Phone: (800) 783-5901. Our popular Dental Plan includes Vision and Hearing options. discounts 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. free museum days 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. 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. You should always consult with a knowledgeable, unbiased Medicare advisor before making significant changes to your health care coverage. Diagnostic devices. Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . Updated. first time home buyer programs We were unable to find any Flex Cards that actually had the $2,880 that they originally advertised. Medicare-qualifying beneficiaries can use pre-loaded flex cards to pay for medical costs. Medigap plans work in lockstep with Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. Here are three techniques to guard against the majority of Medicare frauds. Often, the so-called advisor will pressure you to act quickly. Part A is hospital coverage. Its offered through private Medicare Advantage plans and only available in specific areas around the country. Thank you. rent Private Medicare Advantage plans distribute the cards in these ads not Original Medicare. Also Check: Getting Passport At Post Office. Services allow blatantly misleading and false advertising about Medicare benefits? 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. If you qualify, you may be able to receive death benefits including: Survivor payments. This year that benefit happens to be the Flex card for seniors. 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. These benefits arent available in all areas. Senior people over 50 are prone to . 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. Author: Unadilla, New York. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. Scammers will:1. Misleading 'Medicare flex card' ads target seniors on Facebook The Flex Card Is A Scam? - Deceptology Welcome to Benefits.gov | Benefits.gov Participating providers send qualifying seniors a Medicare flex card for food. This skates on the edge of false advertising. That's a lot less than . Depending on the advertisement, some claimed these cards could be worth $2,880 or more! children Money-Saving Benefits for Seniors. Most legitimate organizations require you to reach out first; they wont contact you unsolicited. I am glad you found the information helpful! The Flex card for seniors is not something thats offered by Medicare. 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. 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. No. Flex cards are an additional benefit to Medicare Advantage plans. Hi Theresa. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare . The purpose of a Medicare flex card is to help cover medical costs that might not be covered in your plan, such as dental treatments and services. The deadline for compliance is September 30 after that, there will be repercussions for noncompliance. Medicare beneficiaries often wonder if their coverage includes dental services. That means 3 out of 5 seniors who qualify are missing out on benefits. Dont fall for it. Posted on Published: November 22, 2021- Last updated: November 17, 2022. Our agents are ready to help you review your options and find the most cost-effective plan for your needs. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. Medicare Flex Cards for Seniors - The Medicare Family They are non-taxed accounts that are used to pay for certain medical expenses not covered by employer plans. veterans. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! Social Security 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. Medicare flex cards for seniors are available exclusively through private insurance companies. Assurance IQ, LLC is not affiliated with Assurance Agency, Ltd., nor any government agency. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and cant be used to get FREE money or cash back. Health insurance fraud results in losses of up to $300 billion each year. If you suspect you are the victim of a scam, dont let the scammer know you are suspicious since this may prompt them to do something rash with your information, such as running up credit card debt or trying to sell your personal information online. Its not that they condone it, but it takes them a while to crack down on the offending health insurance companies. If you see an advertisement for a free flex card or an Original Medicare flex card, it's probably not legitimate. What Is the Flex Card for Seniors? | ClearMatch Medicare Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. 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. For health insurance companies to stay profitable, they need to make money on the products and services they sell. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. (The website) may receive paid compensation for clicks or sales produced from the content found on this webpage.. Uncovering the Details of the $900 Medicare Grocery Benefit Flex Card For Seniors Qualifications | Medicare Flex Card for seniors This card would allow beneficiaries to use funds from the private insurance carrier for medical services. Senior Flex Card. This is a scam. What Is A Seniors Flex Card. According to one commercial, you can use the card for gas, groceries, new clothing, and shoes. Federal Assistance Open Season for FSAFEDS enrollment happens yearly between the months of November and December. Fake Medicare advisor phone calls. These scammers often claim to be calling from Medicare and will lie and cheat to try to get your older adults current Social Security number-based Medicare number. While this could be true under rare circumstances, a licensed physician must deem these items medically necessary. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. There is a lot of government department and platform to provide free government money for seniors over 50. 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. Spending Limit for Medicare Flex Cards. 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. * Your information is 100% protected. So, who qualifies for Medicare flex card? 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. 2022 we each got $50 for food and $500 each for medical each. When you sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage goes into effect on the first day of the following month. Does Medicare Have a Flex Card for Seniors? | Flex Card Benefits Flex cards aren't the only extra benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans. You should automatically receive your flex debit card in the mail around the beginning of your plan For example, money may be added in a lump sum each year or in smaller amounts each quarter. SNAP Benefits for Seniors: 7 Key Food Assistance Program Facts Medicare is not offering a free $2,880 flex card - VERIFYThis Im not saying its the government doing this. You can report scams online with the FTC complaint assistant or by a phone call. Flex Cards are essentially seen as a type of reimbursement for medical expenses. Aetna. A Medicare Advantage Flex Card is a prepaid debit card you can use to pay for specific health care costs. The scam consists of a recorded message advising callers that if they are sixty years of age or older they are eligible for the national senior assistance program. So, many legitimate insurance companies offer this benefit. Assurances license information can be found here. Misconceptions about Medicare flex cards. Avoid captive agents whenever possible. In November 2022 we tried to use the flex medical card for everything we bought, it worked for anything. In addition, policyholders cannot carry both Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance. Also, be wary of live gurus who have their own plans. Nicole started Low Income Relief after a personal experience with poverty. Depending on how many times you spend your money, you will have the same limits as on the other cards that youve got. Medicare Flex Card for Seniors: An Overview. Is $2880 Flex Card for seniors on Medicare legitimate? Can - YouTube 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. Burial reimbursement for a COVID-19 death. What Is A Medicare Advantage Flex Card? - Retireguide.com As a general guideline, you should never provide private information online to unknown businesses. school supplies Not everyone in a Medicare Advantage plan will qualify for a flex card. Apply to FLEX | FLEX What is the Medicare Flex Card for Seniors? Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. Two types - a medical care or health care FSA and dependent care FSA - are typically offered through an employer. Eligibility for the Seniors Flex Cards. Humana Expanding Medicare Advantage Health Plans in 2022 to Address The new Medicare card is free. THE ANSWER. While the claim may be objectively true, consider how these funds are dispersed. students military Transportation - Receive a certain amount of rides at no cost. 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. 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. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. 3. . PDF Are you looking for the Wellcare Visa Flex Card? If so, you can reach You can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. 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. Is the $2,880 Flex Card for Seniors Real?! - Low Income Relief To get the card, you'll need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the program. 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. How To Get Free Government Money for Seniors Over 50 To protect your older adult from Medicare card scams, educate them about 3 common techniques that con artists may use. They are offered as a benefit to some . Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. If a scammer calls you or your older adult to ask for their Medicare number or other personal information, hang up immediately. Health insurance is complicated enough without worrying about these bad actors, but its something we have to always be vigilant about. Although the flex card is an enticing offer, you need to make sure that you arent sacrificing other precious health care benefits to get it. Despite a recent uptick in online advertising, however, these cards remain relatively rare. The main benefit of a flex card is the additional funds to pay for the expenses of medical supplies. 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. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. You can deposit money onto 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. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. You also have to be wary of in-person advisors with an agenda. You May Like: Razor Company That Supports Police. Here, the general rule is to supply as little personal information as possible until youre ready to purchase a plan and youre confident that the provider is legitimate. However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. newly Eligible employees can enroll in FSAFEDS during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season in November and December. Next, make sure that you are not following the advice of someone who has ulterior motives. cash assistance TTY 1-800-952-0450. 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. Fact Check-Social Security 'spending card' provided by the government Consider a company offering $2,000 flex cards. How Does an EBT Card Work? Does any of this value roll over to the next year? Federal Executive Institute. Educational assistance. PolitiFact | Medicare 'flex cards' are not as advertised Many states have a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program that can assist you in navigating these complex benefits. 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. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical . Boca Raton, Florida. Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. 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.". It is a scam that tries to get seniors to sign . Frequently Asked Questions | OPM.gov $2800 Flex Card For Seniors On Medicare And Medicaid