Be especially careful with people who approach you without you asking or who push particular plans. 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. But in some cases, fraud may be more subtle. Once the money in the flex card account is spent, the card cannot be used again until it is reloaded by the insurance provider based on their guidelines. . 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. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Low Income Relief is an informational website that provides tips, advice, and information to help you make ends meet. Shop at participating stores like Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Kroger. They are offered by private health insurance companies as an additional benefit to their members. This means they are not part of government-managed Medicare 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. This Medicare benefit is available for a limited-time and can be used for medical visits, prescription drugs and even groceries. If a scammer calls you or your older adult to ask for their Medicare number or other personal information, hang up immediately. 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. Boca Raton, Florida. 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. Consumers mislead by Medicare Flex card ads. veterans. The dependent qualifications and use of the funds depend on which FSA you have (caregivers often have . housing . SilverSneakers Now Offers Apple Fitness+ Benefit, Do Not Sell nor Share My Personal Information. Pre-loaded health cards offer a way to pay for services upfront but not out of pocket. 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. Every flex card is different . Most businesses with a good reputation will ask you to contact them first they will only do something with your permission. 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. The card also has no role in government-funded programs. Always be aware of whats going on around you, and dont let anyone approach you without your permission. Many states have a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program that can assist you in navigating these complex benefits. But more often than not, you might find yourself attracted towards a scam that can take all your money. Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer dental coverage, but many do. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. So, who qualifies for Medicare flex card? Private Medicare Advantage plans distribute the cards in these ads not Original Medicare. Using a flex card is like using a debit card. Flex Cards are for medical bills that meet certain criteria. Boca Raton, Florida. The Visa Flex Card Gives you: Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers; You can do this online at Healthy Benefits Plus or by calling 855-256-4620 (TTY: 711). Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. Get financial help for seniors from 2,500+ federal, state, and private benefits programs. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. You're just a few steps away from seeing your Medicare plan options, Understanding The Different Life Insurance Options. How can you protect yourself from Medicare scams? These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. If your provider does offer these cards, ask for details about the total amount available, what services are covered, and if any unused balances roll over to the next year. He is what is known as a captive agent because he only works with one insurer in this case, its United Healthcare. legal 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. 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. Medicaid Not everyone in a Medicare Advantage plan will qualify for a flex card. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. Health care is confusing and its too important to make mistakes on. 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. The amount of money you can use will depend on your health care insurance provider and plan. In Network and Out of Network choices! here. Tap Below To Call & Qualify! These cards are offered only by insurance companies that provide these flexible cards. healthcare Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. MedicareFAQ proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage. Dont Miss: Government Money Market Fund Spaxx. Qualify [sic] Seniors Can Spend up to $2,880 each year for medical appointments prescriptions and more. When you visit the doctor or need to purchase medical supplies, you simply swipe the card to pay for the purchase. In the case of Original Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or report online at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Most of the time it is a combined benefit annually to be used for either dental, vision or hearing. A flexible spending account, or flex card, is a type of flexible spending account that reimburses medical expenses. Our service is 100% free and were happy to help you. Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. 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. Call 211 to find agencies and community organizations that can assist you with finding food in an emergency. Also Check: Getting Passport At Post Office. For the 2023 plan year, the average is $500. 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. In addition, policyholders cannot carry both Medigap and Medicare Advantage insurance. 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. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. Only one agent from our office will contact you. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical . Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. 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. Though superficially similar to flexible spending accounts (FSAs), Medicare flex cards differ in where they are offered and how they are funded. You may also want to contact your primary care doctor and local pharmacist to head off any attempts by scammers to use your information. If you give that site your personal information, they are likely going to sell it for profit. Dont fall for it. Posted on Published: November 22, 2021- Last updated: November 17, 2022. If you have regular, recurring medical expenses, this quarterly flex card model may work for you, but if your health needs are more variable, upfront funds may be a better choice. However, this is entirely not true. To protect your older adult from Medicare card scams, educate them about 3 common techniques that con artists may use. 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. If they approach you or contact you first, do not engage. 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. 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. 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 . I am so glad for the information. Thank you. Aetna. Were here to help you make the right decision for your dental care needs and explain when Medicare covers dental services. Two cards. 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. 4706 Chiquita Blvd S. Suite 200-415 Remember, when you enroll in Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, you may be responsible for paying late enrollment fees. Im not saying its the government doing this. Unlike flex cards, however, FSAs are linked to health insurance plans that are offered through employment. Ultimately, you are responsible for your financial and other decisions. So, why does the Center for Medicare & MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States. Flex cards share some similarities with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which can be used to pay for deductibles, copayments, and prescriptions. Get a Life Insurance quote today. Depending on the advertisement, some claimed these cards could be worth $2,880 or more! It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. A Facebook post says that senior citizens can get a Medicare "flex card" that pays for groceries and prescriptions. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account. Facebook posts advertise a "Medicare Flex Card" that seniors can use to pay for expenses such as groceries. Health insurance is complicated enough without worrying about these bad actors, but its something we have to always be vigilant about. To make sure you don't fall victim to this scam . She has over 20 years of professional research and writing experience, and she has been solely dedicated to investigating low income topics for the last 10 years. 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. Open Season ends on September 30 if you are a new QLE employee and havent yet tor, this is your last chance. 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. While the claim may be objectively true, consider how these funds are dispersed. "It was stated it was set up by the government with Medicare for senior citizens . According to Healthcare.gov, a flex card can be used to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. Verify: Can Medicare recipients receive a free Medicare flex card? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI is a federal government program that provides a monthly cash benefit for the elderly (age 65 and over), blind, or disabled of any age who have extremely low income and very few resources. 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. There are many legitimate-looking websites that are just trying to phish your information. Author: Nicole Smith Created Date: 11/1/2021 2:59:08 PM . Services allow blatantly misleading and false advertising about Medicare benefits? For instance, you could be taking advice from an insurance agent who is getting a commission from making a sale. 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. Since Medicare Advantage providers are the issuers of flex cards, carrying a Medigap plan means there is no way to access a 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. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Hi Audrey. So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy.