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. In my experience, the best way to find a trustworthy Medicare counselor is to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. Thank you. However, to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be willing to abide by strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. 3, Report #820758. This is especially true for insurance contracts, which may contain provisions or stipulations that can affect both your coverage and how much you pay. In order to qualify for a flex card, you must qualify for a health insurance plan with a flexible spending account. Dont fall victim to online scams. housing Dental, vision, and hearing services. I am glad you found the information helpful! Additionally, there may be any fraud that can attract you to go plans by any risky platforms. 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. If it seems to be any fraudulent activities, you should keep away from those sources. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Qualify [sic] Seniors Can Spend up to $2,880 each year for medical appointments prescriptions and more. 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. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. 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. The name flex card harkens to what some of us know as a flexible spending account that reimburses for medical expenses. Flex cards are not provided by Medicare the government-run program for senior citizens. 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. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. 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. 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. If you are searching for a Flex Card, one way to start is by contacting your current provider to see if they offer one. As you may know from our previous video on Medicare benefits, Medicare has many parts and is very complicated. He went the extra mile. This is because flex cards are offered as part of private insurers Medicare Advantage plans, not as stand-alone items. 1. Several attendences from government funded agency were sent, but they would take advantage of his situation. You may be eligible for survivor benefits from the government following a family member's death. Home / FAQs / Medicare Coverage / What Dental Services Are Covered by Medicare. Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area. Assurance IQ is a licensed representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PPFS organizations and prescription drug plans with a Medicare contract. Instead of offering flex cards for seniors, now theyre offering an All-Access Black Card. 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. If you see an advertisement for a free flex card or an Original Medicare flex card, it's probably not legitimate. The government does not set up Flex Card but these are connected to a specific health insurance plan. 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. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. We frequently see the following benefits offered: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage - Receive coverage for routine services. 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. 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. What Is Universal Life Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide. Facebook posts advertise a "Medicare Flex Card" that seniors can use to pay for expenses such as groceries. 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. Got questions about the flex card for seniors? 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. For example, flex card providers may make claims about their cards that are not outright lies, but are misleading. Every flex card is different . Last year ,2021, we got 50 and 500 but found out in November we could buy anything. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. This year that benefit happens to be the Flex card for seniors. 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. 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). Millions of older adults may be missing out on programs to help pay for food, housing, healthcare, and more. 2022 we each got $50 for food and $500 each for medical each. Fraudsters take advantage of times when things are changing and its more difficult to spot a scam. How can you protect yourself from scammers and bad actors? 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. Advertisements that claim or indicate that flex cards are being offered by government agencies are, therefore, patently false. 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. Our service is 100% free and were happy to help you. However, they all require beneficiaries to pick up their Medicare Advantage plans. 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. For example, if the company says you get a $2,000 flex card, ask how much of the money you get upfront. Get financial help for seniors from 2,500+ federal, state, and private benefits programs. transportation Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . This website is owned and operated by Assurance IQ, LLC. The new card will not affect Medicare benefits. Thats far less than the $2,880 that I originally saw advertised. For more information about the new Medicare card, visit the CMS new card information page. Its not just online that you have to be careful, either. So heres the deal, every year right around the annual open enrollment period which runs from Oct 15th to Dec 7th, theres always a certain benefit thats heavily advertised by medicare sales agencies. To protect your older adult from Medicare card scams, educate them about 3 common techniques that con artists may use. You may have noticed dozens of advertisements for zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans that claim to provide all-in-one coverage. coronavirus It is a scam that tries to get seniors to sign . Senior beneficiaries can use these pre-loaded cards for certain healthcare purchases, including medical equipment and OTC medications. Flex cards share some similarities with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which can be used to pay for deductibles, copayments, and prescriptions. Why do so many people try to scam seniors? The main benefit of a flex card is the additional funds to pay for the expenses of medical supplies. But the cards are not provided through Medicare -- the US insurance program for people 65 and older -- and experts say that such ads should be approached with caution, warning that some exaggerate eligibility and benefits. 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. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. This large of a . You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), meanwhile, are offered through employer-sponsored healthcare. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications, including USA Today, The Daily Herald, The Chronicle and more. A Facebook post says that senior citizens can get a Medicare "flex card" that pays for groceries and prescriptions. In this case, your information could be used to commit insurance fraud or as part of an identity theft scam. Information is available in English and Spanish. The . Money on the card can be used to pay for specific health services, such as dental or vision care, prescriptions, or even healthy groceries. Speak with a licensed insurance agent Mon-Fri, 9AM-8PM EST . 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. Save Money on Current Coverage Companies That Offer a Medicare Advantage Flex Card. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Tools such as state insurance databases can help you look up agent or company credentials. Money-Saving Benefits for Seniors. Companies offer additional benefits to make the policies more attractive to consumers by balancing these high costs. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. Medicare-qualifying beneficiaries can use pre-loaded flex cards to pay for medical costs. 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. 2. So it is important to know these programs very clearly and get started for application. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. Millions of Americans could now be eligible to get their "Flex Card" to spend up to $2,880/year free of charge. free food Were always tempted to cave to our anxiety and offer them our private details. The amount of each monthly food stamps payment is based on household size and income, but the maximum monthly payment for the benefit period of October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023 is $281 for a one-person household and $516 for a two-person household. . Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. Further, the ads tend to be unclear about which items are eligible for purchase with flex cards. Dont fall for it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visa flex card I got a email from the flex card program that said I could get up to 10,000 in credit. college 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. So, we are here to clear the air about one product the flex card for seniors on Medicare. Part B is medical coverage.. Fact Checked. here. To help reduce the risk of flex card-based fraud, its worth watching out for common red flags. When people advertise things like this, its usually because they have a financial interest in getting you to sign up. Many states have a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program that can assist you in navigating these complex benefits. Independent agents work with a wide variety of providers, whereas captive agents work with only one or two providers. While the claim may be objectively true, consider how these funds are dispersed. 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. These include: Currently in circulation are advertisements for Medicare-supplied flex cards from various carriers. This website is not connected with the federal government or the federal Medicare program. 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. It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. Contact us at the number above or complete our online rate form to see affordable plans in your area today! If someone is offering you a flex card with an Original Medicare or Medicaid plan they are trying to scam you. 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.". To make sure you don't fall victim to this scam . If a service or benefit is not covered under Medicare Part A or Part B, it cant be covered by a Medigap plan, either. utilities However, many of these ads can be confusing or misleading. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. Instead, stop all contact with the scammer and report the scam to the authorities. Two types - a medical care or health care FSA and dependent care FSA - are typically offered through an employer. Benefits for Seniors Through SSA Is the senior flex card legitimateno, the Senior Flex Card is not a legitimate form of payment. 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 . 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. It is best to contact your insurer directly to inquire if your plan offers this benefit. Monthly benefits are transferred to the seniors' personal Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT . Advertisements that claim or indicate that flex cards are being offered by government agencies are, therefore, patently false. You can do this online at Healthy Benefits Plus or by calling 855-256-4620 (TTY: 711). Social Security Retirement Benefits, USA Medicare Plan 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. There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. * Average time of receiving a Medicare plan recommendation is less than 15 minutes from start of conversation, 2019-2021. Medicare will not call about the new card and they wont ask for your older adults Social Security number. 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. Details such as your Doctor visit and facility co-pays, prescription drug costs, and other medical costs. Yet, this depends on how long you delayed Medicare benefits without creditable coverage. Buy healthy food online or in person. 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. The flex card for seniors offer is typically tied to a Medicare Advantage plan. 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. But in some cases, fraud may be more subtle. 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. Federal Assistance Open Season for FSAFEDS enrollment happens yearly between the months of November and December. In fact, many of the advertisements were downright deceptive and implied . "It was stated it was set up by the government with Medicare for senior citizens . These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. If you have a Medigap policy that covers the Medicare Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. But most of the time, youll be drawn to a scam that will take all your money. The new Medicare card is free. A flex card for seniors is a debit card offered by certain private Medicare Advantage providers. Youve probably seen TV commercials and ads online promoting a free Flex Card for seniors or Medicare Flex Card. What Is A Seniors Flex Card. It helped me a lot to understand what the Flex card is about. You can also review your plans benefits on Medicare.gov. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. There are many legitimate-looking websites that are just trying to phish your information. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications. You're just a few steps away from seeing your Medicare plan options, Understanding The Different Life Insurance Options. Medicaid I am so glad for the information. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. Author: Nicole Smith Created Date: 11/1/2021 2:59:08 PM . Unlike flex cards, however, FSAs are linked to health insurance plans that are offered through employment. 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. Scammers will:1. Flex cards for seniors work like pre-loaded debit cards. Our popular Dental Plan includes Vision and Hearing options. These costs may include: Flex cards are typically offered alongside health insurance plans. Truthfully, Medicare is not distributing flex cards for seniors. Then, report it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by going to the FTC website. So, it's not free; you're unlikely to recoup $2,800.00 or anything close to it. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. food These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific 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. So you will need to make sure your new plans network covers your physicians. For example, if you enroll during March, your coverage will become effective on April 1. Housing help. A Medicare flex card is a debit card that may come as an extra benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Few seniors participate in SNAP Only 2 out of 5 eligible adults over age 60 are enrolled in SNAP. Humana Healthy Options, OTC and Flex allowances. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! The Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit card that helps eligible seniors pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs and other approved items. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Posts claiming to provide a spending card for adults over the age of 51 through government programs are a scam. You can take advantage of many senior discounts when you are as young as 50. Additionally, Ashlee trains new and tenured Medicare agents on CMS compliance guidelines. Required fields are marked *. coinsurance, you basically already have a Flex Card for all Medicare-approved expenses. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. 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. Final Expense Life Insurance Explained: Is It The Right Choice For You? pets No such program exists and Social Security benefits are limited to certain groups . Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer dental coverage, but many do. 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. There might be other supplemental benefits included as well in specific Plans such as a benefit for groceries, utilities, and over the counter medications. Medicare flex cards for seniors are available exclusively through private insurance companies. health That includes the Flex Card. 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. Medigap plans are a direct extension of Original Medicare, available through private insurance companies. cheap eats The Flex Card is a preloaded debit card that is available in a variety of categories for eligible medical care beneficiaries. cheap Transportation - Receive a certain amount of rides at no cost. Once you sign up for a plan, your provider will send you your flex card along with information about how you can spend the money. That just doesnt make sense for most people. Healthcare cost management . First, never give your personal information to any company that you do not know, especially online. Even if you are eligible, its important to evaluate any Medicare Advantage plan very carefully. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. 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. Money on Medicare flex cards, meanwhile, is disbursed according to a schedule set by Medicare Advantage providers. Some may offer plans that include flex cards to customers who have been with the company for a certain length of time or may make these cards part of a tiered pricing system that requires customers to purchase plans with higher deductibles or copayments. Call 211 to find agencies and community organizations that can assist you with finding food in an emergency. To be eligible for SSI cash benefits, your countable resources must be less than $2,000 for an individual, and $3,000 . Co-payments and deductibles. . Adding Extra Coverage with Life Insurance Riders, How Investing In Life Insurance Can Benefit Your Financial Strategy, Comparing Health Insurance Plans and Networks, Health Insurance Marketplace: A Guide to Coverage Options and Eligibility, Secondary Health Insurance: A Look at How It Works, Understanding The Differences Of Copays, Deductibles, and Coinsurance, Guide To Finding Health Insurance Coverage Between Jobs, Navigating The Health Insurance Subsidy System: A Beginners Guide, How To Choose the Right Medicare Plan for You, How to Get Better Dental Coverage from Medicare, Comprehensive Insurance: A Complete Overview, Understanding High-Risk Auto Insurance: Who Needs It and Why, Pay Per Mile Car Insurance: A Perfect Fit For Low-Mileage Drivers, What is an Insurance Peril? Benefits Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 9:00pm eastern time. . Depending on how many times you spend your money, you will have the same limits as on the other cards that youve got. Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card. However, theyre not offered by Medicare directly. There are several things that you can do to stay away from these traps. We'll also explain how . free museum days Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance alternatives to government-run Medicare plans, offer flex cards, but very few Medicare . Ask your older adult to confirm their Medicare number or Social Security number so a new card can be mailed out. The card will be linked to a flexible savings account and will have a spending limit. Also, the cards have spending limits that vary by plan and carrier. You should be careful in everything you do, not just online. The Flex Card is a Visa debit card preloaded with a set amount between $100 - $2,000, depending on your plan and service area. children Boca Raton, Florida. To qualify for a flex card, you must have health insurance that offers a flexible spending account. We strive to provide up-to-date information but make no warranties regarding the accuracy of our information. However, whats covered may vary from provider to provider. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. There is a lot of government department and platform to provide free government money for seniors over 50. Plan for your familys future. Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. Enrollment Assistance. How can you lower the costs of your groceries and still get the nutritious food that will keep you . Posted on Published: November 22, 2021- Last updated: November 17, 2022. The average flex card in 2022 is pre-loaded with $500. 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. financial assistance Beneficiaries often save more money in total health spending with a Medicare Supplement plan than with a Medicare Advantage plan. cash assistance . Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. Were here to help you make the right decision for your dental care needs and explain when Medicare covers dental services. Youre not alone! However, this is entirely not true. As a result, its worth asking your prospective provider-specific questions and demanding clear answers in return. The money in your FSA can be used on your parents if they qualify as your dependent. Read Article . Even with the flex card benefit, the Medicare Advantage HMO plan still produces higher out-of-pocket costs than the Medicare Supplement Plan G. In fact, a recent study by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance shows that a higher number of people are enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan G to help save money on out-of-pocket costs. Cash Services: Flex Card Program. Next, contact your bank to inform them that you may have been a victim of Medicare fraud and identity theft and ask them to watch for any suspicious activity. help The devil is in the details. Benefits.gov is home to a range of information on senior related resources offered by our Federal Partners. Typically, Medicare Flex Cards have pre-determined . This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. 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. 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. Author: Unadilla, New York. 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. Not everyone in a Medicare Advantage plan will qualify for a flex card. If you are looking to reduce your healthcare spending, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan could be a step in the right direction. 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. I was able to identify many flex cards from legitimate insurers like Humana but I could not find any that offered as much money as the advertisements claimed. Flex cards are frequently offered in conjunction with health insurance coverage.