And you just might be surprised when the benefit you called for isnt available in your area, or you dont qualify for it. This is a scam. ). Get affordable hearing aids that dont break the bank. Money on the card can be used to pay for specific health services, such as dental or vision care, prescriptions, or even healthy groceries. coronavirus We were unable to find any Flex Cards that actually had the $2,880 that they originally advertised. As a general rule, you should never provide your sensitive personal information online to unknown organizations. It is the single reason I elected to go with Elite. This card, though, has to be linked with a Medicare Advantage Plan that does actually cost money. If youve provided any credit card information, notify your card provider and cancel the cards to reduce the risk of any fraudulent spending. But you must retain your calm and stay away from the trap. Flex Cards are for medical bills that meet certain criteria. Medicare Flex Cards vs. Some would half do the work, ask for money or take money . Going forward, I am happy to know he will be my contact person. Flex Cards are for use to cover qualifying medical expenses only. 10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Life Insurance Options. Are You Confused About Medicare and Having Trouble Choosing the Right Plan? debt When you sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage goes into effect on the first day of the following month. Facebook posts advertise a "Medicare Flex Card" that seniors can use to pay for expenses such as groceries. You may be eligible for survivor benefits from the government following a family member's death. These cards, which are typically linked to a flexible spending account, are a benefit that is trying to quality healthcare plans across the country. No. Call CareConnect USAs secure affordable hearing aid line at 888-258-5305 for assistance today! Since the free money associated with these cards is enticing, scammers get many people to fall for their tricks. It has two parts. 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. While flex cards may be offered as part of Medicare Advantage plans, there is no government flex card for seniors. 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 . Over-the-counter benefits - Receive a certain amount of money each . Medicare Advantage insurers make it a little easier by bundling all the benefits together and often packaging additional benefits into their plans. Flex cards are not administered by the Federal Government and are not considered insurance. 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. 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 funds can be used to help pay for dental, vision or hearing needs beyond your plan. 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. Claims of free money are meant to distract from other costs, and are a red flag that providers arent being entirely honest. Ultimately, the amount of money that you may be able to receive on a flex card varies depending on where you live and what plan you select. Benefits for Seniors Through SSA Flex cards are only available with Medicare Advantage plans. If you give that site your personal information, they are likely going to sell it for profit. Its offered through private Medicare Advantage plans and only available in specific areas around the country. free food If someone calls you & asks for your personal information, thats a big warning sign. The flex card for seniors offer is typically tied to a Medicare Advantage plan. cheap eats For example, you might see an offer for a flex card with a $1,000 balance but if the insurance plan tied to the card comes with a $25 per month increase over your current Medicare Advantage premium and doubles your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you could end up paying more each year even with your flex card. Only private insurance carriers offer Medicare flex cards, not the federal government. Pre-loaded health cards offer a way to pay for services upfront but not out of pocket. So, below we compare the costs for the same medical bill through Medicare Supplement Plan G and a typical Medicare Advantage HMO plan. Co-payments and deductibles. Key Takeaways. In my experience, the best way to find a trustworthy Medicare counselor is to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. In fact, many of the advertisements were downright deceptive and implied . 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. Yet, this depends on how long you delayed Medicare benefits without creditable coverage. Got questions about the flex card for seniors? Every flex card is different . You need to check out their program and their plans. Please note that this line is for HEARING AIDS and not for information about the Flex Cards. military Is the full amount provided upfront or over a period of time? You can report scams online with the FTC complaint assistant or by a phone call. The Administration on Aging (ACL) promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities. They are non-taxed accounts that are used to pay for certain medical expenses not covered by employer plans. 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. Once you receive your Humana Spending Account Card in the mail, you must activate it before you can use it. Many of the flex card offers I found were only available for enrollees in specific states. To qualify for a flex card, you must have health insurance that offers a flexible spending account. Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). The money on these cards is offered in addition to existing insurance coverage and allows cardholders to use them as they see fit. 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. 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. medical assistance make money 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). Even if you are eligible, its important to evaluate any Medicare Advantage plan very carefully. This means they are not part of government-managed Medicare plans. Extra benefits are a good thing, but dont sacrifice important medical benefits to get a Flex Card allowance. As a general guideline, you should never provide private information online to unknown businesses. 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. The amount of money you can use will depend on your health care insurance provider and plan. Another option for dental coverage is to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. 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. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), meanwhile, are offered through employer-sponsored healthcare. Read Article . While flex cards may be offered as part of Medicare Advantage plans, there is no government flex card for seniors. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. Dont fall for it. Flex card advertisements are designed to generate interest with bold statements, but can be short on details. Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. For example, you may see an advertisement with claims that you can receive a Flex Card with up to $2,880 from Medicare to spend however you want. At best, it will be annoying. He went the extra mile. Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card. 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. For health insurance companies to stay profitable, they need to make money on the products and services they sell. Advertisements that claim or indicate that flex cards are being offered by government agencies are, therefore, patently false. Invitations for applications for insurance are made through Assurance IQ, LLC, a licensed insurance agency, only where licensed and appointed. What Does Medicare Cover for Home Health Care? You can also contact Medicare directly via 1-800-Medicare or by online chat at Medicare.gov. There might be other supplemental benefits included as well in specific Plans such as a benefit for groceries, utilities, and over the counter medications. Flex cards are debit cards beneficiaries can use to purchase medical equipment and items. Its always good to work with a licensed broker who can guide you. Sample Disclosures Of Management Why Corporate Governance Matters: Board Diversity Citizen Complaints Against Police Officers, United States Post Office Change Of Address Form, How To Report Harassing Text Messages To The Police, a recent illness, injury, accident or surgery that led to a decline in function or movement, a flare-up or worsening of symptoms from a previous fall, accident, surgery, or chronic condition that led to a decline in function or movement. Part A is hospital coverage. housing here. Military funeral and burial honors. Only talk to them if they approach you first. These cards are offered only by insurance companies that provide these flexible cards. To learn more, Reach out Today at NewMedicare. Educational assistance. 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. healthcare Private Medicare Advantage plans distribute the cards in these ads not Original Medicare. That's a lot less than . There is a lot of government department and platform to provide free government money for seniors over 50. If you dont read the fine print carefully, you may end up paying the price in other areas of your plan. Its not just online that you have to be careful, either. Medicare Flex Cards for seniors are only available on certain Medicare Advantage Plans. Health care is confusing and its too important to make mistakes on. . This card is often known by a few different names, including: Medicare food card; If you see an advertisement for a free flex card or an Original Medicare flex card, it's probably not legitimate. 04:11 PM. Not all Medicare Advantage plans participate in this program. library While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. Few seniors participate in SNAP Only 2 out of 5 eligible adults over age 60 are enrolled in SNAP. Independent agents work with a wide variety of providers, whereas captive agents work with only one or two providers. A public service connecting you to services for older adults and their families. utilities Also, be wary of live gurus who have their own plans. In the case of Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or1-877-7SAFERX. In order to qualify for a flex card, you must qualify for a health insurance plan with a flexible spending account. Flex cards aren't the only extra benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans. 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. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides nutritious, domestically-sourced USDA foods to low-income persons 60 years or older. Senior beneficiaries can use these pre-loaded cards for certain healthcare purchases, including medical equipment and OTC medications. They will explain the important details of the coverage in the plan. Spending more than necessary for healthcare is frustrating. You're just a few steps away from seeing your Medicare plan options, Understanding The Different Life Insurance Options. Participating providers send qualifying seniors a Medicare flex card for food. 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. You may have noticed dozens of advertisements for zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plans that claim to provide all-in-one coverage. Many states have a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program that can assist you in navigating these complex benefits. 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. Be careful what you click on and always read the fine print. But in some cases, fraud may be more subtle. legal You can't use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. To make sure you don't fall victim to this scam . Additionally, they find cost-saving benefits such as a flex card never truly live up to their promises. If you complete a purchase using one of our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Advertisements that claim or indicate that flex cards are being offered by government agencies are, therefore, patently false. This means they are not part of government-managed Medicare plans. 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. Heres what you need to know about flex cards and their function. 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. These criteria vary based on the provider. To be eligible for SSI cash benefits, your countable resources must be less than $2,000 for an individual, and $3,000 . Millions of Americans could now be eligible to get their "Flex Card" to spend up to $2,880/year free of charge. - Ray C. My agent was outstanding. I am so glad for the information. These optional plans combine Medicare and additional services into healthcare packages tailored specifically for seniors. Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer dental coverage, but many do. 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. 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. members to the flexible spending program who need a flex debit card. We got $125 each for food and $500 for medical. It can be almost impossible to differentiate between the paid agents and the legitimate unbiased experts. . The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed private insurance companies to offer a new benefit-like-debit card (flex card). You May Like: Razor Company That Supports Police. Starting in late summer 2021, advertisements started to appear everywhere offering a senior flex card. By. As a senior who has qualified for Medicare, you must choose a Medical . Federal Executive Institute. May cover meal delivery services. Speak with a licensed insurance agent Mon-Fri, 9AM-8PM EST . $125 food and $500 medical. However, finding the answer What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2023? Your remaining balance in your FSA, HSA or other healthcare account is displayed here. Only a small number of private insurance companies offer flex cards, and even then, it . So, to qualify, you must have a participating policy. Since the inception of his first company in 2012, he has been dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their Medicare options. Owned by: Elite Insurance Partners LLC d/b/a MedicareFAQ. A deadline of September 30th, however, must be met. Flex cards share some similarities with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which can be used to pay for deductibles, copayments, and prescriptions. Most of the time it is a combined benefit . Tools such as state insurance databases can help you look up agent or company credentials. 2022 GovernmentDigest.net | Contact us: contact@governmentdigest.net. These private insurance company-issued cards are only accessible on specific plans. Scammers love Medicare open enrollment season. Nicole is the owner and lead researcher for Low Income Relief. certain items that can be purchased with an EBT card. You cant use the Flex card for seniors by spending on anything you want. 3, Report #820758. You also have to be wary of in-person advisors with an agenda. Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area. SNAP 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. Fraudsters take advantage of times when things are changing and its more difficult to spot a scam. What is the Flex Card for Seniors? homeless 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. What Is Permanent Life Insurance and How Does It Work? The purpose of the flex card for seniors is to entice them into enrolling in new Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment season. Updated. For example, if the company says you get a $2,000 flex card, ask how much of the money you get upfront. Instead, stop all contact with the scammer and report the scam to the authorities. Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement. Often, Medicare Advantage plans have high maximum out-of-pocket costs. 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. That just doesnt make sense for most people. Despite a recent uptick in online advertising, however, these cards remain relatively rare. 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. 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. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! To get the card, you'll need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the program. 4706 Chiquita Blvd S. Suite 200-415 The flex card for seniors offer is typically tied to a Medicare Advantage plan. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. 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. Enter your ZIP code to pull plan options available in your area. Learn about programs and resources for older adults. Medicare Supplement plans help beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket spending by covering the holes in Original Medicare. This is a marketing tool of the private company and gets you to change your Medicare Advantage plan to another company. 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. 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. Common health services covered by flex cards include: Keep in mind that because flex cards for seniors on Medicare are provided by private insurers, these companies can decide what their cards cover and what they dont. In such a case, you will need to wait until the General Enrollment Period to sign up for Original Medicare. 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. 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. Enrollment Assistance. Christmas Medicare is very complicated as it has many parts. If you have a Medigap policy that covers the Medicare Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. New Medicare Benefit Gives Seniors "Flex Card' To Spend $2,880 Every Year Free Of Charge. These organizations can help you through these complex decisions, and they can provide all the details you need to make the most informed decision. Im not saying its the government doing this. jobs discounts 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. Low Income Relief is not a bank or financial institution and we do not provide cash or financial products.Low Income Relief is part of The Lighthouse Information Network LLC, a content creation company owned by Nicole Thelin and based in Utah, USA. 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. These flex cards are only available from a select few private insurance companies and only with a limited number of plans. school supplies The Flex card for seniors is not something thats offered by Medicare. Although some major carriers offer plans with flex cards, they are not part of most available plans. They may be advantageous to seniors who have a Medicare plan. 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. 855-487-0142. 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. But more often than not, you might find yourself attracted towards a scam that can take all your money. 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. However, if your prospective flex card plan is asking for personal information to provide you with a high-level overview of the plan, this is a red flag. We do not offer every plan available in your area. What is a Life Insurance Annuity And How Does it Work? 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. The Flex Card Is Linked to a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your email address will not be published. However, whats covered may vary from provider to provider. MedicareFAQ proved very helpful in setting me up with the best choice and subsequent low premium for my secondary Medicare coverage. If it seems to be any fraudulent activities, you should keep away from those sources. children Ashlee Zareczny is the Compliance Supervisor for MedicareFAQ. . Most legitimate organizations require you to reach out first; they wont contact you unsolicited. However, it isnt difficult to see how private insurance companies can use them in a slimy way to promote free money and free Flex Cards. Our service is 100% free and were happy to help you. Information is available in English and Spanish. Plan for your familys future. Avoid captive agents whenever possible. The new card will not affect Medicare benefits. How Does an EBT Card Work? For example, the flex card can be used for the following expenses: Medicare Flex Card Coverages. "It was stated it was set up by the government with Medicare for senior citizens . Is the senior flex card legitimateno, the Senior Flex Card is not a legitimate form of payment. We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today. We also have written an article on whats a flex cards for seniors? seniors Sign Up For Medicare Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Posts claiming to provide a spending card for adults over the age of 51 through government programs are a scam. 3. 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. While some carriers offer a flex card benefit, it is rare to receive such a large amount. Medigap plans are a direct extension of Original Medicare, available through private insurance companies. The Flex card is NOT a cash card and cant be used to get FREE money or cash back. While both FSAs and flex cards may be used to cover the cost of health services, FSAs have set contribution limits. Two types - a medical care or health care FSA and dependent care FSA - are typically offered through an employer. Medicare will not call about the new card and they wont ask for your older adults Social Security number. How can you lower the costs of your groceries and still get the nutritious food that will keep you . In some cases, you can use your card to purchase healthy groceries at participating stores as well. Its not that they condone it, but it takes them a while to crack down on the offending health insurance companies. In 2022, this amount is$3,050 per year. 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. Ashlee is a Medicare expert who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D education. Boca Raton, Florida. Medicare supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and in some states to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End Stage Renal disease. Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. 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. Get More Details and Apply Here: Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Ps its a shame to treat seniors that way. Even if you do everything right, you could still be a victim of Medicare fraud. 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. 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.