Is there such a thing as a “Medicare Flex Card?” If so, how do you get one?

As a Medicare-eligible individual, you may have heard of Medicare Flex Cards. Commercials and ads offering those cards are especially high during the Annual Enrollment Period (every October 15–December 7). But what are they? Is it some kind of scam or are they valid cards?

Well, the good news – Flex Cards are legitimate. Despite the name of the Medicare Flex Card, this benefit is not a card through Original Medicare. The card is only available through select Medicare Advantage plans, not the U.S. government. So those enrolled in Original Medicare do not get a Flex Card.

As an alternative to Original Medicare, a person may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) through a private insurance company. The Flex Card is only offered by certain Medicare Advantage plans as part of their benefits package.

What is a Flex Card and how does it work?

Medicare Flex Cards are pre-paid debit cards linked to a flexible spending account (thus the name “flex cards”). The cards can contribute towards specific medical and health-related expenses as decided by the Medicare Advantage plan carrier. Plan members cannot withdraw cash from this card or use money on it for whatever they want.

Each Medicare Advantage plan sets its Flex Card allowance and spending rules. So, the Flex Card benefit, amount of money, and uses are different for each Medicare Advantage plan. And not everyone in a Medicare Advantage plan with the Flex Card benefit may qualify for the card.

What can a Flex Card allowance cover?

The Flex Card allowance can cover:

• Personal hygiene and wellness items
• Over-the-counter items (vitamins, bandages, first aid supplies, etc.)
• Fitness supplies
• Bathroom safety devices
• Dental or hearing services
• Grocery expenses for healthy foods and produce

Medicare Advantage plans may also have reward programs. Enrollees can get $100-$200 on their Flex Card for joining in healthy reward activities. Or completing preventive health screenings.

The Flex Card is preloaded monthly, quarterly, or annually with a specific amount which the Medicare Advantage carrier decides. And the card can only pay for eligible products at qualifying locations. It’s important to double-check the details of a Flex Card offered as a benefit by a Medicare Advantage plan.

Is the Medicare Flex Card legitimate? 

Sometimes things seem too good to be true and turn out to be a scam. Luckily, the Medicare Flex Card program is not a scam. It’s legitimate although limited in its use by each Medicare Advantage plan. No one should be calling and offering a “free Medicare Flex Card.” Contact the Medicare Advantage plan with any questions about their Flex Card benefit.

So, what is the truth about Medicare Flex Cards? Unveiling myths and misconceptions

While Medicare Flex Cards are legit, advertisements are often misleading about what a person actually gets. Various marketing material sells the Medicare Flex Card program as more than it actually offers.

• Some ads claim enrollees get up to $3,000 each month on their Flex Card for food, clothing, and more. Always check the details of a benefit you’re interested in. If it sounds too good, it’s usually not true.
• Some information makes it seem as though the government distributes these cards. However, it’s important to remember — Flex Cards are only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans. There is no government Flex Card for people on Original Medicare.
• When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage that offers the Flex Card, be sure to double or triple check you’re eligible for it. Often telemarketers try to enroll individuals in a plan without making sure the person actually qualifies for the card.

Medicare Flex Card scams do exist – here’s how not to fall for one

Often scammers use Flex Cards as bait to deceive people into giving out their personal information. You may get calls or see ads claiming that Medicare gives out free Flex Cards and you’re eligible for the program. Scammers are active around the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. They may ask you to fill out an application form or ask for personal details like your Social Security number, Medicare ID, or bank information over the phone. They’ll later use this data for various fraudulent activities.

How to tell a legitimate Medicare Flex Card program from Medicare Flex Card scams

• If a caller claims to be a representative of Medicare or CMS, it’s a scam. First of all, Original Medicare has nothing to do with the program and does not issue Flex Cards. Only certain Medicare Advantage plans offer them to their members. Secondly, Medicare will never call an individual unless they requested a callback. Any uninvited calls from people claiming to be from Medicare are most likely scams. The only legit calls a person may get is from representatives of a Medicare Advantage plan they’re already a member of. Medicare-eligible individuals may also receive calls from telemarketers trying to sell a specific Medicare Advantage plan. It’s important to investigate such offers thoroughly. Compare current coverage and understand what you gain or lose by switching plans.
• There is no such thing as a free Medicare Flex Card. If someone calls trying to convince you to join a program for free just by filling out a form or sharing personal details, it’s a scam. In order to get a valid Flex Card, a person needs to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers it as a part of its benefits package. Remember, there’s no such thing as free money!
• You cannot use the money on a Flex Card for any purchases you want. If someone claims otherwise, it’s a scam. Flex Cards allow members to pay for eligible approved expenses, such as medical costs, dental care, certain over-the-counter products, and more. The card benefit varies based on each Medicare Advantage plan.
• Not everyone is eligible for Flex Cards. There are specific conditions to qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the Flex Card benefit. If you’re told the Flex Card is available for every single Medicare-eligible person, beware of a scam.

How those eligible for Medicare get a Flex Card

Speak directly with insurance carriers, if having the Flex Card is a priority for you. They can help you find a plan that offers it in your area. Also be sure to check if you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the card even when the Medicare Advantage plan offers it.

The Flex Card is one benefit to consider when deciding between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan. When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, compare how the plan covers regular medical expenses, medications, and major medical issues. Also find out if the Medicare Advantage plan’s provider network covers the doctors and hospitals you want to use. Don’t overfocus on the card when there are other important benefits to consider when choosing Medicare options.

Conclusion 

The Medicare Flex Card is a program offered by certain Medicare Advantage plans from private insurance carriers. While the card is a pre-paid debit card, it isn’t “free money” to spend on whatever a person wants. The card can be useful by helping to pay for a set list of expenses as decided by the Medicare Advantage carrier. All Flex Cards have spending limits and specific terms.

Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the card. And although a plan may offer the Flex Card, a member may not be eligible for it. Be sure to check if you’re eligible for the card before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. And remember, all card benefits differ from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

There are advertisements with misleading information about the Flex Card and what it offers. Make sure to always double-check who is “selling” the card. It’s one way to avoid giving personal information to a scammer. Another way of keeping your information safe — only speak with licensed insurance agents of a Medicare Advantage plan, not a third party or unaffiliated website.