A Flex Card is a card where you can store monetary values. What state law says, Will incoming storms help clear hazy skies in Kentucky? . Even more importantly, advertisements often lead beneficiaries to understand that theyll receive up to $2,880 in spendable credit, while most cards are pre-loaded with $200 to $500. 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. Others are not, such as Ronald Reagans 1964 speech A Time for Choosing, which was a televised endorsement of Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater and a sharp criticism of the Democratic Party and its promotion of social welfare programs for the poor. And this bill appeases them.. It is a co-pay amount. What Is a Medicare Flex Card for Seniors? - GoodRx It can be used in addition to the basic benefits that are already provided in the plan. Seniors can use these prepaid debit cards for eligible expenses related to their health and well-being. How Does an EBT Card Work? Medicares open enrollment period, which runs between October 15 and December 7 in 2022, is just around the corner and, with it, endless ads for a range of products, including the Medicare Flex Card for seniors. Verify: Can Medicare recipients receive a free Medicare flex card? Posted on December 6, 2022 by Larry Johnson. The amount of money you get or loaded in the Government Flex Card for Seniors depends on the insurance provider and the insurance plan. Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass has raised objections to the Senate bill, although he called it an improvement over other even more restrictive bills filed this session intended to address so-called Critical Race Theory lessons in schools. Senators split along party lines in their 28-to-8 vote for Senate Bill 138, with Republicans far outnumbering Democrats in support of the Teaching American Principles Act. The bill proceeds to the House. Locked padlock icon From the $144 Give Back benefit to the $900 Grocery benefit, Medicare Advantage plans can make life easier for beneficiaries who live on fixed incomes. The Medicare Diet: Best Foods to Eat for Gum Di Medicare News: Whats Going On With Medic Medicare Insurance, DBA of Health Insurance Associates LLC. 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. Sen. Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, asked why the legislature cant leave history classes in the hands of history teachers, who have mastered both the subjects and the principles of teaching. Teachers also should promote personal agency and the understanding that, regardless of ones circumstances, an American has the ability to succeed when he or she is given sufficient opportunity and is committed to seizing that opportunity through hard work, pursuit of education and good citizenship, the bill states. Government-provided Medicare plans do not come with a flex card. Understanding Medicare Insurance Costs and Expenses, Protect Yourself from Medicare Insurance Fraud Scams, Latest News and Updates on Medicare Insurance. The Flex card for seniors is not something that's offered by Medicare. Discover key considerations for blended families who are caring for a loved one, including financial and legal matters and effective communication. It allows you to use this card to purchase online, by phone, or by mail. You can use these debit cards to pay for the health care expenses such as medical equipment and supplies. If you think you have been the victim of a Medicare flex card scam, call1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)to report it to the government. Senior beneficiaries can use these pre-loaded cards for certain healthcare purchases, including medical equipment and OTC medications. Federal Assistance Open Season for FSAFEDS enrollment happens yearly between the months of November and December. Medicareinsurance.com Is privately owned and operated by Health Insurance Associates LLC. While various Medicare Advantage providers offer these cards, its also important to remember that Medicare Advantage Plan benefits will vary based on location. Be sure to check with your plan administrator or the card issuer to understand what expenses are covered and any restrictions or spending limits that apply. You also have to live in an area that offers the Medicare flex card as a Part C benefit, and you may have to meet certain criteria, such as having a chronic illness and requiring high-risk care management, to qualify for it. Flex cards are debit cards that are used to buy medical supplies and equipment. The best thing about this card is that there is no need for you to answer hundreds of questions asked by insurance companies related to your health or pre-existing health conditions. This card comes with Medicare Advantage plans to offer comprehensive healthcare-related services for seniors. Browse government programs, exclusive discounts, and more. No, Medicare Flex Cards are not a scam. But before diving headfirst into this type of healthcare coverage, it is important to review the benefits and disadvantages it brings. Rather, private insurance companies offer it to seniors who hold the Medicare Advantage plans as an add-on. Only talk to them if they approach you first. Often, what benefits are offered via which carriers depend heavily on your location. From time to time they too are contributors to the Night Helper Blog. * How it Works Your Flex Card gives you easy access to the funds in your Flex Account by swiping the card at the point of sale. You can only get this benefit through a qualifying Medicare Advantage plan, and theyre available only through a limited number of plans. Is that education or is that indoctrination? Flex cards are available as part of the Medicare Advantage plans insurance companies offer. The local board shall notify 7 the Kentucky Department of Education and submit the plan along with any requests . Ask a real person any government-related question for free. With the price of everything from eggs to gasoline skyrocketing, how can seniors keep up with high costs and inflation? . Givers is not a bank. First, know that Original Medicare does not offer a flex card for seniors. The Supreme Court will decide if some judges have gone too far in striking down gun restrictions, Indiana Supreme Court upholds abortion ban, says state constitution gives only limited protections, New California Assembly speaker pledges to tackle the states biggest issues. Scammers will:1. Medicare does not issue the flex card. Covering Free government Phone guided and deals. If you want to avail this benefit, you can check the amount they are going to offer you, whether you will be getting the funds throughout the year or once a year, and what kind of services or items are covered in the Government Flex Card for Seniors and if the balance is not used in a year, can you carry forward to the next year. Several Democratic senators protested that the bill would muzzle Kentucky teachers to stop them from sharing uncomfortable facts with their students, whether that is stories about organized racial violence or the effects of real-estate red-lining that created todays racially segregated neighborhoods. Seniors can take certain insurance plans eligible for the Flex Cards. The government Medicare site is http://www.medicare.gov . If in doubt, consult your current insurance provider, compare plans, and speak to your healthcare provider. The Medicare Diet: Best Diet for COPD in Seniors. Everything to know about Medicare flex cards for seniors - WRAL The only way to find out whether or not plans in your area offer the Medicare flex card is to search for and compare available Medicare Advantage plans. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock The deadline for compliance is September 30 after that, there will be repercussions for noncompliance. Yes, but they come under Medicare Flex Card and are not government-provided. Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. They might not always be giving you the best advice for your situation. This article covers detailed information about the Government Flex Card for Seniors, including the eligibility criteria, how you can get one, and more. He is a 2009 graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. A flex card, also advertised as a flex card for seniors, is a type of debit card that you can use to purchase medical equipment and qualifying medical items. Read Article . This includes helping you find plans in your area that offer the $3300 benefit. You got it! Watching her dad take care of her mom when she was sick gave her a front-row seat to witness the weight of being an unpaid caregiver. Medicaid does not issue Medicare Flex cards, so if you are enrolled in the Medicaid program, you will not be eligible. $2800 Flex Card For Seniors On Medicare And Medicaid Up to $5,100 in extra help paying for prescription medications, Are flex cards actually available in my area?, A flex card, also advertised as a flex card for seniors, is a type of debit card that you can use to purchase medical equipment and qualifying medical items. Qualified employees can enroll in the business retirement plan during the first 60 days after experiencing a QLE, such as marriage or the birth of a child. You can get the government Flex card by finding the right private insurance provider that offers these cards as part of the Medicare Advantage plans. Always be aware of whats going on around you, and dont let anyone approach you without your permission. But while these cards can be beneficial, advertisements can be misleading. Our friendly licensed agents can help! A Look At Jennifer Lopezs Car of Choice: The Aston Martin DB7, The Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle Mix: A Perfect Companion for Dog Lovers, What to Look For When Hiring an Interior Designer. Lastly, the availability and benefits of Flex cards for seniors vary based on location. 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. A non-government site powered by Health Insurance Associates, LLC., a health insurance agency. Instead of having two separate cards for groceries and over-the-counter medications and supplies, eligible beneficiaries can now receive a single flex card worth up to $3300 to cover: Healthy foods (as approved by your insurance company). SSI Redetermination: What It Is and How It Can Affect Your Benefits . We each have had a major health situation and paid very little out of pocket. The flex card allows seniors and their caregivers to pay for services without relying on third-party payment systems. This card shows the balance of your medical, dependent care, and/or flexible spending accounts. Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare. Fraudsters take advantage of times when things are changing and its more difficult to spot a scam. Thanks for the comment. The card may come pre-loaded with a set amount of money, or you may need to activate it before using it. 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. The Government Flex Card for Seniors is provided by some private insurance companies that provide Medical Advantage Plans. If youre new to Medicare, you can enroll in a plan that offers the new benefit during your Initial Enrollment Period. Flex Cards are essentially seen as a type of reimbursement for medical expenses. Medicare flex cards for seniors are available exclusively through private insurance companies. What is a Seniors Flex Card? If you want a flex card, you can directly talk to the insurance carrier to check if they provide this benefit for senior citizens. The senior flex card is usually linked to a Medicare Advantage plan. to learn more about the benefit and how you may qualify. What is the Medicare Flex Card for Seniors? - Medicare Nationwide All cards are loaded with a fixed amount thats meant to last for a quarter or for a full year. Before signing up, make sure that your current physician is within the Flex Card network and that the eligible purchases include the prescriptions, medical equipment, and care services you need. The $3300 Medicare benefit, referred to by some insurance companies as the Medicare bonus benefit or the Healthy Options allowance, is part of a new initiative to make many crucial Medicare Advantage benefits easier to use for beneficiaries. He just updated his personal finances. 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. If a scammer calls you or your older adult to ask for their Medicare number or other personal information, hang up immediately. A flex card for seniors can be used to purchase prescription and over-the-counter medications. You need to activate this card before you can start using it. 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. We also have written an article on whats a flex cards for seniors? How You Can Spot a Medicare Flex Card Scam - AARP We'll occasionally send you new articles. In essence, the new benefit combines previous Medicare benefits into one card. Even worse, signing up for Flex Cards might mean leaving behind a more suitable plan such as Medigap. Since then we have been blessed to partner with many well-known Brands like Best Buy, Fisher Price, Toys "R" US., Hasbro, Disney, Teleflora, ClearCorrect, Radio Shack, VTech, KIA Motor, MAZDA and many other great brands. The government does not set up Flex Card but these are connected to a specific health insurance plan. Medicare Advantage Flex Card: How It Works & What It Covers - RetireGuide There is also news on promoting free flex cards for seniors worth $2800. A Medicare Advantage Flex Card is a prepaid debit card you can use to pay for specific health care costs. This is a scam. Copyright 2022Medicare Insurance, DBA of Health Insurance Associates LLC All rights reserved. The truth is that flex cards rarely offer this type of flexibility, and even if they do, these expenses must be deemed to be medically necessary. If you see an advertisement for a free flex card or an Original Medicare flex card, it's probably not legitimate. Apply for the card during the Initial Enrollment Period or Medicare's annual enrollment. Thus, these cards are not part of the government-run program. In this video you'll. previously offered two different Medicare Advantage benefits in debit card form. Something went wrong while submitting. Tell that to the people in Venezuela., Theres got to be some guardrails where you just cant say whatever you want to in the classroom, Meredith said. These cards are rare since there is a huge demand for them despite many insurance companies offering them. These cards are provided by other private insurance companies as part of their Medicare Advantage plans. Boomer Benefits we speak medicare Speak with an Expert Today 817-249-8600 Get StartedClient Portal Get Help Now New to Medicare Medicare Webinars Private insurance companies provide them with Medical Advantage Plans. Learn about food assistance programs for seniors and how to apply. And funds can only be used for eligible, qualifying, medically necessaryServices or supplies that are needed for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition and meet accepted standards of medical practice. The qualifying medical expenses that can be covered. Welcome to the Night Helper Blog. Firstly, it isnt Original Medicare, or other government-run programs, offering Flex Cards for seniors. To qualify, the senior should participate in a Medicare Advantage plan. What is the Flex Card for Seniors? While there may be one plan with this benefit, it's unavailable in all areas or for all beneficiaries. To apply for a prepaid debit card offered by a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this benefit. Is the $2,880 Flex Card for Seniors Real?! - Low Income Relief Larry is a content writer with several years of experience in creating informative content for a variety of industries on topics that matter. But more often than not, you might find yourself attracted towards a scam that can take all your money. Medicare Advantage plans will not require you to undergo health examinations or answer underwriting health questions, meaning that these plans are available to those with long-term and pre-existing conditions. Medicare will not call about the new card and they wont ask for your older adults Social Security number. These cards, issued by private insurance companies, are only available on specific plans. Forbes Advisor - Smart Financial Decisions Made Simple