How Do Medicare Flex Cards Work?
A Medicare flex card is a prepaid debit card you can use for certain health costs.
You can typically use the cards for things like doctor office copays, healthy food and over-the-counter health items like vitamins or bandages. Only Medicare Advantage plans offer Medicare flex cards. You can't get one if you just have Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan.
Compare Medicare Plans in Your Area
Medicare flex cards
What is a flex card?
Flex cards are prepaid debit cards that some Medicare Advantage plans give you.
Each Medicare Advantage company that offers flex cards has its own list of what you can use it for. You can usually use your flex card for things like over-the-counter medications, healthy food, vitamins or even your copay or deductible when you go to the doctor.
Many companies, including AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Humana, offer flex cards on at least some of their plans. But flex cards aren't a part of every Medicare Advantage plan. If you want a flex card, make sure that the plan you buy includes it as a perk.
Is the Medicare flex card real?
Yes, flex cards are real. Some Medicare Advantage plans include a flex card as an extra perk. But flex card scams do exist, so you should only discuss your flex card with your Medicare Advantage company.
How do flex cards work?
You use a flex card just like a debit card to buy approved health items.
Your Medicare Advantage company will put money on the card, and you can spend it on certain health-related costs. You'll usually get money on the card monthly, quarterly or yearly, depending on your company's rules.
Each company has its own list of things that you can use the card for, although the lists are usually pretty similar. And some companies might require you to shop at certain stores to use your flex card.
What can I use my flex card for?
Most health insurance companies let you use your flex card for similar things, which might include:
- Medical bills: If you have to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible amount for a doctor visit or prescription medication, you can usually use your flex card.
- Healthy groceries: Many companies let you use your flex card for healthy food items, like vegetables, fruit, dairy products and meat.
- Over-the-counter medications: You can probably use your flex card to buy over-the-counter medicines like Advil or aspirin, and cough or cold medicines.
- Over-the-counter health supplies: Most plans let you use your flex card for things like vitamins, bandages and toothpaste.
- Gym memberships: Some Medicare Advantage plans pay for a gym membership, but if they don't, you might be able to pay with a flex card.
- Hearing, dental and vision care: Most Medicare Advantage plans have some level of coverage for hearing, dental and vision care. But you might be able to use a flex card for the costs that insurance doesn't cover.
But every company has its own rules around what you can use your flex card for. For example, some Anthem plans let you use your flex card for your gas, electric, water, internet and cellphone bills. Before you make a purchase with your flex card, check your company's rules.
If you're shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan, don't choose your plan based just on the flex card benefits. Most companies that offer flex cards have similar lists of approved purchases. Choose a company and plan that works for your overall health care needs, and only consider the flex card as an extra perk.
Who qualifies for the flex card?
To qualify for a flex card, you only have to buy a Medicare Advantage plan that offers one.
You have to qualify for Medicare and be on a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a flex card as a perk.
How to get a flex card
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. You can't get a flex card with just these parts, also called Original Medicare, but you have to be signed up before you can buy a Medicare Advantage plan.
Join a Medicare Advantage plan. You can shop for plans on Medicare.gov or directly on an insurance company's website. But not all plans have flex cards, so make sure you look at the perks before you buy.
Activate your flex card. Your Medicare Advantage company should send you information about how to get your flex card once your plan is active. You may need to call a number to activate the card.
Remember that your card will not always have money on it. Companies usually load money onto flex cards monthly, quarterly or yearly. You'll only be allowed to spend up to the amount of money on the card. Your health insurance company may be able to help you track how much you've spent, or you might want to keep a list for yourself.
Flex card scams
Never give your personal information to anyone who contacts you about getting a flex card. Flex card scams are common and usually involve someone calling and pretending to be from Medicare or your health insurance company. They'll tell you that you are missing out on a benefit and try to get you to give them your Social Security number, credit card number, bank info or other sensitive data.
If someone calls you about a flex card, even if you already have one, it's best to hang up and call your company directly. If the call was real, there's no harm in you calling your company back directly. But if the call was fake, your company can let you know you've avoided a scam.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone on Medicare get the flex card?
No, you can only get a flex card if you join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes one as a perk. Medicare flex cards don't actually come from Medicare or the federal government. They come from health insurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans.
What is the truth about the flex card for seniors?
Medicare flex cards are real. They're offered as a perk on some Medicare Advantage plans. But sometimes, scammers will try to get your information by offering you a fake flex card. Only discuss flex cards with your Medicare Advantage company. Never give any personal information to anyone who calls to offer you one, even if they claim they're from Medicare or a health insurance company.
Is a Medicare flex card free money?
You don't have to pay for a flex card. It gives you money to buy things like over-the-counter medications, toothpaste and bandages. But you can only use your card for the approved items on your company's list. You can't use it for anything else, and you can't withdraw any cash from the card.
Sources
Info about Medicare flex cards comes from AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and Humana.
ValuePenguin.com is owned and operated by LendingTree, LLC (“LendingTree”). All rights reserved.
Invitations for application for insurance may be made through QW Insurance Solutions, LLC (“QWIS”), a separate subsidiary of QuoteWizard, LLC (“QuoteWizard”), a LendingTree subsidiary, or through its designated agents, only where licensed and appointed. QWIS is a non-government licensed health insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Find licensing information for QWIS.
Callers will be directed to a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Supplement insurance and/or Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations. Calls will be routed to a licensed insurance agent who can provide you with further information about the insurance plans offered by one or more nationally recognized insurance companies. Each of the organizations they represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal.
Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location and may be limited to certain times of the year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 73 organizations that offer 5,110 products in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), to get information on all of your options.
These numbers provided are not specific to your area, but rather represent the number of organizations and the number of products available on a national basis. We will connect you with licensed insurance agents who can provide information about the number of organizations they represent and the number of products they offer in your service area. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply.
Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information contained on this website.
Medicare supplement insurance is available to people age 65 or 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.
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits are offered by these carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Aspire Health Plan, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare and WellPoint.
MULTIPLAN_QW.VP.WEB_C
Editorial Note: We are committed to providing accurate content that helps you make informed financial decisions. Our partners have not endorsed or commissioned this content.