Qué es una flex card de Medicare Advantage y cómo obtenerla

What’s a Medicare Advantage flex card?

A Medicare Advantage flex card is a preloaded debit card that can be used to pay for eligible health expenses. Medicare flex cards are a supplemental benefit included in many Medicare Advantage plans. Whether you can get a Medicare flex card, how much money it comes with, and what you’re able to spend it on depends on the Medicare Advantage plan you sign up for.

How flex cards work

Flex cards are loaded each month, quarter, or year with a predetermined amount that you can spend on eligible health-related costs. When making a qualified purchase at an eligible retailer, the card will work much like a debit card: in person, you’ll present the card when checking out; online, you’ll provide the card number and other billing details in the checkout process. You can use the card to pay for eligible purchases until you reach the monetary limit allowed for your time period.

The types of expenses covered by Medicare flex cards

What counts as an eligible purchase will depend on the terms of your Medicare Advantage plan. Some plans may allocate flex card funds to specific categories, like vision or dental. Others have broader guidelines that may allow you to use your flex card for various health-related expenses, such as:

• Copays
• Deductibles
• Over-the-counter items
• Medical equipment
• Dental, vision, and hearing care
• Healthy grocery items
• Gym memberships or fitness classes
• Transportation costs for health-related destinations
• Household utilities
• Assistive devices for aging in place (such as handrails, mobility ramps, and shower stools)

Common flex card limitations and restrictions

You can only use your flex card for eligible products or services as outlined in the terms of your Medicare Advantage plan. With some plans, your flex card balance will also have use-it-or-lose-it terms, meaning you’ll need to spend the entire amount to get the full benefit. It’s also common for plans to limit your flex card spending to specific eligible providers. For example, you may be limited in which pharmacy you can choose for your prescriptions and/or over-the-counter items.

Any older adult who chooses a Medicare Advantage plan with a flex card should take care to review the terms carefully. You need to understand all limitations and restrictions in order to confirm whether the plan will work for your needs.

Who’s eligible for a Medicare Advantage flex card?

To start, you must be eligible for Medicare, which means you are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. But Medicare itself doesn’t come with a flex card. For that, you need to opt for a Medicare Advantage plan and select one that offers a flex card.

Private insurance companies provide Medicare Advantage plans. When comparing plans, consider factors such as your choice of doctors, coverage when traveling, and additional benefits, as mentioned by AARP. Medicare Advantage plans often function like employer-sponsored insurance, with networks of providers and the possibility of additional services like dental or vision coverage. Whether you qualify for a flex card depends on the specific Medicare Advantage plan you select. Make sure to compare your options thoroughly to find a plan that meets your healthcare needs and lifestyle.

How to get a Medicare Advantage flex card

To receive a Medicare Advantage flex card, you have to find the best plan that offers those supplemental benefits. As with other types of health insurance, the options available to you will depend on where you live. You can research which plans are available in your area on the Medicare.gov website. Its tool can help you compare each plan’s available benefits. Learn more about Medicare Advantage here.

Beyond identifying which plans come with a flex card, carefully review the terms of the card and other details of the plan. If a plan has high monthly premiums or the flex card has many limitations, the benefit may not save you money. A flex card has the potential to be a great deal, but it’s important to consider the plan as a whole before deciding.

If you do choose a plan that includes a flex card, ask your provider about how to access the card, when you can expect to receive it, and how to get started once you do.