Some private Medicare insurers offer a Medicare “flex card,” providing extra benefits for specific health services like over-the-counter drugs, eyeglasses, and non-medical transportation. These cards, not issued by traditional Medicare, are part of certain Medicare Advantage plans. Different insurers may have varied flex card names and benefits.
Eligibility, dollar amounts, and allowable purchases vary by plan. Not everyone in a Medicare Advantage plan qualifies, and those in traditional Medicare cannot get one. Flex card approaches include annual benefits or installments. Plans from insurers like United Health Care, Anthem, Humana, WellCare, and some Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans may offer flex benefits.
To obtain a flex card, individuals may need to change plans during Medicare Advantage open enrollment. However, it’s essential to carefully compare costs and be cautious of misleading advertising. Flex card benefits are not government Medicare benefits, and choosing a plan involves weighing pros and cons.