Answers to 7 questions about Medicare flex cards

We’ve already talked about what’s missing from Original Medicare and Medigap plans, including supplemental benefits – items or services that are covered by Medicare Advantage plans, not Original Medicare. One of the supplemental benefits Medicare Advantage plans may offer is a Medicare flex card. 

Many people have questions about these cards, but at ApexHealth, we want to make them simple and easy to understand. Here are answers to seven questions about Medicare flex cards. 

1. What is a Medicare flex card?

Think of a Medicare flex card like a debit card that certain Medicare Advantage providers give to members to use toward eligible expenses. These cards are pre-loaded with a set amount of funds to pay for eligible expenses. Common uses include payment for transportation, or costs for dental or vision benefits. 

2. Are Medicare flex cards legitimate?

Yes, Medicare flex cards offered by Medicare Advantage plans are legitimate. However, you can be mindful of Medicare scams by looking out for the following red flags: 

• Cards that are marketed as universally available to Medicare-eligible participants
• People who contact you first, without your permission, unlike legitimate insurance companies, which typically only contact you after you’ve already reached out

3. Does Original Medicare offer a free flex card?

No, Original Medicare (from the federal government) does not provide a flex card. 

4. Do Medigap plans offer a free flex card?

No, Medigap plans do not come with Medicare flex cards. 

5. Do all Medicare Advantage plans offer a free flex card?

No, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, who may or may not offer flex cards as a supplemental benefit. When looking at plan options in your area, check to see which plans offer this benefit. 

6. Does ApexHealth offer a Medicare flex card to its members?

Yes! At ApexHealth, we recognize that not all members have the same needs. That’s why we have added our new supplemental benefit, the Apex PayFlex MasterCard, for eligible expenses. 

7. How does ApexHealth’s PayFlex MasterCard work?

The Apex PayFlex MasterCard provides you with an annual allowance (through a MasterCard debit card) that you may use to help pay for transportation to/from any health-related facility or certain vision and/or dental services. The PayFlex MasterCard is not a replacement for dental or vision benefits. Instead, it extends dental and vision coverage already provided by your plan.

The annual allowance available on your Apex PayFlex MasterCard is determined by the plan you choose. ApexHealth provides the funding for the card, and your benefit is available the day your plan coverage begins. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage for more information about the annual allowance provided for your specific plan. 

If you have any questions about Medicare flex cards or what’s new for ApexHealth in 2023, feel free to reach out to Concierge Services. Give us a call at (844) 279-0508 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed representative or an ApexAssistant. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Apr. 1 through Sept. 30 and seven days a week 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31.

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