Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Black debit card changing hands against a yellow background stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Dec 15, 2022

Medicare buyers beware

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. In this case, we're talking about the viral Facebook posts that promise free groceries for seniors just by signing up for Medicare. If you were skeptical about these claims, you were right to be. Read on to learn more about Flex Cards on Medicare and the best way to save money when choosing a plan.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What is a Flex Card?

A Flex Card is a prepaid debit card available to only a select few Medicare beneficiaries on a few Medicare Advantage plans. If you saw one of those posts mentioned above on Facebook, that might have been your first time learning about Flex Cards. That is because plans that offer Flex Cards are exceedingly rare, and you need to meet specific criteria to qualify. The promise of "Free Groceries for Seniors" is, unfortunately, an empty one.
In reality, these cards are usually linked to a flexible spending account (or FSA) with a small number of Medicare Advantage plans. Rather than the almost $3,000 that you may spend as you please that was promised on the image that went viral, most Flex Cards only offer, on average, $500 on approved medical supplies and treatments.

Who can get a Flex Card?

While it's partly true that Medicare beneficiaries are eligible to receive a Flex Card, the only plans that offer Flex Cards are Medicare Advantage plans. So if you've got a Medicare Supplement plan that you love (

as so many of our clients do

), then you are not eligible.
Only a small number of Medicare Advantage plans offer this as an added benefit. So, many people on Medicare Advantage plans they already love are also not eligible.
And research has shown that the only people who can get groceries approved on their Flex Cards are those with chronic illnesses. So even if you select one of the few Medicare Advantage plans with a Flex Card as a potential benefit, you might still not be eligible for free groceries.

Why are they being marketed so aggressively?

If the Flex Cards are so rare, why are they being marketed as if everyone could get free groceries on Medicare? Some marketing tactics used to get people to join Medicare Advantage plans have been dubious at best. Medicare Advantage plans are the fastest growing in all of Medicare, and a big reason for that is that many Medicare brokerages are motivated by the relatively higher commissions they receive for selling private Medicare Advantage plans.
The promise of free groceries can be enticing when deciding between many different Medicare plan options. Most of these plans with Flex Cards are HMO plans, which limit your ability to see healthcare professionals outside of your network. Oftentimes, you're being sold on a plan with worse overall coverage in favor of redundant perks.
At

Fair Square Medicare

, we are motivated by client satisfaction rather than commission. We would rather take the time to find the best plan for you than try to sell you on a gimmick that pays us a higher commission.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement plans

For some of our clients, a

Medicare Advantage plan

is the best option. Some of these examples might ring true for you:
  • You can't afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement plans.
  • The savings you get from extra perks, such as dental, vision, or hearing benefits, might outweigh the savings you get from other medical expenses on Medicare Supplement plans.
  • The limited network on Medicare Advantage does not impede you.
Medicare Advantage plans are not inherently bad, but they are frequently misunderstood. And generally, we recommend Medicare Supplement Plan G against all other plans. We've already done

a deep dive

into how exactly Plan G can save you money in the face of large medical bills. Let's do a quick recap below, using the example of two years of costs following a broken hip:

A broken hip on a Medicare Advantage plan

  • Monthly Premium of $164.90 × 24 = $3,957.60
  • A realistic scenario with an ambulance ($300), 5 day hospital stay ($300 per day for the first week), weekly physical therapy ($10 copayment), monthly specialist visits ($35 copayment), and monthly primary care visits ($10 copayment) will have them spending ($300 + $1500) + (104 × $10) + (24 × $25) + (24 × $10)
  • Total = $1800 + $1,040 + $840 + $240 = $3,920 + $3,957.60 = $7,877.60
  • A worst-case scenario will see them hit Max. Out-of-Pocket Cost of $5,500 per year × 2 = $11,000
  • Total = $11,000 + $3,957.60 = $14,957.60

A broken hip on Medicare Supplement Plan G

  • Monthly Premium ($164.90 + $115) × 24 = $6,717.60
  • Annual Part B Deductible of $226 × 2 = $452
  • Total: $7,169.60
This is just one example, but the takeaway is that Medicare Supplement Plan G saves you money on reasonable medical expenses and makes budgeting a no-brainer. Flex Cards can't offer savings like these.

Why you should exercise caution

You might be thinking, "I'm healthy now, so I can join Medicare Advantage when I turn 65. As I have more medical expenses in the future, then I will switch to Plan G." Not so fast.
Once you opt-in for a Medicare Advantage plan, you might have to go through medical underwriting if you apply to switch to a Supplement. Underwriting means that a representative for your insurance company can go through your medical history in search of pre-existing conditions. If any pre-existing conditions are found, the insurance company might deny you coverage or offer you a much higher monthly premium.

Conclusion

Finding the right Medicare plan can be a challenging process. So the promise of free groceries can be enticing when presented as an option. Unfortunately, it's an empty promise. Rather than picking a plan that offers the flashiest perks, choose a plan that suits your needs. Or better yet, call an expert at Fair Square Medicare at 888-376-2028. We will show you the plan that fits you best.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Illustrated referential images of a hospital bill, coins, cash in a wallet, a calculator, and a magnifying glass
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
Jan 6, 2023
Senior woman having vision problems stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Prescription Drug Bars
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
May 25, 2020
Hepatitis C stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?
Nov 22, 2022
Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Dec 9, 2022
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?
Sep 13, 2023
Cover image
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
Aug 14, 2023
Cover image
What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?
May 10, 2023
An illustrated image of a cartoon man using giant scissors to cut the "T" in the word "Tax"
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
Dec 28, 2022
Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo
Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?
Dec 6, 2022
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: August 2023
Aug 28, 2023
Close up top view of a woman showing a round-shaped Lipoma fatty tumor on an open palm stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Dec 8, 2022
Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
Mar 3, 2023
wart on the sole of a white man's foot stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?
Jan 17, 2023
Diagnosis incontinence stock image
Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022
Gastroenterologist doctor, stomach specialist. Aesthetic handdrawn highlighted illustration of human stomach. Neutral grey background, studio photo and collage. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Dec 27, 2022
Cover image
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
Apr 27, 2023
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Dec 2, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover INR Machines?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Plan G vs. Plan N

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: September 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: The End of the COVID Emergency Declaration

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and 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. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M