Don’t Fall For Flex Card for Seniors Scams!

Flex card for senior ads always begin appearing during Medicare open enrollment season. These ads will be in your newsfeed and even in front of our YouTube videos.

Don’t let the marketing fool you, though. These flex cards are not exactly as advertised.

I was first alerted to these scams in 2021, when our YouTube audience started asking comments on our channel. That’s because many of these advertisers had started targeting our channel with their ads. They wanted to convince low income seniors who are already struggling to sign up for these cards.

However, what I found in the course of my research is that these cards can be far more harmful than helpful for low income seniors. Please review this information carefully so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe!

What is a flex card for senior citizens?

Typically, a flex card is a debit card that can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses like over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, appointment copays, deductibles and other expenses that your insurance may not usually cover. It’s tied to a flexible spending account, which is why they’re called flex cards. These cards and accounts are considered special features for certain insurance plans.

The flex card for seniors is specifically tied to certain Medicare Advantage plans. That’s why it’s marketed exclusively for seniors: you have to be eligible for Medicare in order to be eligible for it.

Many deceptive marketers will encourage you to “claim” your flex card, and they’ll say that you can use those funds for groceries, bills, or other expenses. They usually won’t mention that you have to sell your information or sacrifice the quality of your Medicare coverage in order to receive it.

How do you qualify for a flex card?

In order to qualify for a flex card, you have to sign up for a medical insurance plan that offers one.

Medicare, the government-run health care program, does not distribute flex cards to beneficiaries. The government has nothing to do with these cards whatsoever.

However, Medicare Advantage Plans are run by private companies and often offer more varied benefits than original Medicare. Companies will often invent new and interesting benefits to lure beneficiaries onto their plans. These flex cards are one such example.

Let’s debunk the lies in the ads.

Many of the advertisements for the flex cards for seniors are deceptive at best and downright lying at worst. It’s very frustrating to see so many innocent seniors preyed upon by these awful, unscrupulous companies.

Let’s break down the main lies in these ads so that you can know the truth.

Are these government cards?

Despite what these ads claim, you will not receive a flex card like this from the government. These cards are being offered by private insurance companies on the condition that you switch to their Medicare Advantage Plan. The cards are not being offered by the government.

Will you really receive $2,880?

It is exceptionally rare to get more than $500 on a flex card. Like most marketing ploys, the advertisers are focusing on the rare, exceptional cases in order to get more people to sign up for their services.

Can I buy groceries and gas with my senior flex card?

If you receive a flex card, you will only be able to use that card to purchase items that a licensed physician has deemed medically necessary. It is very unlikely that you will be able to get a prescription for clothing or gas.

What aren’t they telling you?

These companies are hoping to use these flex cards to bait you into switching your Medicare coverage to one of their plans. However, in most cases, these plans have higher out-of-pocket costs, lower coverage, and strict networks that make it almost impossible for you to afford your care.

Over time, you will likely lose much more than you gained from their flex card offer. It is a marketing trick, nothing more.

Watch out for new tricks in 2022!

When our coverage of the flex cards for seniors went viral in 2021, it was definitely noticed by the industry. As we approach open enrollment season for Medicare, we’ve noticed that many companies that were offering flex cards for seniors are now offering similar products with different names.

Watch out for the Medicare Black Card.

The Medicare Black Card is part of a Medicare Advantage Plan. It is similar to the flex cards for seniors that were offered in 2021. For example, the Black Card includes a monthly allowance for over-the-counter medicine, denture products and other services. They also offer telehealth appointments and other services. Again, this is all in exchange for you signing up for the Medicare Advantage Plan known as the All Alignment Health Plan.

Keep yourself safe from Medicare scams!

All seniors need to review these tips to stay safe from Medicare scams, especially during the predatory open enrollment season between October and December.

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.