Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 20 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Assigning Editor Holly Carey
Assigning Editor | Medicare
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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A Medicare flex card is a preloaded debit card offered by some Medicare Advantage plans that members can use for certain expenses like over-the-counter health items, assistive devices and utilities.
Although flex cards for seniors are associated with Medicare, they’re not provided by the government. They’re a potential benefit from Medicare Advantage plans , which are a bundled alternative to Original Medicare plans and sold by private health insurance companies.
Costs you pay for with your Medicare flex card vary by plan, but some common categories include:
Groceries (such as healthy items like vegetables and fresh meats). Utilities (such as gas, water and electricity). Over-the-counter health items (such as toothpaste and vitamins). Assistive devices (such as handrails, shower stools and temporary mobility ramps). Allowance for health care costs (such as dental, vision or hearing care). Fitness (such as fees for sports facilities or fitness classes). Weight loss (hospital- or non-hospital-based programs).Flex cards are typically preloaded at monthly, quarterly or annual intervals with an allowance you can use toward one or more categories. You might be able to choose the category you want to use your flex card for, or your plan may offer a flex card for a specific cost, such as dental or vision care expenses.
You can use your prepaid flex card like you’d use a debit card: Present it at checkout and the money will be deducted from your flex card balance. You might also be able to use it to buy things online.
The amount of your benefit will depend on your plan. Common benefit amounts range from $250 to $1,500 per year. Your plan may offer different benefit amounts for different categories.
Medicare flex cards are available with certain Medicare Advantage plans. If you choose Medicare Advantage, you can compare plan benefits and look for a plan that offers a flex card.
However, don’t choose a plan solely for the flex card benefit. Make sure you carefully compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage and find the best plan for your needs overall, including making sure your doctors are in-network and your prescription drugs are covered.
Some Medicare Advantage providers only offer flex cards for members who meet certain requirements, such as having a certain chronic condition. And you may live in an area of the country where a plan with a flex card isn’t an option for you.
Medicare Advantage plan availability varies by location. Click on a state on the map below to see the best Medicare Advantage plans available in that state.
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Kate Ashford is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and personal finance writer at NerdWallet specializing in Medicare and retirement topics. See full bio.
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