You may have seen ads by some insurers for a Medicare “flex card,” short for flexible benefits card. But don’t let the name fool you. This debit card, which provides additional benefits for certain health related services, is not issued by traditional Medicare, and the federal government is not involved.
Rather, some private Medicare insurers who manage Medicare Advantage (part C) plans have added new benefits, which allow enrollees to use a specific dollar amount for services like over-the-counter drugs, eyeglasses, non-medical transportation, or, in some cases, even certain groceries, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). But not every plan offers a flex card, which may go by different names, depending on the insurer. Eligibility, dollar amounts, and allowable purchases also vary widely by plan and location.
