Pre-paid debit cards are available to Medicare beneficiaries under certain Medicare Advantage plans. These cards are only usable for over-the-counter (OTC) items. These cards are only issued by private insurance companies, and eligibility may vary by state and insurance provider. Medicare recipients that qualify for a pre-paid debit card that can be used for OTC items can enjoy the benefit of easy expense management for many of their medical supplies.
There are specific Medicare Advantage Plans that offer the pre-paid debit card benefit. Availability can vary based on factors such as state and insurance provider, so it is suggested that you check if plans offering the flex card benefit are available in your area during applicable Medicare enrollment periods. Comparing options for Medicare Advantage plans from several different insurance providers is the quickest way to find the out if you qualify for a plan that offers the pre-paid debit card benefit.
Medicare Advantage plans provide all the coverage of your Original Medicare, and many also offer additional benefits. They are considered an alternative to Original Medicare with any of the several managed-care style plans like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and Provider Organization (PPO) plans. You might consider a Medicare Advantage plan if you require extra coverage for things like vision, dental, prescription drugs, and hearing services. These types of plans can limit out-of-pocket expenses every year and require you to stay in-network for services at reduced costs. Some Medicare Advantage plans will allow for out-of-network coverage, just usually at a higher cost.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may also cover things like over-the-counter medication, the cost of transportation to and from your doctors appointments, gym memberships, and various other services related to your health and wellness. Depending on your coverage, Medicare Advantage plans can potentially help keep your medical costs down while still ensuring you have the benefits you deserve.