If you’ve ever watched TV commercials or seen online ads about health plans that “give you money on a FlexCard,” you’re probably wondering what that means — and which health insurance companies give FlexCards.
FlexCards have become a popular perk in some Medicare Advantage plans and special health insurance programs, but not everyone qualifies. This guide breaks down what a FlexCard is, how it works, and which health insurance plans offer FlexCards in simple, easy-to-understand language.
What Is a FlexCard in Health Insurance?
A FlexCard is a prepaid debit card offered by certain health insurance companies, mostly through Medicare Advantage plans. The card is loaded with money that you can use for specific health-related expenses — things like over-the-counter medications, dental services, vision care, hearing aids, or even groceries, depending on the plan.
In other words, it’s a way for insurers to help seniors or eligible members pay for extra healthcare needs that traditional insurance doesn’t fully cover.
However, not all health insurance plans give FlexCards, and the amount you receive varies depending on the insurer and location.
How FlexCards Work with Health Insurance
When you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a FlexCard benefit, your insurer sends you a physical card, much like a debit card. The card is preloaded with a set amount of money — often between $200 and $2,880 per year — to spend on approved services or items.
For example, you might use your FlexCard for:
- Prescription drugs or over-the-counter items
- Dental or vision care
- Hearing exams or hearing aids
- Health-related groceries or home safety products
Each insurance provider has its own list of approved uses, so it’s important to check what’s covered before spending.
Which Health Insurance Companies Offer FlexCards?
Several major health insurance providers in the U.S. offer FlexCards through certain Medicare Advantage plans. Here’s a breakdown of the top companies known for including this benefit:
1. UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare offers FlexCard benefits on select Medicare Advantage plans. The FlexCard can be used for dental, vision, and hearing services, depending on your plan.
Some UnitedHealthcare plans may also include Over-the-Counter (OTC) credits that work similarly to a FlexCard, allowing you to purchase approved health products from specific retailers or online stores.
2. Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans sometimes come with FlexCards that can be used for out-of-pocket dental, vision, and hearing expenses.
Members can use the card to pay providers directly or buy approved items through partnered vendors. Aetna also provides an online portal to check remaining card balances and track spending.
3. Humana
Humana offers one of the most well-known FlexCard programs. With certain Humana Medicare Advantage plans, members may get a prepaid card that can be used for medical expenses, groceries, or utilities.
The Flex allowance varies by state and plan, but some members receive as much as $2,880 per year in benefits.
4. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Some regional Blue Cross Blue Shield companies, like BCBS of Florida (Florida Blue) or BCBS of Tennessee, include FlexCard benefits for Medicare Advantage members.
These cards may cover dental, vision, hearing, or even fitness memberships, depending on the plan’s structure.
5. WellCare
WellCare offers a FlexCard benefit with certain Medicare Advantage plans, providing funds for dental, vision, and hearing services.
They also have a Flex Card debit system that lets members pay for approved expenses easily. The card can also be used for select out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
6. Anthem (Now Elevance Health)
Anthem Medicare Advantage plans in certain states come with a FlexCard for eligible members. The amount and eligible purchases vary, but Anthem’s FlexCard can be used for dental, vision, and hearing services.
Members can typically check their card balance and usage through Anthem’s mobile app or member portal.
Who Qualifies for Health Insurance FlexCards?
FlexCards are usually offered through Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), which are available to people aged 65 or older or those who qualify due to disability.
To get one, you must:
- Be eligible for Medicare.
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that specifically includes the FlexCard benefit.
- Live in a service area where that plan is available.
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer FlexCards — and even if they do, the benefits can differ widely between counties and states.
What FlexCards Do Not Cover
While FlexCards sound great, it’s important to know their limitations. Most FlexCards cannot be used for non-medical expenses such as:
- Cash withdrawals or bill payments (unless specified)
- Alcohol or tobacco products
- Non-health-related groceries
- Gas or travel expenses
Always check your plan’s guidelines to see exactly what your FlexCard health benefit can and cannot cover.
How to Apply for a Health Insurance Plan with a FlexCard
If you’re interested in a health insurance plan that gives a FlexCard, follow these steps:
- Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you qualify for Medicare Advantage. You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to join a Part C plan. - Compare Plans in Your Area
Visit Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool to compare local plans that include FlexCard benefits. - Review the Plan Details
Carefully read what the FlexCard covers, how much money is included, and how you can use it. - Enroll During Open Enrollment
The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. You can also switch plans during this time if you find one with better FlexCard benefits. - Contact the Insurance Provider
You can also call the insurer directly — like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, or Aetna — to ask about available FlexCard health insurance options in your ZIP code.
Are FlexCards Available with Regular Health Insurance (Non-Medicare)?
At this time, most FlexCard programs are limited to Medicare Advantage plans. Regular individual or employer health insurance plans generally do not include a FlexCard.
However, some Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) function similarly — letting you use preloaded debit cards to pay for medical expenses with tax-free money.
So if you’re under 65 and not on Medicare, consider getting an HSA or FSA through your employer. These accounts give you similar flexibility when paying for healthcare costs.
Key Benefits of Having a FlexCard
- Helps cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs
- Offers flexibility for dental, vision, or hearing care
- Easy to use like a debit card
- Available through trusted Medicare Advantage insurers
- May include additional perks like grocery or utility assistance
Things to Watch Out For
Many misleading ads claim that “anyone can get a $2,880 FlexCard” — this is not true. Those offers often exaggerate benefits or are limited to specific Medicare Advantage plans.
Always verify the details directly with your insurance provider or through Medicare.gov before enrolling.
Final Thoughts: What Health Insurance Gives FlexCards
The health insurance companies that give FlexCards are typically the major Medicare Advantage providers like Humana, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, WellCare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
FlexCards are a great benefit if you qualify — helping you pay for dental, vision, hearing, and other health-related costs. But remember, they are not available with standard health insurance plans or to everyone on Medicare.
Before enrolling, compare plans in your area and confirm how much FlexCard money you’ll receive, what it covers, and how to use it. This way, you’ll get the best value for your healthcare needs and budget.