Flex Medical debitcard ?

[dreamin_disney]

Hello. I just got a paper from work stating that we will now get the Flex medical debitcard. I called but the agents voicemail came on. I left a message but wont hear back until tomorrow or nextweek.

Currently I send in my recipets and they do automatic deposit into my checking account.

How does the debitcard work? Will it detect if something is covered?

-my chiropractor and accupunture only take cash or check, so will this be a problem???

-How does the card work now that we have to get RX for over the counter meds and I have to have a RX for accupunture?

Any help would be appreciated. Nextweek is Thanksgiving break so not sure if the agent will be in since we have the week off.

 

[mom_2_K'Lynn]

I have been using the flex spend debit card for a while now. It works awesome. You can still use the option of sending in your receipts and then getting a check. Basically it works as if you have a copay you can use the card to pay that. I never use the flex spend card to pay bills on the spot as no they do not know what is covered. If we have an appointment then I do as you do and wait for a bill or just pay by check and then get the refund. The other thing that is awesome with the card is that you can just go to your pharmacy and after they run your prescriptions through insurance you can just swipe your card to pay for them. (no need to use money)

I do have to point out though that just a reminder to keep your reciepts. Once I did have them question a debit and all I had to do was send them the reciept and no problems. Just remember that you do still have the option to send in reciepts, but also the option to pay on the spot.

If you have any other questions let me know. Hope this helps.

 

[runwad]

I have a debit card with my flex plan and it works like a regular debit card. However much you are having put in your flex plan will be preloaded on your card starting Jan 1. When you go to the doctor you just give them the card and they run it thru like a charge and deduct from your balance. People who won't take it, well you can write a check or pay cash then get a receipt and send it in and you'll be reimbursed that way. At my company it's auto deposited in my checking account. My experience with using it for a "questionable" charge is that I'll get an email from our provider asking for a receipt (always get one when you pay by debit) and I fax it in. I haven't ever had one denied but I know what all I can and can't use it for. Never had any experience wth the card being rejected or not taking the charge.

 

[bumbershoot]

We've had both Wage Works and Aetna flex plan debit cards. At grocery stores, when they were more liberal with items, I never had anything questioned. But paying for things in an office were/are ALWAYS questioned. They'll cover it, but a month or two later you'll get a notice to fill out the form and include a copy (or just fax it) of the receipt etc. So keep EVERYTHING, get some organized place for those things ready now.

(I know you're keeping them now to send in and get reimbursed, but since things will be delayed, with requests *maybe* coming a month or more after the purchases, you'll want to make absolutely sure you have a spot for them and they don't get lost)

 

[dreamin_disney]

I have been using the flex spend debit card for a while now. It works awesome. You can still use the option of sending in your receipts and then getting a check. Basically it works as if you have a copay you can use the card to pay that. I never use the flex spend card to pay bills on the spot as no they do not know what is covered. If we have an appointment then I do as you do and wait for a bill or just pay by check and then get the refund. The other thing that is awesome with the card is that you can just go to your pharmacy and after they run your prescriptions through insurance you can just swipe your card to pay for them. (no need to use money)

I do have to point out though that just a reminder to keep your reciepts. Once I did have them question a debit and all I had to do was send them the reciept and no problems. Just remember that you do still have the option to send in reciepts, but also the option to pay on the spot.

If you have any other questions let me know. Hope this helps.

It's good to know , that I still have both options. I like getting a big amount back at once so it goes into my vacation fund With the debit card it will be nice to use it and hopefully I have the disipline to put that money into my account-lol!

I have a debit card with my flex plan and it works like a regular debit card. However much you are having put in your flex plan will be preloaded on your card starting Jan 1. When you go to the doctor you just give them the card and they run it thru like a charge and deduct from your balance. People who won't take it, well you can write a check or pay cash then get a receipt and send it in and you'll be reimbursed that way. At my company it's auto deposited in my checking account. My experience with using it for a "questionable" charge is that I'll get an email from our provider asking for a receipt (always get one when you pay by debit) and I fax it in. I haven't ever had one denied but I know what all I can and can't use it for. Never had any experience wth the card being rejected or not taking the charge.

Well thing changed so it will be for 6 moths instead of 12 months. Not sure if it because our payroll will be changing. The 6 months I plan on putting $600-$700. Then next enrollment will be double since it will be for a year. I was just confused how it will work now for over the counter meds ...Example I get a RX for over the counter cough medicine.....Do i send in the Rx first, then purchase the meds........ If i buy the meds first will the charge go through or be denied because the RX wasnt approved by FSA???

oh and I forgot mileage... Do i just send it in like before, then they deposit it to my checking account and deduct it from FSA debit card?

The new rules is what has me confused-lol! I understand the sending in recipt for places that only take cash or check.

another ? Can my Dh use the card when he goes to the DR. by himself orwill the card just have my name and I have to be present?

Is there a pin for the card? I'd hate to lose it with so much money on it

 

[sharon_wv]

It's good to know , that I still have both options. I like getting a big amount back at once so it goes into my vacation fund With the debit card it will be nice to use it and hopefully I have the disipline to put that money into my account-lol!


Well thing changed so it will be for 6 moths instead of 12 months. Not sure if it because our payroll will be changing. The 6 months I plan on putting $600-$700. Then next enrollment will be double since it will be for a year. I was just confused how it will work now for over the counter meds ...Example I get a RX for over the counter cough medicine.....Do i send in the Rx first, then purchase the meds........ If i buy the meds first will the charge go through or be denied because the RX wasnt approved by FSA???

oh and I forgot mileage... Do i just send it in like before, then they deposit it to my checking account and deduct it from FSA debit card?

The new rules is what has me confused-lol! I understand the sending in recipt for places that only take cash or check.

another ? Can my Dh use the card when he goes to the DR. by himself orwill the card just have my name and I have to be present?

Is there a pin for the card? I'd hate to lose it with so much money on it

I also use my Flex Spending Plan as a savings account.... for summer vacation and then for Christmas. Who needs a vacation club that's not tax deductible?

I'm not sure if you are aware anymore, but because of the Healthcare Affordability Act (AKA Obamacare) over the counter meds are NOT flexible spending plan eligible anymore begining January 1, 2011. Therefore, make sure you stock up this year & plan accordingly with the $$ you put into the FSA. According to my FSA carrier, the only exception is if you get a prescription from your doctor from said over the counter medication (maybe an allergy med or something), then it'll be covered. I'd imagine a lot of docs are going to be writing prescriptions for over the counter meds beginning in January..

I loved having a debit card (don't have one anymore), but I'd just use that to pay for co-pays, prescriptions, etc. I was audited many times, mostly if I used a non-participating pharmacy (like the local grocery store), but like the PP said, I just just had to fax a copy of my receipt for that purchase & all was good.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I also use my Flex Spending Plan as a savings account.... for summer vacation and then for Christmas. Who needs a vacation club that's not tax deductible?

I'm not sure if you are aware anymore, but because of the Healthcare Affordability Act (AKA Obamacare) over the counter meds are NOT flexible spending plan eligible anymore begining January 1, 2011. Therefore, make sure you stock up this year & plan accordingly with the $$ you put into the FSA. According to my FSA carrier, the only exception is if you get a prescription from your doctor from said over the counter medication (maybe an allergy med or something), then it'll be covered. I'd imagine a lot of docs are going to be writing prescriptions for over the counter meds beginning in January..

I loved having a debit card (don't have one anymore), but I'd just use that to pay for co-pays, prescriptions, etc. I was audited many times, mostly if I used a non-participating pharmacy (like the local grocery store), but like the PP said, I just just had to fax a copy of my receipt for that purchase & all was good.

For the last 2 years I keep a record in Excel. I organize everything by date , then when i turn in my claim every 1-2 months I put copies into and Evelope with months , amount , mileage amout and my copies, then the next request goes into a seperate envelope etc. It's really helped me stay organized

 

[ImprovGal]

I was just confused how it will work now for over the counter meds ...Example I get a RX for over the counter cough medicine.....Do i send in the Rx first, then purchase the meds........ If i buy the meds first will the charge go through or be denied because the RX wasnt approved by FSA???

oh and I forgot mileage... Do i just send it in like before, then they deposit it to my checking account and deduct it from FSA debit card?

Is there a pin for the card? I'd hate to lose it with so much money on it

My FSA accounts have had debit cards attached for a few years now. For mileage, I periodically print down my FSA debit card transaction history from the health administrator website and make an excel spreadsheet with transaction date, service provider, transaction id (if available, old fsa company had it, new one doesn't), miles claimed, cost per mile, total mileage cost. I send that in and get the reimbursement right from the fsa company (and available balance in my fsa account is deducted accordingly).

I don't believe there's any PIN associated with the card. It's run like a visa or mastercard debit card, not an ATM debit card. If lost, contact the health administrator so they can cancel the card and send you a replacement.

Finally, for the new OTC medicine reimbursement rules enacted by the Health Care Reform Bill:
According to my Health Plan Administrator, all OTC meds will no longer be identified as FSA-eligible at the point-of-purchase. So the transaction would reject at the register. I was told a copy of the doctor's prescription must be sent to the FSA administrator and they will keep it on file. Then the OTC meds will need to be purchased out-of-pocket and submitted as a claim for reimbursement. I was told the doctor's prescription would be considered a standing authorization and not something that needed to be renewed after x number of refills. I don't know if all FSA administrators will be handling the process in the same manner.

 

[dreamin_disney]

My FSA accounts have had debit cards attached for a few years now. For mileage, I periodically print down my FSA debit card transaction history from the health administrator website and make an excel spreadsheet with transaction date, service provider, transaction id (if available, old fsa company had it, new one doesn't), miles claimed, cost per mile, total mileage cost. I send that in and get the reimbursement right from the fsa company (and available balance in my fsa account is deducted accordingly).

I don't believe there's any PIN associated with the card. It's run like a visa or mastercard debit card, not an ATM debit card. If lost, contact the health administrator so they can cancel the card and send you a replacement.

Finally, for the new OTC medicine reimbursement rules enacted by the Health Care Reform Bill:
According to my Health Plan Administrator, all OTC meds will no longer be identified as FSA-eligible at the point-of-purchase. So the transaction would reject at the register. I was told a copy of the doctor's prescription must be sent to the FSA administrator and they will keep it on file. Then the OTC meds will need to be purchased out-of-pocket and submitted as a claim for reimbursement. I was told the doctor's prescription would be considered a standing authorization and not something that needed to be renewed after x number of refills. I don't know if all FSA administrators will be handling the process in the same manner.

Thanks for the info.
Will my dh get a card or do we get one card and only the person on the account can use it? I'll be the one mostly using it for me, a few times for dd and dh will use it once in awhile.

My agent never called. I'm hoping she will call me tomorrow.I left her my home number and with my luck she will call when I'm at work.

I think I'm starting to like the idea of the debit card

 

[ImprovGal]

Thanks for the info.
Will my dh get a card or do we get one card and only the person on the account can use it? I'll be the one mostly using it for me, a few times for dd and dh will use it once in awhile.

My agent never called. I'm hoping she will call me tomorrow.I left her my home number and with my luck she will call when I'm at work.

I think I'm starting to like the idea of the debit card

I don't know about the additional cards. I think I remember seeing something about being able to request one for dependents on your account (spouse, for example) but I'm single with an IND contract so it's nothing that would have affected me. I like the convenience of the debit card, but just remember that you still need to hold on to your supporting documents (EOBs from copays, for example) in case IRS audits.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I don't know about the additional cards. I think I remember seeing something about being able to request one for dependents on your account (spouse, for example) but I'm single with an IND contract so it's nothing that would have affected me. I like the convenience of the debit card, but just remember that you still need to hold on to your supporting documents (EOBs from copays, for example) in case IRS audits.

How long should I hold onto documents- dont know how long IRS can come and audit- so how many years should i hold on to my document. Geez I'm glad you mentioned this

 

[Green Tea]

You can get cards for all who need them. We each have one, as well as my child away at college.

 

[dreamin_disney]

You can get cards for all who need them. We each have one, as well as my child away at college.

Good to know since Dh usually will pick up my RX's if I cant.

My agent never called me back. I called to make an appt but the person I talked to couldnt answer my questions. I guess I will make up two Estimates. Hopefully my agent can answer my questions.

Anyone know if reflexology will be covered if so what medical issue qualified. Thanks

 

[aprilgail2]

Thanks for the info.
Will my dh get a card or do we get one card and only the person on the account can use it? I'll be the one mostly using it for me, a few times for dd and dh will use it once in awhile.
goodvibes

I love the whole debit card thing- I have a card for me and my 11 year old has her own card. We used a different company last year than the previous two years thank goodness- those years were Wageworks and they were the worst---questioned every little thing you bought, always had to send in proof etc.

 

[donnajon]

You definitely need to check. I had one with my insurance last year as did my DH. My DH's was so easy and never questioned we used it for. Mine was very picky and I had to send in a receipt for almost everything. I called to question it once and the guy I talked to was very nice but said he won't used their card because of how picky they were! I didn't get it for this upcoming year. It wasn't worth the hassel. But I do love my husband's card.

 

[dreamin_disney]

You definitely need to check. I had one with my insurance last year as did my DH. My DH's was so easy and never questioned we used it for. Mine was very picky and I had to send in a receipt for almost everything. I called to question it once and the guy I talked to was very nice but said he won't used their card because of how picky they were! I didn't get it for this upcoming year. It wasn't worth the hassel. But I do love my husband's card.

I never got ahold of my agent but my appt is tomorrow. Anyone know how pickey american fidelity is????? I really hope they arent to pickey. I'm used to sending in my receipt but i can see how it can be a pain if you started out using the card first. This will be my companies first year using the card so hope we like it.

My chiro and accupunture Dr. only take cash or check so I'll be stuck sending receipts.I'm going to try and see if they will cover reflexology.

 

[starwood]

I have trouble using my card to pay for charges I get a bill for. If the date of payment and date of service don't match I need to send an itemized bill and the explanation of benefits from Horizon.

 

[tlbwriter]

My card is VERY picky. In fact, it's suspended right now because they want receipts I don't have. Anything that's just slightly off (such as paying a bill that comes in the mail, so there's no date-of-service that matches with the date-of-payment) throws them for a loop. But when it works, it's very convenient.

 

[bettymae1121]

I have one and I use it for things I know are covered, like prescription and doctor's co-pays, the dentist office, vision, and my DH's diabetic supplies. If I have an odd ball expense that I'm not sure of, I'll pay with my regular credit card and send in the receipt instead. I just ordered my DH a flex debit card too, which is great because a lot of our flex spending is on DH due to his health, so he picks up a lot of his prescriptions and suplies. I would always forget to give him the card so we still had to submit a lot of receipts, but now we each have our own card.

Once in this past year I got a letter saying they wanted receipts for some items, I think it was just a random check up to make sure we were using the card properly. I just faxed in the receipts they wanted and it was good to go. So make sure you keep all receipts in case they ask for any.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I had my appointment today.

1. I was told that for the accupunture I dont need a doctors not on letter head or an RX. I told him I ask once and was told i needed that but he said he never heard or that. He called to verify and a claim adjuster told him I just need a recipet from Accupunture doctor stating what the treat was for. Herbs arent included under FSA.

2. I asked about reflexology and claim adjuster on the phone said that my doctor would need to write a letter on Medical letterhead saying why i need reflexology. Massage thereapy only covers treatment for inuies or illness.

3. I asked about the debitcards and was told we still have the two options
1.mail in
2. debitcard which is $3.50 per paycheck which will cost me $30 something for the 6 months-no thanks!!!!

4. Over the counter meds- He said that one prescrption should be fine for the year or 6 month like mine is set up. He said or buy 2-3 boxes of the cough meds that i got he RX for. He said its still new to them. Anything over the counter that is medicine for illness is needs a RX from Doctor. Anything else you dont like: bandaids, rash onitment, first aid kit etc.

What I plan on doing is putting money in an envelope so when dh goes picks up my RX we can pull from that. I like the old way of mailing it in and gettiing money deposted into my acct...my saving money/vacation money-lol!