This update expands on our earlier CMA Issue Brief about the “flex cards” offered by many Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Flex cards, sometimes called Over-the-Counter (OTC) cards, are essentially preloaded debit cards used by MA plans to provide certain supplemental benefits. This issue brief reviews needed consumer protections, shares recent policy developments, and highlights how flex cards are affecting beneficiaries — including their eligibility for public benefits.
- Read the NEW issue brief at: medicareadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-July-23-Issue-Brief-Flex-Card-update.pdf
This work was supported in part by Arnold Ventures. CMA maintains full editorial control over all of its policy analysis and communications activities.
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July 23, 2025 – K. Kertesz