Complete guide to the Blue Cross NC Blue FlexCard for Medicare Advantage members. Understand your allowance, eligible expenses, and how to use your card online, in-store, or by phone.
The Blue FlexCard is a prepaid benefit card available to members of select Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plans. It comes loaded with a set allowance that you can use to pay for eligible healthcare services and products—making it easier to access benefits without dealing with separate accounts, receipts, or reimbursement forms.
Think of it as a debit card specifically for your Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits. Your plan loads money onto the card, and you spend it on approved items like over-the-counter medications, dental copays, vision expenses, fitness memberships, and more.
Preloaded Allowance: Your card comes with a set dollar amount based on your specific Medicare Advantage plan. Allowances vary by plan—some offer several hundred dollars annually, while others may provide over $2,000 per year.
Consolidated Benefits: Multiple benefit allowances (OTC, dental, vision, fitness) are combined onto one card, eliminating the need to track separate accounts or submit reimbursement requests.
Easy to Use: Works like a regular debit card at participating retailers, providers, and online portals.
No Out-of-Pocket Payment Required: For eligible expenses, you use your FlexCard—no need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Eligible expenses depend on your specific Medicare Advantage plan. Common categories include:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products:
• Pain relievers and fever reducers
• Cold and allergy medications
• First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics, medical tape)
• Vitamins and supplements
• Digestive health products
• Blood pressure monitors and thermometers
• Diabetes care supplies
• Sunscreen and skin care products
Dental, Vision, and Hearing:
• Copays for dental exams, cleanings, and procedures
• Copays for eye exams
• Eyeglasses or contact lens expenses
• Hearing exams and hearing aid costs
Fitness and Wellness:
• Gym memberships
• Fitness classes (in-person or virtual)
• Home fitness equipment
• Wellness programs
Healthy Activity Rewards:
Some plans add funds to your FlexCard when you complete certain healthy activities, such as:
• Annual wellness visits
• Preventive screenings
• Health assessments
• Flu shots and other immunizations
Important: Not all expenses are covered by every plan. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC) document or log into Blue Connect to see exactly what your FlexCard allowance covers.
You have multiple convenient options for using your Blue FlexCard benefits: Video
Online Shopping:
• Visit the Blue FlexCard online portal
• Browse eligible items by category
• Add items to your cart and check out using your FlexCard
• Items ship directly to your home
In-Store Purchases:
• Use your FlexCard at participating retailers (pharmacies, grocery stores, fitness centers)
• Swipe or insert your card like a regular debit card
• Only eligible items will be covered—the card won't work for non-eligible purchases
By Phone or Mail:
• Order eligible items from the OTC catalog
• Call the number on your FlexCard or in your plan materials
• Complete the mail-order form included with your catalog
At Healthcare Providers:
• Pay dental, vision, or hearing copays at participating providers
• Use at in-network providers who accept the FlexCard
Stay on top of your available benefits with these options:
Blue Connect Online: Log in to your Blue Connect account at bluecrossnc.com to view your current balance, transaction history, and eligible expenses.
Blue Connect Mobile App: Download the Blue Connect app to check your balance on the go, find participating merchants, and manage your benefits from your smartphone.
Customer Service: Call the member services number on the back of your FlexCard to speak with a representative about your balance and eligible expenses.
The Blue FlexCard is a benefit included with select Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plans. It's not a standalone product you can purchase separately.
Plans That May Include the FlexCard:
• Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage HMO plans
• Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage PPO plans
• Certain Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Plans That Do NOT Include the FlexCard:
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans
• Standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
• Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
Note: Not all Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plans include the FlexCard, and the allowance amount varies by plan. Review your specific plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage to confirm whether the FlexCard is included and to determine your allowance.
Allowance Refresh Schedule:
Depending on your plan, your FlexCard allowance may be loaded:
• Annually (full amount at the beginning of the year)
• Quarterly (partial amounts added every three months)
• Monthly (smaller amounts added each month)
Use It or Lose It:
Most plans do NOT allow unused funds to roll over to the next year or quarter. If you don't use your allowance within the designated period, you may forfeit those funds. Check your plan rules to understand your specific rollover policy.
Eligible Items Only:
The FlexCard only works for approved expenses. If you try to purchase a non-eligible item, the transaction will be declined. This protects you from accidentally using your healthcare benefit on ineligible purchases.
Participating Merchants:
The FlexCard works at participating retailers and providers. Not all stores accept the card, so check the Blue Connect portal or app for a list of approved merchants before shopping.
You don't need to apply separately for the Blue FlexCard. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes this benefit:
1. Your FlexCard will be mailed to you automatically after you enroll in a qualifying plan
2. The card arrives with information about your allowance and eligible expenses
3. Activate your card if required (instructions included)
4. Log in to Blue Connect to view your balance and start using your benefits
If you haven't received your FlexCard or have questions about your benefit, contact Blue Cross NC member services at the number on your member ID card.
The Blue FlexCard reflects Blue Cross NC's commitment to providing Medicare Advantage members with flexibility and value beyond basic medical coverage. Benefits like the FlexCard help members:
• Access everyday healthcare products without out-of-pocket expense
• Customize benefits to match personal health needs
• Stay engaged with preventive care and wellness activities
• Reduce financial barriers to dental, vision, and hearing care
• Simplify benefit management with one consolidated card
As Medicare beneficiaries increasingly seek plans that offer more than just medical coverage, benefits like the FlexCard help Medicare Advantage plans stand out by providing tangible, everyday value.
How much money is on my Blue FlexCard?
The allowance varies by plan. Some plans offer a few hundred dollars annually, while others may provide $1,000 or more. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits or log into Blue Connect to see your specific allowance.
Can I use my FlexCard anywhere?
No, the FlexCard only works at participating merchants and for eligible expenses. Check the Blue Connect portal or app for a list of approved retailers and providers.
What happens to unused funds?
In most cases, unused funds do not roll over. If your allowance is quarterly, you typically need to use each quarter's funds before the next quarter begins. Check your plan documents for specific rollover rules.
Can I get cash back from my FlexCard?
No, the FlexCard cannot be used for cash withdrawals. It can only be used for eligible healthcare expenses.
Is the FlexCard the same as Medicare giving me money?
No. The FlexCard is a benefit offered by Blue Cross NC through their Medicare Advantage plans—it's not a government benefit. The allowance can only be used for approved healthcare expenses, not for general spending.
I have a Medicare Supplement plan. Can I get a FlexCard?
No, the FlexCard is only available with select Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do not include this benefit.
The Blue FlexCard is just one of many benefits available through Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plans. At Health Plans of NC, our licensed agents can help you understand your options and find a plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
We Can Help You:
• Compare Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plans
• Understand FlexCard allowances and eligible expenses
• Review additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness
• Determine if Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare + Medigap is right for you
• Enroll in a qualifying plan during open enrollment or your Initial Enrollment Period
Our services are completely free. We're paid by insurance carriers, never by you. Contact Health Plans of NC today to learn which Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plans include the FlexCard and how much you could receive.