Wellcare Spendables is a pre-loaded debit card offered with select Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans, designed to cover health-related expenses. It simplifies paying for essentials like over-the-counter items, groceries, and even utilities for eligible members.
This article explores Wellcare Spendables, its features, eligibility, and tips for maximizing its benefits. With clear details, you’ll learn how to use this card to support your health affordably.
What Is Wellcare Spendables?
Wellcare Spendables, previously called the Flex Card, is a Visa debit card included with certain Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans. It provides funds to cover health-related costs, such as OTC medications or dental services. Available in 32 states, it’s loaded monthly or quarterly with allowances from $144 to $2,880. The card streamlines out-of-pocket expenses without reimbursement forms.
The card’s benefits vary by plan, with broader coverage for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). It’s a practical tool for managing healthcare costs. Checking your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) clarifies what’s included.
Who Qualifies for Wellcare Spendables?
You must be enrolled in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan that includes the Spendables benefit to qualify. Plans are available in states like California, Florida, and Texas, covering 32 states total. D-SNP members, eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, often receive broader benefits, like utility payments. Non-D-SNP plans focus on OTC items and health services.
Some benefits, like rent or utility assistance, require chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders. Activate the card via the Wellcare Member Portal or by calling 1-855-256-4620. Always confirm eligibility with your plan’s details.
What Can You Buy with Wellcare Spendables?
Wellcare Spendables covers a variety of health-related expenses, depending on your plan. Non-D-SNP members can use it for OTC items, dental, vision, or hearing services. D-SNP members may also purchase healthy groceries, utilities, or gas at pay-at-the-pump stations. In 2025, some plans include home safety items like grab bars.
Here’s a list of common eligible items:
- OTC Products: Pain relievers, cold remedies, bandages, vitamins.
- Healthy Foods: Fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean meats.
- Utilities: Electric, gas, water, or rent (D-SNP plans).
- Home Safety: Grab bars, non-slip mats (select plans).
Check your plan’s OTC catalog or member portal for a full list. Non-covered items, like cosmetics, will be declined.
Where to Use Wellcare Spendables
Wellcare Spendables is accepted at over 66,000 retailers nationwide, including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and Publix. For healthcare services, use it at providers for dental, vision, or hearing copays. Gas purchases are limited to pay-at-the-pump stations, not in-store. Online shopping is available through the Healthy Benefits+ portal or partners like Uber Eats.
Use the Store Finder tool in the Wellcare Member Portal to locate retailers. Enter your zip code to find nearby stores. Always verify retailer and item eligibility to ensure smooth transactions.
Table: Wellcare Spendables Benefits by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Covered Expenses | Annual Allowance Range | Funding Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-D-SNP | OTC items, dental, vision, hearing | $144–$1,000 | Monthly/Quarterly |
| D-SNP | OTC, groceries, utilities, gas, home safety | $500–$2,880 | Monthly/Quarterly |
This table outlines Wellcare Spendables benefits for 2025. Allowances and coverage vary by plan and state. Check your EOC for specific details.
How to Use Wellcare Spendables
Using Wellcare Spendables is simple but requires activation. Activate it online via the Wellcare Member Portal, by calling 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711), or through the Healthy Benefits+ app. Shop at participating retailers, selecting eligible items, and swipe the card at checkout. Ensure your purchase doesn’t exceed your balance.
For online purchases, use the Healthy Benefits+ portal or partnered sites like Walmart. If your order exceeds the card’s balance, pay the difference with cash or another card. The card doesn’t support automated or recurring payments.
Checking Your Balance
To check your Wellcare Spendables balance, log into the Wellcare Member Portal and select “Wellcare Spendables.” The Healthy Benefits+ app also displays your balance and transaction history. Call 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711) for 24/7 assistance. Regular checks help you plan purchases effectively.
Funds are loaded monthly or quarterly, and many plans allow unused amounts to roll over. Set reminders to use funds before they expire in non-rollover plans. Tracking your balance prevents overspending or declined transactions.
Benefits of Wellcare Spendables
Wellcare Spendables offers several advantages for Medicare Advantage members:
- Convenience: Pay directly for eligible items without paperwork.
- Flexibility: Use at thousands of retailers or for health services.
- Broader Coverage: D-SNP plans include groceries, utilities, and gas.
- Cost Savings: Reduces out-of-pocket expenses for health needs.
These features make the card a valuable tool for managing healthcare costs. It supports both preventive care and daily essentials.
New Features for 2025
In 2025, Wellcare added home improvement and safety items to some plans. These include grab bars, non-slip mats, and other equipment to enhance home safety. This is ideal for members with mobility issues or chronic conditions. The Twill by Dario platform offers 24/7 behavioral health support, complementing Spendables.
Not all plans include these new benefits, so check your EOC. These updates reflect Wellcare’s focus on whole-health care. They add value for members with specific needs.
Additional Wellcare Plan Perks
Beyond Wellcare Spendables, Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits. These include $0 copays for primary care visits, gym memberships through SilverSneakers, and telemedicine services. Some plans reimburse Medicare Part B premiums, lowering monthly costs. D-SNP members may access behavioral health support.
These perks complement the Spendables card, enhancing overall healthcare access. Review your plan’s Summary of Benefits for a complete list. They make Wellcare plans attractive for comprehensive care.
Maximizing Your Wellcare Spendables
To maximize Wellcare Spendables, activate the card immediately upon receipt. Check eligibility using the Healthy Benefits+ app before shopping. Prioritize high-cost items like OTC medications or groceries to stretch funds. For D-SNP members, use the card for utilities to ease financial burdens.
Track your balance regularly via the Wellcare portal or app. Shop at preferred retailers like CVS or Walmart for savings. Contact Member Services for clarification on benefits or issues.
Limitations and Restrictions
Wellcare Spendables has some limitations. It’s only available with select plans in 32 states. Non-covered items, like non-healthy foods or cosmetics, are declined. Gas purchases are restricted to pay-at-the-pump, not in-store payments. Some D-SNP benefits require chronic conditions like diabetes.
Rural areas may have fewer participating retailers. Always check your plan’s EOC for restrictions. Using the Healthy Benefits+ app helps avoid declined transactions.
Handling Issues with the Card
If your Wellcare Spendables card is declined, verify item eligibility with the Healthy Benefits+ app or OTC catalog. Contact Member Services at 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711) with your member ID for help. Request a replacement card immediately if lost or stolen. Keep transaction records for reference.
For online shopping issues, ensure you’re using approved platforms like Healthy Benefits+. Some members report long customer service wait times, so plan ahead. Quick action resolves most problems efficiently.
Enrollment and Plan Availability
Enroll in a qualifying Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan during the AEP, October 15 to December 7, 2024, for 2025 coverage. Use Wellcare’s website, MedicareEnrollment.com, or call 1-844-657-2460 to enroll. Coverage starts January 1, 2025. Special Enrollment Periods apply for events like moving.
Not all plans include Spendables, so confirm before enrolling. D-SNP plans offer broader benefits for eligible members. Check your state’s availability to ensure access.
Support and Resources
Wellcare provides robust support for Spendables users. The Member Portal and Wellcare+ app let you check balances, find retailers, and review benefits. Call 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711) for 24/7 assistance. Multilingual support is available in languages like Spanish and Chinese.
Onboarding videos in eight languages simplify the process. The Healthy Benefits+ app streamlines shopping and balance tracking. These tools ensure easy management of your benefits.
Why Wellcare Spendables Stands Out
Wellcare Spendables reduces out-of-pocket costs for health essentials, from OTC items to utilities. Its flexibility, with 66,000+ retailers and online options, makes it user-friendly. For D-SNP members, it supports daily living expenses, easing financial stress. The card’s 3.5-star CMS-rated plans reflect reliability.
This benefit empowers seniors to prioritize health affordably. Checking eligibility and planning purchases maximizes its value. It’s a practical solution for Medicare members on fixed incomes.
Summary
Wellcare Spendables, a pre-loaded Visa debit card, is a key benefit for select Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Available in 32 states, it covers OTC items, dental, vision, hearing, and, for D-SNP members, groceries, utilities, and gas. With allowances from $144 to $2,880 annually, it’s accepted at 66,000 retailers like CVS and Walmart. Activate the card, check your balance, and use the Healthy Benefits+ app to maximize savings and support your health.
FAQ
What is Wellcare Spendables?
Wellcare Spendables is a pre-loaded Visa debit card for select Medicare Advantage plan members. It covers OTC items, health services, and, for D-SNPs, groceries and utilities. Activate it via the Wellcare portal or by calling 1-855-256-4620.
Who qualifies for Wellcare Spendables?
You must be enrolled in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan with the Spendables benefit. Available in 32 states, with broader coverage for D-SNP members. Check your plan’s EOC for eligibility details.
What can I buy with Wellcare Spendables?
The card covers OTC medications, dental, vision, hearing services, and, for D-SNPs, groceries, utilities, and gas. Some plans include home safety items. Review your plan’s OTC catalog for specifics.
Where can I use Wellcare Spendables?
Use it at 66,000 retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, or for health services. Online shopping is available via the Healthy Benefits+ portal. Check the Store Finder for locations.
How do I check my Wellcare Spendables balance?
Log into the Wellcare Member Portal or use the Healthy Benefits+ app to view your balance. Call 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711) for assistance. Check regularly to plan purchases.