UPMC Benefit highlight: Flex spend card

There’s been a lot of excitement surrounding UPMC's newest benefit, the UPMC for Life Flex Spend Card. By now, you probably know that this benefit gives members additional dollars to spend however they like on over-the-counter (OTC) products and dental, vision, and hearing services. To help trusted agents, like yourself, be equipped to answer questions about the Flex Spend Card this AEP, we wanted to provide you with more information.
 
You should have received the Flex Spend Card flier in your new 2023 Broker Toolkit. This document provides useful information on how the benefit works, allowance per plan, a list of OTC products that can be purchased, and more.
 
Here are some highlights that we have gotten questions about:

1. When will members in plans that offer the UPMC for Life Flex Spend Card get their new card? Current members will get their card and instructions on how to use it in mid-December. New members will receive their card and instructions prior to their plan’s effective date.
2. How much of the Flex Spend Card allowance can be used during a transaction? The full amount can be used at any time during the plan year. This is not a quarterly allowance, and it will not roll over from year to year.
3. Can the Flex Spend Card be used on non-covered or out-of-network dental, vision, and hearing services? Yes, members can use the card at an out-of-network dental, vision, or hearing provider that accepts Mastercard or on non-covered dental, vision, and hearing services. But make sure to advise your client that they may pay more when seeing an out-of-network provider. Members cannot use the flex spend card at a medical provider.
4. What participating retailers can members use to buy OTC products in-store? Participating retailers include: Dollar General, Giant Eagle, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart. Members can see a full list of participating stores by logging in to MyHealth Online at upmchealthplan.com/members.

Make sure to discuss this exciting new benefit with your clients this AEP! If you have any questions regarding the Flex Spend Card, please contact your broker manager.