I think the benefit of the card is that you can write off the medical expenses.
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Otherwise... yeah, if my loved one really couldn't afford medical necessities, I would not make them wait until Christmas and then give the a gift card. That's kind of weird.
It definitely is weird! However, let's say someone gives you one of those Visa gift cards that can be used anywhere instead of a medical gift card. If you're really broke, you won't use the card for medication. It would go to food, gas, toiletries, etc. If it really came down to it, the person could get those types of necessities at a local food bank or shelter, minus the gasoline. I don't think they can get free medication unless they're within the Medicare coverage or have Medicaid. Even still, Medicare and Medicaid usually require copays that could be picked up by the medical gift card.The only reason (besides write-offs) I can see for buying a card like this instead of just giving cash/a regular gift card is if you are buying for someone irresponsible. With cash, they can buy drugs, blow it all away gambling, etc. With a gift card, they can buy booze. With this card they might actually buy their damn insulin!
Ok, whatever. You win. I hate arguing over the internet. It just seems to get people into trouble. Like a true Southerner, I concedeYou can write off medical expenses already, you don't need a card marked "visa medical gift card" to do it. The only time a card really comes into play with "writing off" expenses is an HSA account, but since that is funded by pre-tax dollars, there is no need to write anything off (it's already been done in the act of funding the account).
And if you have a hardcore alcoholic in the family, this card won't work either. They can then pop into their local pharmacy and buy a bunch of booze, assuming this card works like an HSA card and is auto approved at certain locations.
Visa gift card = visa gift card either way you look at it
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