Veterans and their families have a lot of questions surrounding how VA health care works with Medicare. We pride ourselves on helping you sift through the noise and understand all your options and available coverage.
Choosing between VA benefits and Medicare is not an either/or choice. You can have both. In fact, the Veterans Administration (VA) encourages eligible veterans to sign up for Medicare. And if you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may enjoy valuable additional benefits not included in VA coverage or Medicare—with a low or, in some areas, a $0 monthly plan premium. And some plans may even give you back a portion of your Part B premium.
No, enrolling in Medicare will not affect your VA Health Care benefits. You can maintain both coverages independently. Consideration should, however, be given to your prescription drug coverage. You should speak with a Licensed Independent Medicare Plan Advisor who is familiar with VA Health Coverage.
Medigap policies help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Veterans may not need Medigap if they primarily use VA services.
If you qualify for veterans’ healthcare benefits and you choose to enroll in Medicare, you can opt to get treatment under either program. But you’ll need to decide which benefits program you want to use before receiving care. Medicare does not replace your VA health coverage- it complements it. Choose between VA healthcare providers or civilian doctors and specialists to maximize your benefits.
Getting help navigating Medicare Plans and Veterans Benefits is easy. Here at Benefit Advisors Group, our team of licensed Medicare Advisors provide an expert resource for finding you the right benefits for your healthcare needs that will compliment your VA Health Coverage.
What is Medicare Advantage? Should I consider it?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can still use your VA Health Care for VA-covered services. Many Veterans choose a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug service since they obtain prescriptions via the VA. A Medicare Advantage plan may provide ancillary benefits not available under VA Health Coverage.