Veterans have great benefits through the VA Administration. However, we believe they deserve more. These individuals fought and sacrificed for our country, here and abroad. Once a Veteran becomes Medicare eligible, why shouldn’t they get the best of both worlds at little to no cost? Here are a few of the details to open the door and ask your agent the right questions.
Detail #1
VA Healthcare operates like a large HMO but IS NOT insurance. VA coverage is not considered ‘creditable’ coverage for Medicare Part B, and therefore if and when a Veteran may decide to elect Medicare benefits, they may incur a Part B penalty. Note – VA drug coverage IS considered creditable coverage for Part D.
Detail #2
As it relates to emergency care, the VA will not always pay if you go to a Non-VA Emergency Room. In order for the VA to cover the cost, it has to be a ‘service-related’ issue that has brought the Veteran into the ER. In addition, if a Veteran were to desire to seek a second opinion by a Non-VA specialist physician or have a procedure done outside of the VA Hospital Network, there is no coverage. Again, VA functions like an HMO, so the network and care options are limited.
Detail #3
Those Veterans who qualify for Tricare for Life and spouses of Veterans with Champ VA must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B in order to keep those excellent VA programs upon becoming Medicare eligible. And remember, Part B comes with a premium. So you are paying for Medicare anyway; why not reap some benefits?
Detail #4
So why should you elect a Medicare plan in addition to VA benefits?
· Emergency and Specialty Care anywhere
· Choices/access to more providers, specialists, and drug formulary options
· Potential savings opportunities
· Plan extras such as dental, OTC drugs, vision, gym memberships
· No risk of penalties down the road
Medicare and VA benefits can work together for more total coverage for Veterans with more choices. Many Medicare plans are also offered for $0 premium, so there is no additional cost! Just be sure to work with an Independent Insurance Agent so you can have access to a multitude of options and free expertise. Email me at carrie@cdi-cares.com or check me out on www.cdi-cares.com
“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran does not have that problem.”
-- Ronald Reagan