Many veterans think that they can’t take advantage of Medicare and Veteran Affairs. While the veteran can use both VA and Medicare’s healthcare benefits, their advantages don’t work together.
That means Medicare will not pay for the healthcare services that veterans receive at the VA facility. Medicare only covers your healthcare needs adequately if you receive your medical treatment plan and include it in a Medicare-accepted facility. It also works for receiving VA care, but you need to visit a Veteran facility.
Medicare Coverage Plans for Veterans
Veterans can use their VA plan advantages at VA-designated hospitals. Most veterans use these benefits to obtain coverage for various health care services that their Medicare plan doesn’t include. Essentially, with these veteran benefits in the plan, they don’t need to supplement medical needs. Veterans can conveniently get over-the-counter prescriptions, hearing aids, and annual physical exams through comprehensive military wellness programs.
However, if you’re looking to get more coverage, you can consider entering an Original Medicare plan or Medicare Part C plan. Take a look at the details to determine how Medicare plans for a veteran can cover your healthcare needs.
Medicare Part A and B Plans for Veteran
Part A and Part B plans of Medicare can help veterans obtain coverage for healthcare services they need at doctors and non-VA hospitals. For instance, Part B covers all the services you may need from a doctor that Medicare accepts. These benefits also work outside of any VA medical program.
Besides this, if you choose not to enroll in Original Medicare, although you’re eligible in the first place, you may receive a premium fee for Part B. But you will get it only if you sign up for each one-year period in which you didn’t receive any Medicare Part B coverage. Note that there are other gaps in the healthcare plan that you may not be necessarily covered for.
Medicare Part C
With Medicare Part C coverage, you need to enroll in a plan via a private insurance company. Although these plans include Medicare protections and rights, they often include extra expenses on top of the services you receive with Part A and Part B.
One of the advantages of selecting a Medicare Part C plan is the choices and options you get. The plan typically allows you to compare different plans and qualify for more services. However, if you have a Part B premium, you can obtain coverage for all the healthcare services in one plan. There is no need to pay for Medicare prescription drugs or coverage separately.
Advantages of Medicare Plans for Veterans
Signing up for Medicare plans is a good idea if you reside far away from your VA facility. You’re eligible for the Medicare plans if:
- You’re 60 or older
- If your partner receives Medicare
- You’re suffering from end-stage renal failure
Bottom Line
Overall, if you’re receiving veteran benefits, enrolling in Medicare will get you healthcare services you don’t receive at a VA hospital.
It is better to speak to professional insurers like Hitcho Insurance. Call us at (610) 694-9435 to explore all your Medicare and Veteran healthcare options.
