If you are a military Veteran using Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, you might think you already have all the medical coverage you need. However, if you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you have another great option available to you. You can join a Medicare Advantage plan for other doctors, hospitals, and additional health benefits without losing any of your hard-earned VA coverage. For information about VA benefits and Medicare Advantage plans, tap the link.

Why Add a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Many private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans designed specifically with Veterans in mind. Here are the top reasons to consider adding one:

• More Choices for Doctors: With a Medicare Advantage plan, you can visit civilian doctors and non-VA hospitals in your plan’s network. This is incredibly helpful if you live far from a VA clinic, need to see a local specialist, or require quick care during an emergency.
• Extra Health Perks: Many plans include extra benefits the VA might not always provide for everyone. This often includes routine dental cleanings, eyeglasses, hearing aid allowances, and even free gym memberships.
• Money Back in Your Pocket: Certain plans offer a “Part B Giveback” benefit. This reduces your Medicare Part B premium, which actually leaves more money in your monthly Social Security check.
• Low or $0 Monthly Premiums: Many of these plans cost $0 a month. You must continue to pay your standard Medicare Part B premium, but the added plan benefits cost you nothing extra.

Important Things to Remember

• You Keep Your VA Benefits: Joining a Medicare plan will never cancel or lower your VA health care priority. You can keep going to the VA for your regular service-connected care.
• They Are Separate Systems: You cannot use your Medicare card at a VA facility, and the VA does not pay civilian doctors unless they pre-approve it. You choose which system to use each time you need care.
• You Must Have Parts A and B: To join any Medicare Advantage plan, you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

Before making any changes, it is a smart idea to speak with Roy at Welch Insurance to compare options in your specific ZIP code.

You can call Roy at 800-641-3315 or set a convenient time for Roy to contact you on Roy’s calendar. Roy is a Veteran.