At Welch Insurance, we are honored to help our nation’s military veterans navigate their healthcare options. Thank you for your service.
Request a Free Medicare Review for Veterans at a convenient time for you by clicking Set a Phone Appointment!
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Many veterans are surprised to learn that their Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits and Medicare can work together to provide broader, more flexible healthcare coverage. If you are a veteran enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan—and doing so might offer significant benefits that complement your VA care.
Why Should a Veteran Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan?
If you already receive care at a VA facility, you might wonder why you need Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. The short answer is flexibility and extra benefits.
VA benefits generally only cover care received at VA hospitals and facilities. Medicare Advantage plans cover your care at civilian hospitals and doctors’ offices. Having both gives you a vital safety net and more choices.
Here are a few reasons veterans often choose Medicare Advantage:
- Access to Civilian Care: If you have an emergency, or if the nearest VA facility is far away or has a long wait time, a Medicare Advantage plan allows you to see civilian doctors and specialists within the plan’s network.
- Extra Benefits: Many Medicare Advantage plans include benefits not offered by Original Medicare, and sometimes not easily accessible through the VA. This can include routine dental, vision, and hearing exams, fitness memberships (such as SilverSneakers®), and over-the-counter (OTC) allowances.
- Part B Premium Reductions (Giveback Plans): Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a “Part B Giveback” benefit that reduces your monthly Medicare Part B premium, keeping more money in your Social Security check.
Medicare Advantage Plans Designed with Veterans in Mind.
Not all Medicare Advantage plans are the same, and some are structured specifically to benefit veterans who already receive prescription drug coverage through the VA.
MA-Only Plans (No Prescription Drug Coverage)
Because the VA provides robust, creditable prescription drug coverage, many veterans do not need Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). Some Medicare Advantage plans, known as MA-Only plans, do not include drug coverage. Because the insurance company doesn’t have to cover medications, they often redirect those savings to you in the form of lower premiums, Part B givebacks, or enhanced dental and vision benefits.
Note: You can use your VA benefits at VA pharmacies for your prescriptions, and use your Medicare Advantage plan for your medical care at civilian doctors.
What About TRICARE for Life or CHAMPVA?
If you have TRICARE for Life (TFL) or CHAMPVA, your healthcare coverage works differently.
- TRICARE for Life works as a wrap-around to Original Medicare. In most cases, veterans with TFL do not need a Medicare Advantage plan, as TFL covers Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs at civilian doctors.
- Before making any changes to your Medicare coverage, it is crucial to speak with a licensed insurance agent to ensure you do not inadvertently disrupt your military benefits.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Fit.
Understanding how VA benefits, TRICARE, and Medicare interact can be complex. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Welch Insurance, our licensed agents take the time to understand your unique situation—including your current VA priority group and preferred doctors—to help you find a plan that maximizes your benefits without overlapping coverage you already have.
Request a Free Medicare Review for Veterans at a convenient time for you by clicking Set a Phone Appointment!
Call Us Today at 800-641-3315