what would i use the va coverage for if i have medicare

Do I need Medicare if I am covered by the VA?

Can we bill VA and Medicare?

Is VA insurance primary over Medicare?

What can I use my VA benefits for?

Do veterans need Medicare Part B?

Do all veterans get free healthcare?

Does VA pay secondary to Medicare?

Do all veterans get benefits?

Who Pays First TRICARE or VA?

Can all veterans use the VA?

Can I get VA pension and Social Security?

Do all veterans have life insurance?

Why is Medicare important for VA?

Therefore, Medicare coverage may be particularly important if, say, you don’t live near a VA facility or your local facility has long wait times.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and VA Benefits. If you need additional services or coverage not offered to you through your VA benefits, you may consider a Medicare Advantage plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage, like vision, hearing, dental, prescription drug coverage, and/or health and wellness programs. ...

What happens if you wait to enroll in Medicare Part B?

If you wait to enroll in Part B when you are first eligible, you will likely experience gaps in coverage and incur a penalty for each 12-month period you were without Medicare Part B coverage. Learn more about Medicare Part B.

How to contact Medicare.org?

For further information about finding a Medicare plan that works with your VA health benefits and individual needs, call (888) 815-3313 – TTY 711 to talk with an experienced Medicare.org licensed sales agent.

Do you have to pay a penalty for Medicare?

The VA encourages you to consider enrolling in Medicare as soon as you’re eligible because Medicare and VA benefits don’t work together – and you may have to pay a penalty if you end up enrolling in Medicare later.

Do veterans need Medicare?

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who is eligible, or nearing eligibility for Medicare coverage? If you already have medical coverage through the VA health program, you may be wondering if you also need to enroll in Medicare. The answer is that you could probably benefit from having both VA ...

Does VA cover prescription drugs?

With VA health benefits, you typically get premium-free drug coverage. However, if the VA-approved pharmacy locations or the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy Program (CMOP), doesn’ t work for you, then you may consider a Part D or a Part C plan with prescription drug coverage.

When can veterans enroll in Medicare?

Like other Americans, veterans become eligible for Medicare at age 65. (Those with a qualifying disability may enroll earlier.) The best time to sign up is during your initial enrollment period. That begins 3 months before the first day of your birthday month and lasts for 7 months.

Do you have to enroll in Medicare if you have VA benefits?

You don’t. But without Medicare coverage, you’ll be uninsured for any treatment you get at non-VA facilities or care from providers not authorized in advance by the VA. You’ll be billed for the full cost of those services, at serious risk to your net worth. That’s why the VA recommends that veterans sign up for Medicare as soon as they can.

What are the benefits of combining Medicare and VA benefits?

Enrolling in Medicare could fill in gaps in the coverage you get through the VA benefits. That’s because you’ll be able to go either to VA facilities for treatment (covered under VA benefits) or to Medicare-approved doctors and facilities (covered by Medicare). Also, VA benefits are not guaranteed, so your coverage could change in the future.

Which areas of Medicare coverage and VA benefits can you combine?

Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. But they can sometimes complement each other. For example, if the VA pre-authorizes treatment at a non-VA hospital but not certain services you get during the hospital stay, Medicare may pay for those services. For specifics, contact your Medicare plan.

How does VA disability affect Medicare?

VA benefits — including disability payments — don’t affect Medicare. At age 65, you are eligible for Medicare regardless. Before that, you may receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) while you’re on VA disability. After 2 years of SSDI payments, you can enroll in Medicare. Your VA disability benefits remain in place.

What do you have to do to manage Medicare and VA benefits?

You will have to pay the premiums for Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage as well as any cost-sharing copayments. For VA benefits, there typically aren’t enrollment fees, monthly premiums, or deductibles. But some veterans may have copayments for healthcare or prescription drugs.

Where can you get help coordinating Medicare and VA benefits?

Various government-supported offices have staffers to help you combine and manage your health plans:

How to file a VA claim?

The process varies depending on the provider’s preferences: 1 The provider can file the claim with the VA, and you only pay any applicable deductibles. You can also choose to use your Medicare benefits. 2 You pay for the fees relating to the services you received, then submit your own claim to the VA. This option takes longer, but it might prove necessary if you can’t get to a VA hospital. 3 Use your Medicare benefits instead of your VA medical benefits. You might prefer this option if you don’t have the money to pay up front for services rendered as described in the second option.

How to avoid paying penalties for VA?

To avoid paying penalties, make sure you enroll in a creditable drug plan by the due date. VA medical benefits offer a creditable drug plan that might prove more cost-effective than other options, such as Medicare or TRICARE. Sometimes, paperwork gets lost or buried.

Can I use Medicare and VA at the same time?

Just remember that you can’t use both benefits at the same time. If you use Medicare to help pay for an MRI scan, for instance, the VA won’t pick up the rest of the cost. When you get treatment, try to determine which benefits will allow you to pay the least money out of pocket.

Can you have both Medicare and VA?

You’ll enjoy more flexibility if you have both Medicare and VA benefits. Additionally, the VA benefits program is subject to government oversight. The government can suspend or lower funding at any time, and you don’t want to find yourself without viable medical coverage.

Can disabled veterans live near VA hospitals?

Some disabled veterans don’t live near VA hospitals. In this case, they may receive fee-based identification cards. They can present these for treatment at a health care facility or doctor’s office. Be sure to call ahead before accepting an appointment since not all providers accept these cards.

Does Medicare cover VA hospital?

If you get medical care at a VA hospital, your VA benefits will generally cover the costs. This is because the VA uses providers who are covered under the plan, so you won’t necessarily need the institution to submit any claims to Medicare. However, Medicare can also cover services included with your VA medical benefits.

What should veterans know about Medicare?

Here are seven things every veteran should know about Medicare. Medicare covers veterans in the same way as it covers most other Medicare beneficiaries. But there are a few things that veterans of the armed forces should know about Medicare. 1. Medicare and VA coverage do not coordinate benefits. Medicare and VA (Veterans Affairs) ...

What if VA does not cover a specific drug?

If the VA does not cover a specific drug that you need to take, you might consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan that covers that drug. A drug prescribed by a doctor at a non-VA facility may not be covered by VA benefits without authorization.

How to enroll in Medicare Advantage?

There are a few instances in which enrolling in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage may make sense: 1 VA coverage includes its own drug formulary (a list of drugs covered by the plan). If the VA does not cover a specific drug that you need to take, you might consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan that covers that drug. 2 A drug prescribed by a doctor at a non-VA facility may not be covered by VA benefits without authorization. 3 A non-VA pharmacy may be a more convenient way to obtain your drugs, especially if you reside in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. 4 If you qualify for Medicare Extra Help, your overall drug costs may be lower with a Part D plan than under VA coverage.

What can an agent do for Medicare?

An agent can help you find the Medicare Advantage plan coverage that fits your unique health care needs.

What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare Part B?

If you do not sign up for Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be subject to late enrollment penalties if you decide to sign up later on.

Does Medicare Advantage have its own formulary?

There are a few instances in which enrolling in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage may make sense: VA coverage includes its own drug formulary (a list of drugs covered by the plan).

Do you have to enroll in Medicare if you are not on active duty?

If you are not on active duty and are entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A, then you must also enroll in Part B in order to keep TRICARE coverage.

Do You Need Medicare If You Have VA Benefits?

Having both VA benefits and Medicare increases your options for where and how you receive health care services.

How Do VA Benefits Work with Medicare?

Medicare and VA benefits seldom work together. This is a major reason the VA recommends that veterans enroll in Original Medicare even if they have VA benefits.

Prescription Drug Coverage Through VA Benefits or Medicare Part D

If you have both VA and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you have the option of using either to pay for your prescriptions.

Using Medigap or Medicare Advantage and VA Benefits

Medicare supplement insurance plans — also called Medigap — and Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurers that contract with Medicare.

Why is it important to understand VA and Medicare?

Because each offers different benefits, having both at your disposal will broaden your health insurance coverage options. If you’re a veteran, it’s important to understand how VA benefits and Medicare work in tandem before you make the choice.

How long do you have to enroll in Medicare if you lose your VA benefits?

If you lose your VA benefits, you’ll have 63 days to enroll in a Part D plan before that penalty kicks in.

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

A veteran may choose to supplement their Medicare coverage with a privately administered Medigap Insurance plan (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance), which helps cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and other fees.

How much is the VA deductible for 2021?

In addition to the 2021 Medicare Part A deductible of $1,484 per benefit period, coinsurance for hospital stays lasting longer than 60 days starts at $371 per day in 2021. Moreover, after meeting your 2021 Part B deductible ...

What is the priority group for veterans?

All veterans who qualify for VA health benefits are assigned to a priority group numbered 1 through 8, with 1 being the highest and 8 being the lowest.

How long do you have to serve in the military to get VA benefits?

The minimum duty requirements for VA benefits call for 24 months of continuous service, which also applies to members of the National Guard and the Reserves. But because there are many exceptions ...

What does Part B cover?

Part B covers Medicare-approved doctor’s services and outpatient services, so what you spend on Part B premiums may save you money in the long run.

What is Medicare Advantage for veterans?

Many veterans are going to find Medicare Advantage a practical solution to coverage. Most plans boast a $0 premium and extra benefits beyond Medicare. Some plans may include prescription drug coverage. Depending on the service area, an Advantage plan could include telehealth, dental, vision, and a gym membership.

How long do disabled veterans have to be on Medicare?

Disabled veterans under 65 eligible for Medicare due to collecting SSDI for at least two years should enroll in Medicare. Regardless of disability status, everyone qualifying for Medicare should enroll in at least Part A if they can get it premium-free.

Who pays first, Medicare or Veterans Administration?

Who Pays First, Medicare, or the Veterans Administration? The simple answer to the question of who pays first is both. When you go to the Veterans facilities, the only coverage you have is Veterans Administration coverage. Then, when you go to civilian facilities, you only have Medicare coverage.

Can you have both types of Medicare and VA?

The short answer is that Medicare doesn’t coordinate with VA benefits. However, you can have both types of insurance at the same time and benefit from doing so. Below, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Medicare for veterans.

Is Medicare mandatory?

Medicare isn’t mandatory. However, there is significant value to signing up for this coverage when you become eligible.

Does Medicare cover heart attacks?

Further, Medicare is only going to cover doctors that accept Medicare. So, if you have a heart attack while grocery shopping and the nearest hospital isn’t a Veterans facility, you’re going to want Medicare coverage.

Does the VA bill Medicare?

Although the VA doesn’t bill Medicare, they may bill your Medigap plan for services the plan covers (which are the same as those Medicare covers).

Why do veterans use VA benefits?

Some use VA benefits as to avoid the gaps in Medicare and the costs they would incur. On the flip side, there are also many Veterans who recognize that those gaps can be covered through Medicare Supplement insurance.

How to contact VA insurance?

This is often best done through an independent insurance agent who has access to multiple insurance companies and their rates. Please call me (1-888-411-1329) if you have any questions about your VA benefits and Medicare Supplement. I look forward to speaking with you.

Why do people buy Medicare Supplement?

Often times, Medicare Beneficiaries will opt to purchase Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance to help fill in the gaps that Original Medicare doesn’t pay. This helps broaden their ability to have more control over their own health care needs.

How does Medigap work?

Medigap plans come with a monthly premium that you pay to the insurance company. As a Medicare recipient, you are entitled to find a lower premium for the same Medigap Plan at anytime throughout the year. This is often best done through an independent insurance agent who has access to multiple insurance companies and their rates. ...

What is Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Supplement insurance is designed to fill those gaps. It provides peace of mind knowing that your medical needs are being attended to and your bills are being paid by the insurance company.

Does Medicare Supplement pay for travel?

If you use your Original Medicare, you’ll be subjected to the bills Medicare doesn’t pay. Adding Medicare Supplement insurance to your health care portfolio will make traveling easier.

Can the VA bill Medicare?

VA cannot bill Original Medicare, but can bill Medicare Supplement insurance for a covered service.