Medicare And Veterans

Photograph of Tillman Braden Junior, Who Dedicated His Life and Service To The United States Of America and Is Proudly Resting AT Arlington National Cemetery

### Exciting Medicare Options for Veterans and Their Families!

As the proud son of a dedicated Air Force father, who is honored to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every veteran and their families. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the tremendous sacrifices made in the name of freedom. Your service is something many take for granted, and today, I want to highlight the wonderful health options available to you! Here’s a photo of my dad, Chief Master Sergeant Tillman Braden Junior—a true hero.

Navigating Medicare can be a little daunting, but it’s crucial for veterans and their families to understand how it works alongside VA health benefits. To truly maximize the fantastic healthcare options you’ve earned, you must enroll in Medicare Part B. This is important for anyone with VA Benefits, CHAMP VA, TRICARE, or TRICARE FOR LIFE. Why is this necessary? Simply put: Medicare serves as the National Health Plan for all Americans aged 65 and older, operating as the primary payer with your VA benefits covering any costs that Medicare doesn’t. This thoughtful structuring allows for more accessible healthcare options, especially for those who may not live near a military base or VA facility. Access to local hospitals and clinics can make a huge difference in your care!

Veterans have the flexibility to choose between Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. If you select Original Medicare, your VA benefits provide a safety net, covering the 20% of approved Medicare expenses after the annual Medicare Part B deductible of $233 for 2022. Alternatively, if you decide to dive into a Medicare Advantage plan, they typically cover 80%, with your VA benefits taking care of the remaining 20%. Many popular Medicare Advantage providers even offer plans tailored specifically for veterans! Most of these plans operate as PPOs, giving you a wider selection of doctors and access to a nationwide network.

What about prescription drug coverage? You can breathe easy! Thanks to the exceptional VA Prescription Drug Program, you won’t need to worry about selecting a plan that provides separate prescription coverage—your VA benefits are already top-notch!

Now, you might be wondering which plan is truly the best fit for you. The key is to find the option that suits your unique lifestyle and family needs. For instance, if you love your gym membership, Medicare won't cover that expense, but many Medicare Advantage plans do! This means more savings and opportunities for you to stay healthy and active. Additionally, if you’re already enjoying TRICARE Dental and Vision benefits for $37 a month, many MA plans come with dental, vision, and hearing benefits built right in—potentially leading to even more savings!

Of course, it’s important to be aware of some differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Original Medicare. Here are three considerations to keep in mind:

1. **Choice of Providers**: With Original Medicare, you have the freedom to visit any doctor or hospital across the country that accepts Medicare, without being limited to a specific network.

2. **Hospital Networks**: If you have your heart set on a prestigious facility like the Mayo Clinic, it’s essential to know that they do not accept Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona, which may limit your options.

3. **Billing Process**: If you opt for a Medicare Advantage PPO plan, understand that providers are required to bill both the insurance company and your VA benefits. However, this doesn’t always happen seamlessly. If your provider fails to bill both, you may need to submit your bill to Wisconsin Physicians Services for reimbursement within 30 days.

For more information and guidance, I highly encourage you to explore resources on the VA website, the TRICARE For Life website, and the TRICARE website. One of the best steps you can take is to directly speak with a benefits representative from your VA plan before making any commitments. Discuss the plan you’re considering, and get clarification on how your VA benefits integrate with it. This way, you can avoid any unexpected surprises down the line!

Thank you once again for your service, and I hope this information empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare options. Your bravery and dedication deserve nothing but the best!