As a veteran, you’ve earned VA health benefits! Once you turn 65, you will likely also qualify for Medicare benefits. This is great news to ensure additional coverage! But did you know you can layer on even more coverage and benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan without an additional premium? Combining VA benefits with a Medicare Advantage Plan lets you access expanded benefits, lower out-of-pocket costs, and additional savings. Here’s how you can maximize your Veteran and Medicare coverage!
Why VA Benefits Aren’t Enough on Their Own
Coverage Gaps in VA Healthcare
While the VA offers extensive care, it lacks other benefits and limits access to only Veteran Administration (VA) approved doctors, hospitals and pharmacies. If you need or want to seek care from a doctor that is not in the VA network, then the Veteran Benefits would not cover you.
Veteran’s Benefits also lack other benefits, like dental coverage. Dental is an important benefit for seniors since oral health can directly affect overall health. This can mean high out of pocket costs or neglected dental care. Johns Hopkins School of Health reports that neglected dental can have a cascading effect on physical health.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Can Complement VA Benefits
If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, then you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in your area. Veteran Healthcare Benefits and Medicare Advantage plans are separate from each other, but they can supplement each other.
Your VA benefits remain intact.
Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan does not reduce any of your Veteran Health Benefits. You don’t lose access to VA hospitals or clinics. These are separate plans, and you are entitled to both!
You get expanded networks.
Since Veterans Benefits limit you to only VA approved doctors and hospitals, you can use a Medicare Advantage plan to expand your network. Medicare Advantage plans will allow you to seek care outside of VA hospitals and doctors. They often feature broad provider networks that may be closer to home. This means you have more options to reduce wait times and travel distance!
You could save on healthcare costs.
Medicare Advantage plans will also limit your out-of-pocket spending and introduce more benefits and savings. Depending on your Veteran’s benefit level, Medicare Advantage may offer some lower copays for certain provider services to help you save. Many plans have $0 copays for primary care providers.
VA benefits with Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits
Adding a Medicare Advantage plan to your coverage can add a variety of extra benefits for your use. Medicare Advantage plans are known for including benefits that neither Medicare nor VA benefits cover. These benefits generally include dental, vision, hearing aids, Part B Giveback, over-the-counter spending, fitness memberships, and worldwide emergency care. Even if you only plan to use VA doctors and hospitals, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan just to use these added benefits.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
Most MA plans include Dental, Vision, and hearing coverages. These services include:
- Routine preventative, as well as basic and major comprehensive coverage. This can include dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays, fillings, root canals, extractions, bridges, and dentures.
- Vision includes general eye exams and eyewear allowances, including glasses or contacts.
- Hearing benefits include hearing exam and coverage for hearing aids.
Part B Giveback
Some carriers design specific Medicare Advantage plans for Veterans with VA benefits with a Part B giveback. This benefit helps lower your Medicare Part B premium and saves you money!
Fitness Memberships
The fitness benefit gives you access to a free gym membership using programs such as SilverSneakers or Silver&Fit. You can chose from a network of gyms in your area, and can include in person or virtual classes to help you stay fit and healthy.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits
Over-the-counter benefits give you a quarterly allowance to buy products at various pharmacies and grocery stores. You can stock up on health essentials like toothpaste, pain relievers, and vitamins.
Worldwide Emergency Care While Traveling
Veterans Benefits do not cover emergency care outside of the United States unless it is related to a service-connected condition. Medicare Advantage will provide some coverage in case of an emergency while traveling abroad. The coverage amount can vary by plan.
VA benefits and Medicare Advantage Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will enrolling in Medicare Advantage affect my VA copays?
A: No. Your VA copays remain the same when you get care with VA doctors; Medicare Advantage plans cover additional services outside the VA system.
Q: Can I see VA and non-VA doctors?
A: Absolutely. Keep using VA facilities, and use your Medicare Advantage plan for other community providers.
Q: Will I have to pay a premium for Medicare Advantage?
A: Most Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums. We suggest you get help from a licensed agent to find a $0 premium plan in your area.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements to enroll in Medicare advantage plan?
A: You must be enrolled in Part A and Part B and live in the service area. Learn more about if you should enroll in Medicare with Veteran Benefits here.
Q: Can I have both Tricare for Life and a Medicare Advantage plan?
A: The short answer is yes, but with some considerations. Learn more about how Tricare for Life and Medicare Advantage plans work together in our blog Can you have TRICARE and Medicare Advantage?
By adding a Medicare Advantage plan to your VA benefits, you’re not replacing care—you’re enhancing it. From dental cleanings to gym memberships, these extra benefits are designed to support your health and well-being. See Get help from a local, licensed agent to help you find a plan in your area!
Information on VA benefits and Medicare can be found at https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/va-health-care-and-other-insurance/
