Veterans are often offered coverage through government institutions, such as the Veterans Affairs office. When they become eligible for Medicare, they may be considering switching to Medicare coverage. Here is how veterans can obtain coverage through Medicare.
Medicare For Veterans
If veterans have benefits through another agency, such as the Veterans Affairs office, they can get Medicare coverage, but the benefits do not work together. Therefore, in order to have treatments covered under VA benefits, you would need to receive treatment at a VA facility. In instances where the VA authorizes you to receive treatment in a non-VA facility but does not pay all of the associated costs, your Medicare coverage can be used to pay for some of the leftover costs.
Why Veterans Should Enroll In Medicare
If you don’t enroll in Medicare, health care services may cost more than you expect. If you are eligible for premium-free Part A benefits, Medicare may result in significant savings in your health care expenses. If you do receive premium-free benefits, you can reject Part B benefits to save money. Though, people who wait to enroll in Medicare may be subject to late enrollment penalties that significantly increase the cost of Medicare coverage.
What Will Medicare Pay For?
If you have VA benefits, they cannot be used to pay for Medicare cost-sharing expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medicare will pay some costs leftover after VA benefits make their payment, but the benefits do not pay into each other. When you enroll in Medicare, speak to a VA benefits manager to help you determine which policy will be the primary payer for your health care treatment.
Combine VA Coverage With Medicare
Even if you have VA coverage, you shouldn’t wait to apply for Medicare coverage. Having both policies active gives you much broader coverage, allowing you the peace of mind to know that your health is taken care of. VA benefits may also waver if funding falls, so it is good to have an alternative in place just in case you fall into a lower priority group and lose VA coverage.
Enroll In Medicare
Now’s the time to sign up for Medicare. If you aren’t sure if you are eligible for Medicare benefits, get help. Reach out to the experts at The Fussell Group Insurance Advisors. We’ll answer your questions and help you get started with the Medicare enrollment process.