Veterans Plans
Veterans plans in regards to Medicare Advantage is a blend of coverage with either your TRICARE or VA health coverage.
Some healthcare plans can be restrictive with your veteran health coverage. But not MA plans.
How Medicare Advantage and VA combination
Before going in too deep, you must know that you’ll first have to have Medicare Parts A and B before you get a Medicare Advantage plan to combine with your veteran plan.
Once you have an MA plan, you’ll receive additional benefits that Original Medicare does not offer. These can include:
- Adult day-care services
- Dental
- Fitness memberships
- Hearing
- Nutrition programs
- Prescription drug coverage
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Services and supports for those with chronic conditions
- Transportation to doctor visits
- Vision
- Wellness programs
But why would someone want to get Medicare Advantage if they already have TRICARE or VA health coverage?
With an MA plan, there is not nearly as long as wait times for care or lengthy travel. Your Advantage plan will have a network of doctors in your immediate area.
You’ll increase your healthcare flexibility and amount of benefits. You’ll also have an out-of-pocket max on your healthcare and coverage if you travel outside the US.
How to enroll
If you’re eligible for Original Medicare, you’re eligible for an Advantage plan.
You can enroll during your initial enrollment period (when you can initially enroll in Medicare). This is a seven-month period that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
There is also the annual election period that spans from October 15 through December 7 every year.
Finally, you may be eligible for a special election period if there have been significant changes in your coverage or income.
You can find out if you are eligible by speaking with a licensed Medicare agent, but here are some instances where you would be eligible:
- You move outside your current plan’s area
- Suffered unintentional loss of coverage
- Got married
- Had a baby
There are many more ways you can become eligible for a special election period. So, again, be sure to ask an insurance agent.
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