VA benefits are quite different from Medicare and do not interact with Medicare coverage. This means you can have both Medicare and VA benefits if you qualify. Since the two health plans do not interact with each other, it is up to you to decide if you want to have both plans and take advantage of each plan’s coverage.
VA Benefits
VA benefits are meant for people who have served in active duty and were discharged under honorable conditions. To be eligible for VA benefits, you must meet the minimum duty requirements of 24 months of continuous service.
Veterans who qualify for VA benefits will be distributed to a priority group. The priority groups are numbered from 1 through 8, with 8 as the lowest. The priority number depends on factors such as income and service-related disability and determines copayments, medical appointments, and out-of-pocket costs. Regardless of the priority level, all enrollees receive the Uniform Package. This package includes certain services that are not covered under Medicare.
To receive VA coverage, you must receive healthcare services at a VA-approved facility or must get prior authorization to receive care at a non-VA facility.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health program for people aged 65 and older, people with certain health conditions such as ALS and End-Stage Renal Disease, and people who receive disability benefits from SSA or the Railroad Retirement Board. It covers hospital and medical costs and is split into various parts. Medicare Part A and Part B are known as Original Medicare.
They cover inpatient and outpatient medical and hospital costs such as preventive screenings, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care. Medicare Part C is known as Medicare Advantage and it covers the same services Original Medicare covers, plus prescription drug coverage and other extra services. Medicare Part D is the standalone prescription drug plan. And, Medicare Supplement plans help to cover out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare will not cover.
VA Benefits and Medicare
VA benefits can work with Medicare to provide healthcare coverage. If you have both plans, VA benefits will cover VA-approved healthcare services and cover any services you get from a VA facility, while Medicare will cover healthcare services from non-VA providers.
Having both Medicare and VA benefits will do nothing but provide you with more coverage. If for any reason you are in an emergency and are taken to a non-VA facility, Medicare will cover those costs so you don’t have to. And, if you ever lose your VA coverage, you will still have Medicare to keep you covered.
For more information about Medicare and VA benefits and how they work together, contact us today to speak with a licensed and experienced agent!