How Medicare Advantage Plans Work with VA Benefits
Veterans have access to great healthcare coverage through the VA (Veterans Affairs), but there is an option to add extra benefits–Medicare Advantage plans.
A Medicare Advantage plan can enhance and provide extra benefits while giving more options and flexibility. Let’s look at why these plans could be a good fit for veterans.
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Work With VA Benefits
Yes! Medicare Advantage can work alongside VA benefits. If you are a veteran, you can have both VA healthcare and a Medicare Advantage plan.
The two systems do not interfere with each other. This means you can continue to use your VA benefits for care at VA facilities while also getting additional coverage and benefits from your Medicare Advantage plan. This flexibility can help you get the right care when and where you need it. However, since they are two separate systems it's important to note that they do not coordinate with each other.
What are Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are health insurance plans offered by private companies. They include all of the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and B). but often provide extras such as:
- Part B Giveback
- Dental allowances
- Vision allowances
- Hearing allowances
- Over-The-Counter allowances
- Fitness programs that include gym memberships
- Member events
- And More!
Some Medicare Advantage plans, like those offered by Clover Health, have plans designed with veterans in mind. To read more about the advantages of Medicare Advantage plans click here, benefits of Medicare advantage plans.
You do not have to be a Veteran to qualify for the Clover Health Valor plan.
Why Medicare Advantage Plans Could Be a Good Option for Veterans
Here are three reasons veterans should consider getting a Medicare Advantage plan.
- More Flexibility– If you have both VA benefits and a Medicare Advantage plan, you can get care in a VA hospital or a non-VA facility. This can be helpful if you live far from a VA hospital or want to have access to non-VA providers.
- Extra Benefits– Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extras that the VA healthcare doesn’t. As mentioned above, those extras could include routine dental, eyeglasses and contact allowance, hearing aid allowance, OTC allowance, and so much more. This could save you money and provide extra benefits to help with your health and well-being.
- Low or No Monthly Plan Premiums– Many Medicare Advantage plans, like those offered by Clover Health, have plans with a low or no monthly plan premiums. This can make them a very affordable way to get extra coverage. It can also be a budget-friendly option for veterans who want more choices and coverage.
The Advantages of VA Benefits:
VA benefits offer many advantages for veterans. These benefits can include healthcare, education assistance, disability compensation and more. Veterans receive access to medical services with VA healthcare, often at little to no cost.
The VA understands the veteran populations and the healthcare challenges veterans face, such as Agent Orange exposure, PTSD, and military related injuries. The VA benefits also align with VA disabilities and prioritize low-income veterans.
It also works well with Medicare Advantage plans. However, since they are two separate systems they do not coordinate with each other.
How Medicare Advantage Plan Works With VA Benefits
While the VA benefits are truly great, Medicare Advantage plans can expand benefits. Veterans can enjoy the best of both worlds by using their VA benefits for regular care and a Medicare Advantage plan for additional coverage at non-VA facilities.
It’s important to know the following:
The VA benefits and Medicare Advantage plans are two separate systems. You can have and utilize both at the same time and get what you want and need from each. However, since they are two separate systems they do not coordinate with each other.
Before signing up for a plan, you should talk to a licensed agent and have a needs analysis done to make sure that the Medicare Advantage plan is a good fit for you.
Find a Medicare Advantage Plan That Compliments Your VA Benefits and Healthcare Needs
All Medicare Advantage MA plans are different and can offer a variety of extra benefits that suit your needs and lifestyle. When it comes to MA plans, you have options. Find a plan that best compliments your VA benefits and healthcare needs.
If you live in NJ, GA, TX, PA or SC, you can start your search right here on the Clover Health website.
Need Help With Your Veteran Benefits? Here are Veteran Assistance Resources
Veteran service officers- VSO
Assist veterans and their families with applying for their benefits
- www.nacvso.org
Veterans and their families can also utilize Veteran Service Organizations for assistance
Disabled American Veterans - DAV
- www.dav.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars - VFW
- www.vfw.org
American Legion - AL
- www.legion.org
Tricare for Life Contact
- Website www.tricare.mil
- Phone number: 1-866-773-0404
CHAMPVA Contact
- Website: www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/champva/
- Phone number 1-800-733-8387
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