Veterans and Medicare
Veterans get a different type of healthcare coverage known as Veterans Benefits, but did you know that it is possible to have both Medicare and VA benefits?
To help you understand how to achieve this, we will explain VA benefits, Medicare, and how veterans can benefit from enrolling in Medicare.
VA Coverage
VA benefits are offered to veterans who have served in active duty and did not have a dishonorable discharge. One of the requirements for receiving VA benefits is 24 months of continuous service if you were enlisted after September 7, 1980, or you served in active duty starting on October 26, 1981.
If you were not honorably discharged, chances are, you may not qualify to receive VA benefits.
VA coverage provides healthcare services for conditions that are service and non-service-related. However, to get full coverage, the beneficiary must get care in a VA-approved hospital or clinic. The VA may authorize care in a non-VA facility in some cases, like an emergency.
Once you apply for VA benefits, you’ll become familiar with priority groups. These groups, numbered 1 through 8, will determine how quickly you will get signed up to receive benefits and what you will have to pay for regarding your care.
Fortunately, having Medicare alongside your VA coverage will not affect your benefits through VA.
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Medicare
Medicare is a federal health program that can provide you with much-needed coverage. You can qualify due to age, disability benefits, or chronic conditions such as ALS and End-Stage Renal Disease.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient medical services, whereas Part B covers outpatient medical services. Part C combines Part A and Part B coverage, in addition to other services such as prescription drug, dental, hearing, and vision coverage. And, last but not least, Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs.
Veterans and Medicare
It is recommended that veterans enroll in Medicare as soon as they become eligible. This is because VA benefits may change over time. Also, veterans will not get coverage for healthcare services if they visit a non-VA-approved facility. That’s why with Medicare coverage, you will not be strictly limited to a VA facility. Your healthcare coverage widens as Medicare will cover approved services if you visit a non-VA facility.
Also, if you lose your VA coverage in the future, you won’t have other coverage to fall back on. By having both forms of coverage, you can ensure you will still have coverage if you were to lose your VA benefits.
Contact us at Scott Sims Insurance to know more about your options. We are prepared to help you get the plan you need. Contact us on (541) 915-0939.
