First, if you’re a Veteran reading this, thank you for your service! Please be sure to check all of the benefits available to you via VA.gov, as this article will focus primarily on additional benefits available to you once you are eligible for Medicare.
While Veterans are eligible for health coverage by working with their local Veteran’s Affairs offices, there may be additional benefits that are available!
As a Veteran, you are still eligible for Medicare, and, therefore, you are still eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan. These are plans you can read more about by clicking the links.
Why Would a Veteran Choose Additional Coverage?
Generally, when a Veteran is looking for services to be covered by the VA, they must see a VA doctor or go directly through the VA for medications. Naturally, this is great, and, in most instances, this is sufficient, but some Veterans may find it useful or beneficial to be able to visit their local doctor or pharmacy for some small things.
With a Medicare Advantage, Precsription Drug, or Medicare Supplement plan, a Veteran could go see a local doctor but may be subject to charges they would not be subject to if he or she had used the VA services.
Some plans, particularly Medicare Advantage Plans, come with the added benefits of things like no cost gym memberships that members enjoy taking advantage of.
Why Wouldn’t a Veteran Choose Additional Coverage?
Not all plans are low cost, so some Veterans may choose to work only with the VA for cost savings. With VA coverage, no additional Medical or Prescription coverage may be needed, so some may not be interested in additional benefits or the hassle of handling an additional plan.
Remember, these articles are meant for reference only, and your specific situation may very. Be sure to visit Medicare.gov for all of the available information. You can also call Medicare or speak with a licensed agent in your area to determine what may be right for you!