How Does Medicare Work for Retired Military Personnel
Here at Network Health, we’ve never promised that Medicare can’t be confusing, but we do promise to make it as easy as we can for those eligible to understand. Unfortunately, for our military veterans in this country, understanding the complexities of Medicare don’t get any easier.
But we’re here to help. Between Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, TRICARE and Medicare, it can be tough to keep everything straight. So, let’s break everything down step-by-step so that you can ensure you are getting all of the best health care available to you.
[Need to brush up on the basics of Medicare first? See our Medicare 101 guide.]
Difference Between Medicare vs TRICARE
Though both are government programs, Medicare and TRICARE operate independently. That said, once you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, you will automatically receive coverage from TRICARE For Life. This is available at no cost. Note that once you become Medicare-eligible, you won’t be eligible for other TRICARE plans outside of TRICARE For Life.
When you have both Medicare and TRICARE, Medicare will be your primary payer. This means that when you receive health care services, Medicare will pay its portion of the coverage before TRICARE or any other health plans kick in. If Medicare does not cover everything, then TRICARE may pay its portion second. TRICARE can even cover your Medicare’s coinsurance or deductible payments. If you have other health insurance outside TRICARE and Medicare, TRICARE will pay last.
Difference Between Medicare vs VA Benefits
Like TRICARE, you can have VA benefits and Medicare at the same time, though the two programs operate independently. The key difference with having VA benefits and Medicare is that Medicare does not cover health care services at VA facilities, while VA benefits will only cover services at VA facilities.
Having Medicare alongside VA benefits can allow for greater access to care. You can have the option to visit a VA facility for your health care needs or another facility that accepts Medicare instead.
Should Veterans Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Enrolling in Original Medicare, which includes Parts A and B (hospital coverage and medical coverage, respectively), seems like a wise choice. But there are also Medicare Advantage plans, known as Medicare Part C, that combine your Medicare benefits into one convenient policy while also adding some benefits that may not be included under Parts A or B.
As a veteran, should you consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan? The choice is entirely yours, of course, but it can be a smart option to consider. Everything previously mentioned above remains true, and with a Medicare Advantage plan, you may receive extra benefits as part of your coverage.
- Monthly premium as low as $0
- Dental coverage
- Hearing coverage
- Vision coverage
- Fitness benefits
- Reimbursement for certain services or medical equipment
If you have VA benefits and choose a Medicare Advantage plan you also won’t have to pay any Medicare Part A deductible, just inpatient copays. As for Part B, those with VA benefits and a Medicare Advantage plan won’t pay the Part B deductible and 20 percent of the cost of doctor visits thereafter, instead paying just copays for their personal doctor and specialists. Unlike TRICARE, which will pay your Medicare deductible, copayment and cost-shares for services covered by TRICARE, VA benefits will not pay for any Medicare cost-sharing.
If you have questions about your Medicare Advantage plan options here in Wisconsin, you can always call us at Network Health at 800-983-7587 (TTY 800-947-3529). You can also click below to explore Medicare Advantage plans in your area.
