Medicare
The Medicare program is a health insurance package offered by the federal government to eligible individuals. You can enroll in the program if you are 65 years old or above or if you are under 65 and meet certain criteria.
Original Medicare covers approved inpatient hospital and outpatient medical expenses, and consists of Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, combine Part A and Part B coverage, plus extra services. They are sold by private insurance companies. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug coverage plan that you can get alongside Original Medicare or as an added benefit with a Part C plan.
VA Benefits
VA coverage is a health insurance package that is restricted to individuals who have served in active duty and have been honorably discharged. To get VA coverage, you must have undergone at least 24 months of continuous service, which is the minimum duty requirement, though there are some exceptions to this. If you qualify for VA coverage and you register, you will be placed in a priority group. There are 8 priority groups, numbered from 1 through 8, with 8 being the lowest group.
All VA enrollees must also receive their care and services at approved VA facilities or must get prior authorization for care at non-VA facilities.
How Do They Work Together?
VA benefits and Medicare do not interact. This means you can have both types of coverage at the same time. If you have both plans, Medicare will cover the approved services that are listed under Medicare while VA benefits will cover VA-approved services. VA coverage will cover healthcare services if you visit a VA facility, while Medicare will cover healthcare expenses from approved non-VA providers.
For more information about Medicare and VA benefits, contact us today at 405-694-0892.
