Helping Veterans Understand How Medicare Benefits Can Help Cover Traditional Healthcare Expenses
Last modified: Wednesday, December 7, 2022
The world of healthcare insurance can be complicated and confusing. You may wonder what types of coverage you need and also be curious about what types of coverage you are eligible for. Terms like “supplemental coverage”, “Medicare Parts A, B, and D”, and “deductible” can add to the confusion, especially when combining different coverage plans to create a comprehensive health coverage plan for you and your family.
Flagship Health was founded not just to provide comprehensive primary care services for Medicare-eligible and 60 and above patients who are veterans, their spouses, or supporters of the military community, but also to be a resource for the veteran community. In this blog post, we aim to provide information that makes understanding Medicare easier and be a resource if you have further questions.
How do I know if I am Medicare-eligible?
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), individuals who are 65 or older generally qualify for Medicare benefits. Additionally, if you have a qualifying disability, ALS, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), you may be eligible for Medicare benefits as well. [4] There are a few additional considerations that may impact eligibility, and you can determine your eligibility by using the HHS eligibility tool.
I already receive benefits through the VA. Why do I need Medicare?
In general, VA benefits only cover services received at a VA facility. Medicare is accepted by many healthcare providers, therefore enabling greater flexibility around where you receive your care. This provides you with more options and can reduce the amount of time you wait to receive an appointment. The VA actually encourages eligible veterans and their spouses to enroll in Medicare coverage. Doing so does not affect VA benefits, and Medicare coverage often complements the coverage that is provided to veterans and their families by the VA. [1]
Understanding Medicare’s Different Parts and Tricare for Life
Medicare is categorized by three different areas of coverage. These are called Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) and Part D.
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Medicare Part A provides hospital insurance and helps cover inpatient hospital care, lab tests, surgeries, among other services.
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Medicare Part B is medical insurance and helps cover outpatient services provided by doctors and healthcare providers. Part B also can help cover costs associated with medical equipment like wheelchairs.
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Medicare Part C is often referred to as Medicare Advantage Plan and is a Medicare-approved plan that is provided by a private insurance company. Typical Medicare Advantage Plans cover the benefits outlined in Parts A and B and usually includes Part D coverage as well. [3]
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Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage and helps cover the costs of prescriptions drugs and vaccines.
You may wonder if you need Medicare coverage if you or your spouse are enrolled in Tricare for Life. The answer is yes for Parts A and B. Tricare for Life will pay for Medicare deductible and co-pay amounts, in addition to covering services that Tricare for Life covers and Medicare does not. [2]
How can Flagship Health help?
Our goal is to provide you with high-quality, comprehensive primary care services, in addition to ensuring you have an experience that is convenient and helpful. We are led by veterans who understand the veteran experience. Part of the Flagship Health experience is helping coordinate the benefits you are entitled to in order to maximize the full benefit you receive. If you have questions, do not hesitate to give us a call today at 726-201-3660. We can help answer any questions you may have and are available for same-day appointments.