Learn about Medicare

Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.
If you worked 40 Quarters throughout your life there is no premium
You pay high deductible and high copays for hospital stays if you don’t have coverage

What are the Required Parts of Medicare?

Covers medically necessary services such as doctor visits, outpatient care, home health services, and preventive services like screenings and vaccinations.
Includes coverage for medically necessary equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen equipment.
A yearly deductible is assessed along with a 20% coinsurance with no limit
- For expensive medical treatment this can amount to 10s of thousands of dollars owed – or worse

Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs, ensuring you have access to necessary treatments.
Offered by private insurance companies, Part D plans vary, allowing you to choose a plan that fits your specific medication needs and budget.

Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs, ensuring you have access to necessary treatments.
Offered by private insurance companies, Part D plans vary, allowing you to choose a plan that fits your specific medication needs and budget.

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are policies provided by private insurers designed to cover the gaps left by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans help pay for out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, deductibles, and the 20% coinsurance that Medicare doesn't cover for medical services. By reducing these additional expenses, Medigap plans provide greater financial stability and predictability for your healthcare costs. There are several standardized Medigap plans available, each offering different levels of coverage, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans combine Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) into a single plan and often include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
Plans typically operate within a network of doctors and hospitals, and many have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare. They often feature low or $0 monthly premiums, but you must still pay your Part B premium. Additionally, these plans have an annual out-of-pocket limit, providing financial protection by covering 100% of costs for covered services once you reach this limit.
Offers a convenient and potentially cost-saving way to receive your Medicare benefits, but it’s important to review each plan’s details and network to ensure it meets your healthcare needs.

Expanded Network of Doctors: While VA benefits provide access to VA hospitals and doctors, Medicare expands your network to include a wider range of healthcare providers, including private doctors and specialists. This flexibility can be especially beneficial if you live far from a VA facility or need care that is not readily available through the VA.
Additional Benefits: Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits not covered by VA benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing care, as well as wellness programs and fitness memberships. These additional services can help you maintain a higher quality of life and address healthcare needs that might not be met through VA benefits alone.
Financial Protection: Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket limit for covered services, providing financial protection and peace of mind by capping your healthcare expenses each year.
By enrolling in Medicare, veterans can enjoy the best of both worlds: the comprehensive care and support provided by VA benefits, along with the expanded network and additional services offered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. This combination can lead to better access to care and improved overall health and well-being.

Enhanced Coverage: While TRICARE offers comprehensive healthcare coverage, Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional benefits that TRICARE may not cover, such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs. These extra services can help you maintain your overall health and quality of life.
Increased Provider Options: Medicare Advantage plans expand your network of healthcare providers, giving you access to a broader range of doctors and specialists outside the TRICARE network. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial if you need specialized care or live in an area with limited TRICARE providers.
Coordinated Care: Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan can enhance the coordination of your care, especially if you receive services from both TRICARE and Medicare providers. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer care coordination services to help manage your healthcare needs more effectively.

Medicare and Medicaid can complement each other for those who qualify for both programs. Medicare provides primary coverage for hospital and medical services, while Medicaid helps cover costs that Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicaid can also offer additional benefits like long-term care and prescription drug coverage beyond what Medicare provides. This coordination helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensures comprehensive care for dual eligibles.