Medicare for Veterans
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits are available to all veterans. As you grow older, more insurance options become available, specifically Medicare.
Thankfully, you can combine both VA and Medicare to receive more comprehensive coverage, lower future costs, and long-term security.
What does Medicare for Veterans look like? How is it different from traditional Medicare? Let’s take a closer look.
Medicare Basics: Here’s What You Need to Know
Medicare is a federal insurance plan available to those eligible. You qualify for Medicare if:
- You are a U.S. Citizen and 65 or Older
- You Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- You Have Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- You are Receiving/Can Receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits
- You or Your Spouse is a Government Employee
- Are Under 65 and Have Received Certain Disability Benefits from the RRB for at Least 24 Months
- Are Under 65 and Have Received Disability Benefits from Social Security for 24 Months or More
If you meet any of these requirements, you can enroll in Medicare, even if you are also receiving VA benefits.
You should also know what Medicare covers. With Original Medicare, your coverage will include:
- Hospital Inpatient Care (Up to 60 Days)
- Nursing Facility Care (Up to 60 Days)
- Nursing Home Care (Upon Approval)
- Hospice Care (Upon Approval)
- Home Health Services (Upon Approval)
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Limited Chiropractic Services
- Ambulance Services
- Diabetes Supplies
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
- And Much More
Why You Should Enroll in Medicare for Veterans
There are a lot of benefits to Medicare for Veterans. First of all, you will get the combined coverage of both plans at a relatively low cost. Secondly, you will save yourself a lot of risk by enrolling as soon as possible.
You have a limited window of time to apply for Medicare when you first become eligible. This is referred to as your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). If you miss this period, you may face late penalties, even if you are receiving VA benefits.
Enrolling in Medicare for veterans will also provide insurance security. VA benefits, unfortunately, are not guaranteed—you are liable to lose them at any time. With Medicare, you know that you will still have insurance, even if your VA benefits are suddenly canceled.
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