Medicare Advantage for Veterans

Although Medicare Advantage might not appear necessary for retirees with TRICARE or VA health coverage, it could provide more benefits than expected.

While certain healthcare plans may have restrictions, Medicare Advantage can be combined with both TRICARE and VA health coverage.

We’ll show you how these options can complement each other to deliver convenient and complete healthcare coverage.

Medicare Advantage and VA combination

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you must first have Medicare Parts A and B, which the VA recommends.

Medicare Advantage covers everything Original Medicare does but also includes extra benefits. Here’s why adding a Medicare Advantage plan to your VA coverage can be helpful:


● One Simple Plan – Medicare Advantage combines all your coverage into one plan.

● More Doctor Options – VA facilities may have long wait times or require travel. Medicare Advantage lets you see non-VA doctors.

● Peace of Mind – VA health benefits can change, but Medicare Advantage ensures continued coverage.

● More Coverage & Benefits – You get extra services like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.

● Spending Limit – Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage has an out-of-pocket maximum to help control costs.

● Coverage While Traveling – Medicare Advantage can provide care outside the U.S., which VA benefits don’t always cover.


Adding a Medicare Advantage plan can give you more flexibility, security, and healthcare options. Let us help you explore your choices!

Medicare Advantage benefits

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer the same coverage as Original Medicare (Parts A and B) but also include extra benefits that can make healthcare more affordable and convenient. Here are some key benefits:

● Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs – Medicare Advantage plans set a maximum limit on what you pay for covered services each year, unlike Original Medicare.


● Prescription Drug Coverage – Many plans include Medicare Part D, so you don’t need a separate drug plan.


● Dental, Vision & Hearing Care – Get coverage for routine dental checkups, eye exams, hearing aids, and more.


● Fitness & Wellness Programs – Some plans offer free or discounted gym memberships and wellness perks.


● Coverage for Travel – Some plans provide emergency coverage when traveling outside the U.S.


● Coordinated Care – Many Medicare Advantage plans have networks of doctors and hospitals that work together to improve your care.

When to enroll...

If you're eligible for Medicare, you're also eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan. However, there are specific times when you can enroll:

Initial Coverage Election Period: This is a seven-month period that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after your 65th birthday. If you're under 65 and qualify for Medicare due to disability, you’ll become eligible in the 25th month of receiving Social Security benefits. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan between three months before and three months after your eligibility month.

Annual Election Period (AEP): This takes place every year from October 15 to December 7. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during this period, your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year. You can also make changes to your existing plan or drop it during AEP.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: This period allows you to switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or drop your plan and return to Original Medicare.

Special Election Period (SEP): Certain life events can trigger a Special Election Period, allowing you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan. These events may include moving outside your plan's service area, qualifying for extra help with prescription costs, or entering a nursing home. It's advisable to consult a licensed Medicare agent to see if you qualify for a SEP.

Want more help understanding

Medicare Advantage for Veterans

We’re here to help you better understand your Medicare benefits, including Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug coverage. Learning about these options can help you lower your out-of-pocket healthcare costs that Medicare doesn’t cover.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive library of resources for you to explore. When you’re ready, give us a call, and one of our licensed agents will discuss your specific needs, compare available plans in your area, and guide you toward the best choice.

If you decide to enroll through us, our support doesn’t stop there. We’ll continue assisting you throughout your Medicare journey—reviewing your plans each year to ensure they remain the best fit and answering any questions you may have along the way.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO BE ADVISED ON:

Do I need Medicare Advantage if I already have VA health benefits?

You don’t need Medicare Advantage if you have VA benefits, but it gives you more options. It covers non-VA doctors, dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drugs. It also helps with long VA wait times and provides coverage while traveling. Since VA benefits aren’t guaranteed for life, Medicare Advantage offers extra security.

Can I use both Medicare Advantage and VA benefits at the same time?

Yes, you can use both. VA benefits cover VA care, while Medicare Advantage lets you see non-VA doctors and offers extra benefits. This gives you more options and flexibility.

Will Medicare Advantage cover care at VA facilities?

No, Medicare Advantage does not cover care at VA facilities. VA benefits pay for care at VA hospitals and clinics, while Medicare Advantage covers non-VA doctors, hospitals, and extra services like dental, vision, and hearing. Using both gives you more healthcare options.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescriptions, or do I need Part D?

Many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage, so you may not need a separate Part D plan. VA benefits cover prescriptions at VA pharmacies, but Medicare Advantage lets you use non-VA pharmacies.

Does Medicare Advantage work at military hospitals or TRICARE providers?

It depends on the provider. Medicare Advantage plans have their own networks, so not all military hospitals or TRICARE-approved providers accept them. You may need to check with your plan and provider to see if they accept Medicare Advantage.

How does Medicare Advantage work with TRICARE for Life?

Medicare Advantage isn’t needed with TRICARE For Life (TFL) since TFL works with Original Medicare and covers most costs. If you enroll in Medicare Advantage, TFL won’t pay your out-of-pocket costs, and you’ll need to follow the plan’s network rules.

Can I keep my VA prescription benefits while using Medicare Advantage?

Yes, you can keep your VA prescription benefits while having Medicare Advantage. However, VA drug coverage only works at VA pharmacies, while Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage let you use non-VA pharmacies.

We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area, and any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please get in touch with Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

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