Posted on Dec 2, 2020
I am a 10% disabled USAF vet (VA Priority Group 3) and just turned 64. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding Medicare?
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I am a 10% disabled USAF vet (VA Priority Group 3) and just turned 64 so I will need to make decisions regarding Medicare in less than a year. I currently receive excellent, free medical care at a major VA medical center just 30 miles away but have been told that I should still apply for Medicare. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding what I should do regarding all the choices (Original Medicare? With or without Medigap? Part D? Medicare Advantage?) or where I could turn for specific advice for someone in my situation? Since I presumably will continue to receive free VA care indefinitely, my gut reaction is to simply apply for a minimal (lowest monthly cost) Medicare Advantage plan. Any input appreciated. Thank you.
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Health
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 5
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If VA is handling your healthcare, by law you are still required to have Part A and B. You can pick insurance for what the VA doesn't cover.
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At minimum, sign up for Part A, which is at no cost to you (not free since you have contributed all your life). Part B has a monthly Premium, how much depends on the state and your income level, but if you pay all of it, this year is around 144 a month. That part is normally deducted from you Social Security. Part D Medigap and Drug coverage is an additional charge billed to you. Medicare Advantage Plans take the Part B premium, plus any addition premium listed that is billed to you, but puts you on a PPO or HMO. In my area, they are the best buy for the coverage, but be careful since some companies PPO's are not widespread in certain areas. As an Example, Cigna PPO's aren't widely accepted here, but Anthem is available.
In my situation, my Part B will start when I start Social Security payments at the first of 2021. If you are still in the working population, be aware that there is a fairly harsh income penalty to SSA until you reach the year of your full retirement, then the limit jump to around 48,000 and goes away after you reach your full retirement. That is the reason I put off SSA until January.
In my situation, my Part B will start when I start Social Security payments at the first of 2021. If you are still in the working population, be aware that there is a fairly harsh income penalty to SSA until you reach the year of your full retirement, then the limit jump to around 48,000 and goes away after you reach your full retirement. That is the reason I put off SSA until January.
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SGT Jerrold Pesz
Many Medicare Advantage plans have no premium other than the part B premium that they take out of your Social Security. There is also no premium for drug coverage. I have an Advantage plan through AARP and most of my drugs are free. (4 out of 5). I chose a PPO plan because it lets me use any doctor or hospital instead of just ones on their list. I have VA too but years ago they assigned me to a public health clinic in the projects instead of the VA hospital so I quit using VA. I woiuld suggest checking all options because things are different depending upon where you live.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SGT Jerrold Pesz - True, but some of the better Medicare Advantage plans have some nominal premiums that can expand your coverage and decrease your co-pays. l picked one that as a premium that is less that $40 a month, but I feel the additional coverage is worth it. It's certainly cheaper than the $650 every two weeks I was paying for my employer healthcare for me and my wife.
You was correct that you need to speak to a one of the representatives that can give you all the options for your state. As I stated above, some states have programs that cover all or part of your part B.
You was correct that you need to speak to a one of the representatives that can give you all the options for your state. As I stated above, some states have programs that cover all or part of your part B.
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