Should I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

TSgt Anthony Rodriguez — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:13:31 -0400

I am a retired veteran with a twenty percent service-connected disability and receiving Social Security disability. I am enrolled in Medicare with part A only. I am using the VA for my health care needs. I will be sixty-five years old this November.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jul 13 at 2023 1:21 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:21:02 -0400

You say retired, do you have Tricare? If so, Part B, if not required by Tricare, would be redundant. VA healthcare with a backup is fine.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jul 13 at 2023 9:05 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 21:05:07 -0400

I am a retired vet. We pay for a Medicare advantage plan through my wife’s state job plus we have Tricare for Life. We almost pay nothing for our actual Doctor visits and surgeries. Occasionally, some medications cast a small amount.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 14 at 2023 6:47 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 06:47:40 -0400

The Medicare program hotline is very helpful. I would call and walk through your particular situation and become better informed as to your individual needs. I would also recommend you check with the VA, 20 percent may not cover everything down the road, unless whatever illness can be tied to your disability. Once you decline I believe you have to wait for the next enrollment period for coverage, it could become costly if you don’t have a supplement or TriCare

Response by TSgt Anthony Rodriguez made Aug 2 at 2023 10:40 AM

TSgt Anthony Rodriguez — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:40:25 -0400

Thank you to everyone who has responded to my question; your comments were very beneficial. I have learned that because I am receiving Social Security disability, and already have Medicare Part A; Medicare Part B will kick in automatically the month I turn 65 as well as Tricare for life. With this, there is no requirement for a Medicare Advantage plan as well as Medicare Part D "prescription drugs" which Tricare for Life will take care of. Having said that, I am considering a Medicare Advantage plan for the additional benefits.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Sep 12 at 2023 9:22 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:22:24 -0400

I'm insured by Covering Central Florida, and as a veteran, they've provided me with some solid facilities and options like access to modern diagnostic tools, mental health resources, and straightforward pharmacy benefits.

With your VA health care and the benefits you're already receiving, enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan might offer supplementary coverage, but it depends on your needs. The coverage gaps you experience, if any, should dictate whether or not you need that extra plan.

If you decide to enroll in the Advantage plan, take into consideration your income because it plays a role in the pricing. You can read this article from https://www.coveringcfl.net/florida-medicaid-income-limits-and-eligibility/ about Florida Medicaid income limits.

Florida Medicaid Income Limits and Eligibility | CoveringCFL

Applying for Medicaid in Florida? Discover the 2023 Florida Medicaid income limits and understand the eligibility requirements for this vital program.