Many veterans who qualify for health coverage from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do not see the benefit in enrolling in Medicare when they become eligible. In the first place, some parts of the Medicare plan require the payment of a monthly premium. Additionally, many veterans have found their healthcare coverage from the VA to be sufficient for many years, and they do not see the need for additional coverage.
But both VA itself and most experts strongly urge veterans to enroll in Medicare. One of the most compelling reasons, cited by Stan Hinden in an article for AARP, is that VA medical coverage is funded by an appropriation from Congress that must be passed each year. As a result, VA does not guarantee benefits in the future, because funding levels may not be sufficient to cover the needs of all veterans. The National Council on Aging agrees that the priorities and funding of VA can change, and that veterans could see the VA benefits they have now decrease in the future.
Veterans who sign up for Medicare will have health coverage for a wider array of medical services, and they will be able to access private doctors and medical facilities. This can become especially important as veterans age and encounter more complex health concerns.
Medicare can also provide vitally necessary coverage in urgent situations. For example, if a veteran is taken to a non-VA hospital ER, Medicare will cover the costs of care. Or, if a veteran is pre-authorized by VA for treatment in a non-VA hospital, Medicare may pay for additional treatments that become necessary but were not expressly authorized by VA.
Low-income veterans may be especially concerned about the cost of Medicare premiums. But Medicare premium assistance programs are available to low-income individuals, including veterans. In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Community Health runs the program that provides premium assistance to Medicare recipients.
Finally, veterans should be aware that Medicare imposes penalties on individuals who sign up after the initial enrollment period. Typically, to avoid penalties, individuals must sign up for Medicare in a seven-month window surrounding their 65th birthday. Individuals who fail to do so, including veterans, will pay higher premiums if they decide to sign up later.
The National Council on Aging offers more information on Medicare for veterans with VA benefits on the website mymedicarematters.org. In addition, many veterans benefits attorneys offer assistance to veterans seeking all of the coverage to which they are entitled.
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC fights for veterans rights. We fight to make sure you get the benefits you deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more or contact a veterans lawyer, visit http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/ or call 800.693.4800
