2023 Medicare Guide for Veterans

Are you a veteran looking to enroll in Medicare in the upcoming year? Then you’re in the right place! Veterans have exclusive access to some unique Medicare benefits that others may not have. So sit back, relax, and put on your reading glasses. Here’s everything you know regarding Medicare in 2023.

What is Medicare, and How Does It Work?

Medicare is a government-funded program designed to provide healthcare coverage for seniors aged 65 and up, as well as individuals with certain disabilities. There are four parts to Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Enrolling in Medicare can be done through the Social Security Administration, and premiums are typically deducted from Social Security payments. Let’s review the various parts of Medicare in a little more detail.

• Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital stays, hospice care, some home health care, and skilled nursing facility care.
• Medicare Part B: Covers doctors’ services, medical supplies, preventative care services, and outpatient care services.
• Medicare Part D: Covers the cost of prescription drugs and some recommended shots and vaccines.

What’s the Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare includes Medicare Parts A and B. It covers most of, but not the entire, cost of health services and supplies. However, you can supplement the remainder of the costs by purchasing a Medigap policy.

Medicare Advantage allows you to purchase a Medicare-approved plan from a private company. With it, you’ll receive alternative options for health and drug coverage. Additionally, plans may offer extra benefits that don’t come with Original Medicare. These may include dental, vision, and hearing services. However, it’s important to remember that each Medicare Advantage plan may have different out-of-pocket costs and rules on services. Make sure you research this thoroughly before you get a Medicare Advantage Plan!

What Changes Occurred to Medicare in 2023?

In 2023, there have been a range of changes to Medicare, aimed at improving care and expanding coverage. These changes include:

• A decrease in the standard Part B premium to $169.90 and the Part B deductible to $226 (according to MedicareResources).
• An increase in Medicare Part A premiums, in both deductible and coinsurance.
• According to AARP: “Vaccines recommended for adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will be available to Medicare recipients with prescription drug coverage FREE of charge.”
• The definition of medically necessary dental services has expanded in 2023.
• Expansion of coverage for telehealth.
• Insulin copays will be capped.
• Expanded access to substance abuse and other behavioral health programs.

Who Is Eligible?

As a veteran, you may be eligible for Medicare before the age of 65. If you’re eligible for disability payments from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B upon receiving disability payments for 24 months. Moreover, veterans of any age may be eligible for Medicare for the following reasons:

• If they’ve received benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act.
• Deemed permanently disabled due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Why Should Veterans Enroll in Medicare?

With the costs of living rising, we could all use a little extra help. Medicare can help you cover out-of-pocket medical costs. Plus, Medicare may give you access to a wider range of healthcare facilities and doctors, or cover services that other insurance may not.

First, it’s important to note that for veterans who are turning 65, it is not mandatory to enroll in Medicare. Veterans’ benefits and Medicare are two separate plans, so it’s a good idea to enroll in both. In fact, the Veterans Administration even encourages veterans to sign up for Medicare if they don’t have employer-sponsored insurance. You will have access to a wide range of benefits through the VA. VA benefits often provide access to eye examinations and mental health services, whereas Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers preventative care and medically necessary services.

Also, please note that if you do decide to enroll in Medicare, you could face a financial penalty for late enrollment. If you elect not to enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period and do not have employer-sponsored coverage, you must wait until the next General Enrollment Period (January 1st through March 31st).

Are There Additional Benefits for Veterans?

Veterans have access to several additional benefits, like TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and VA benefits. TRICARE is a healthcare program for military personnel, military retirees, and their families. In contrast, CHAMPVA is a health benefits program, offered to spouses or dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or died from injuries obtained while on active duty. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers health care benefits that cover inpatient and outpatient services, preventive care, mental health services, and more!

What is TRICARE?

TRICARE for Life is a medical benefits program for active duty (and retired!) military members. Designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs and provide overseas benefits, TRICARE actually offers prescription drug coverage. In other words, you might not need Medicare Part D! In other to have both Medicare and TRICARE, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B.

What Is CHAMPVA?

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (or CHAMPVA) is a health program in which the VA shares the cost of covered healthcare services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. You cannot have CHAMPVA if you’re already enrolled in TRICARE. However, CHAMPVA can cover dependents who are ineligible with TRICARE. According to Heathline, you can use CHAMPVA alongside:

• Medicare Parts A and B (original Medicare)
• Medicare Part C (or a Medicare Advantage Plan)
• Medicare Part D

What Are VA Benefits?

VA benefits provide elderly veterans with a number of services. Benefits may include:

• Disability compensation
• Pension
• Education and training
• Home loans
• Insurance
• Health care
• Burial
• Veteran Readiness and Employment

How Do I Enroll in Medicare?

Unlike Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, there is no enrollment period for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You can enroll in this plan any time you want during your Initial Enrollment Period or Special Enrollment Period. By contrast, Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plans have enrollment periods, which are from October 15 to December 7 every year. You can check with your local Medicare office to get more accurate information on enrollment and eligibility.

If you’re turning 65 within the next few months, you’re eligible for initial enrollment in Medicare. Missed enrollment deadlines can attract penalties later. However, if you continue employment in a company that provides health insurance, you may defer enrollment until retirement. Make note of these important deadlines and plan accordingly!

Here are a few different ways that you can enroll in Medicare:

• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
• Visit the official SSA website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
• Visit your local Social Security office.

Who Can Help Veterans Navigate Medicare?

Navigating Medicare can be challenging, particularly if you’re a veteran with additional healthcare concerns. However, there are resources available to help. Many VA facilities offer counseling and assistance with Medicare enrollment, as well as care coordination services. Medicare also has a variety of resources, including its website, customer service hotline, and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), which provide local, in-person support.

Understanding the ins and outs of Medicare is critical for every senior citizen, but even more so for veterans and their beneficiaries. It’s essential to take the time to review your eligibility criteria, coverage options, and benefits before making any decisions. By doing so, you can make informed decisions that positively impact your healthcare and finances. We hope this guide has provided you with comprehensive knowledge to help you choose the best Medicare plan for you!

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