Veterans using the VA. Pros and Cons of a Medsup v MA

[WinoBlues]

Re: age 65+ CA
A lot of desert storm will be there soon. Early post 9-11 older Vets such as National Guard are there or very close.

I have many friends and clients that are Veterans. Some use the VA in combination with private insurance. Many use the VA only. Usually have vision care no dental. Different degrees of service connected disability.

I am imagine it is a big question. What are the pros and cons of Mas and Medsups?

Thanks

 

[somarco]

MA is a mangled care plan with networks, pre-authorizations, and claim denials. Insurance carrier decides which claims to accept and which to deny. Claim denials = increased profit.

Column: U.S. probe shines light on Medicare Advantage claims denials

Medicare has no networks, no pre-authorization (except for DME) and no profit motive. Medigap plans pay AFTER Medicare has adjudicated and approved the claim.

 

[LostDollar]

https://insurance-forums.com/community/threads/is-medicare-advantage-really-an-advantage.99337/

There is one recent thread of on and off topic posts about the question.

Another even more lengthy discussion:

https://insurance-forums.com/commun...care-disadvantage-is-a-corporate-trap.100368/

Between the two, I think you can get a pretty good perspective on forum members' opinions.

 

[WinoBlues]

So, if a person is VA only is there a valid reason to have a Medsup?

Am I correct that they can have regular Medicare a supplement and VA?

MA - as I understand some of the other threads MA may include some dental and other benefits. So could that be used to supplement the VA coverage?

 

[somarco]

I have a few clients with VA eligibility . . . most, if not all, due to service related disability. They have Medigap and PDP.

Medicare + VA
Making Part B enrollment decisions with VA benefits - Medicare Interactive

They asked me for the plans, I did not try to sell them on having the coverage. They wanted a "backup" plan for times when traveling.

Medigap allows them to use any provider anywhere without worry about access to care. Same for the PDP. They can get med's filled even when a VA facility is not available when traveling.

IMO buying an MA plan to have access to vision and dental is a wasted effort. Same is true for buying a stand alone vision dental plan.

 

[vic120]

So, if a person is VA only is there a valid reason to have a Medsup?

Am I correct that they can have regular Medicare a supplement and VA?

MA - as I understand some of the other threads MA may include some dental and other benefits. So could that be used to supplement the VA coverage?

Depends on the person and what they want out of the insurance, I have many clients on VA, Some use VA for a lot and just want something just in case and also like the extra's adding in MA plans These are most Happy with MA

Others don't like to use the VA or have outside doctors they like and would look to use outside hosp for surgeries and such These are happier with Med supp

 

[LostDollar]

Caveat, not an agent.

See posts 4 and 8 in this thread:
https://insurance-forums.com/commun...ges-website-for-consumers.97811/#post-1294987

For comments about a possible dental insurance option for veterans.

(I would advise anyone leaving the service to get current on their dental work with the base dentist(s) prior to leaving.)

 

[Northeast Agent]

My Dad is a Veteran with a MS and PDP. He goes to the local VA clinic for some drugs, blood work, etc. The big Philly VA hospital is a p.i.t.a. to commute by car (traffic) from the suburbs and if you're sick who wants to take the train?

He still rants occasionally about the $0 MA commercials but my mother shuts him up by reminding him of the free hearing aids and glasses from the VA if he wants them. My uncle, also a Veteran, but lower income goes to a big teaching hospital in the City for dental. They have a special deeply discounted program for Veterans and he also recently qualified for a grant to have implants done. The work was originally estimated at $40,000, the school reduced it down to $18,000 and he's paying very little now.

 

[axeman462]

I don't know how many times we have to have this conversation of MA vs. Medsupp.

You have the *** totally biased hacks on this forum saying "Medsupp are best! MA = MANGLES CARE. Wah!"

Forget that cr@p!

Just do a needs analysis, and recommend what is right for the client!

 

[somarco]

I get steamed at govt giveaway's and handouts for folks who stroll across the border illegally while that same govt screws over the men and women who put their lives on the line for their country.

We should do nothing for the deabeats and foreign aid until our Vet's are afforded first class care.

/rant off