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

I've done Med Supp for some if they want the option to leave VA in the event of a major event (cancer, etc). I have a lot of VA people who use it almost exclusively and want an extra layer of protection in emergencies who I do an MA only that has a signficant Part B giveback and adds very good extras (better than the MAPD). If that is something available in your area, I would look at it. If the VA sends them to an outside provider, they can get things covered through the DAV so neither will matter in that case.
 
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


I finally agreed with Somarco on something!
 
What about Champva? I know Medicare and Champva work well together. But how would Champva work with an advantage plan? Would both together still cover all Medicare related expenses?
 
What about Champva? I know Medicare and Champva work well together. But how would Champva work with an advantage plan? Would both together still cover all Medicare related expenses?


I have always been told Champ VA or Tricare not to do any plans, I haven't heard anyone say they have champ VA in 2 or so years what's gone on with that has it been discontinued?
 
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.

They wanted a "backup", but they ended up with a whole new way. Once they went Medicare + Supp there is absolutely nothing tying them to the VA anymore.
 
I have a nice, beautifully two-sided color laminated card from a carrier nicknamed the "debil" by some from attending their Veteran & DNSP training last winter. There's some really good info on there. For compliance reasons, I'm not going to upload it, but regarding CHAMPVA:

Remember that it likely offers a more cost effective benefit than Medicare (Part D), with no additional monthly premiums and no network.

If a CHAMPVA enrolls into a Part D plan, the plan becomes Primary.
If a CHAMPVA enrolls into a Part D plan, they will NOT be able to participate in Meds by Mail; offered by CHAMPVA. If using Meds by Mail (a significant cost-saving program offered by CHAMPVA), the enrollment into a Part D plan will stop it,

RECOMMENDATION: Don't enroll a CHAMPVA person into a Part D plan.
 
I have a family friend (not a client) on CHAMPVA, as her husband is a 100% disabled Veteran. She doesn't have any other coverage, except Original Medicare.

A couple weeks ago I received a carrier lead and visited the beneficiary. When I was there she said her husband had recently been bumped up to 100% disability, so I recommended she apply for CHAMPVA. They're supposed to give you an answer within 45 days. She was on SSDI for years and has a new Open Enrollment as she's T65. Enrolled in a MS before I met with her, but she'll never be able to move as she's a mess with her health, opiods,etc. Lady didn't want "no Medicare Advantage Plan!"
 
I know someone with Champva and is interested in dental and vision since Champva doesn't cover that.
There is an MA only plan that helps pay their part b premiums. Its good for vets but how would that coordinate with Champva?
 

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