Open enrollment season has arrived, which means the Veterans Services office starts hearing a familiar question: “If I use VA health care, do I still need Medicare or other health insurance?”
The short answer is that VA health care and health insurance are not the same thing. VA describes its health care benefit as a medical benefits package, not a health insurance plan. Veterans may have VA health care along with Medicare, private insurance, TRICARE, Medicaid, or other coverage.
That does not mean everyone needs every type of coverage. It does mean you should understand what each provides before making a change. VA does not recommend canceling or declining Medicare or other health plans simply because you are enrolled in VA health care.
Why might both matter? VA health care works very well for many Veterans, but most non-VA care requires VA authorization before VA will pay for it, with separate rules for urgent and emergency care. Medicare or other insurance may provide additional options for receiving care outside the VA system.
This is where your CVSO needs to stay in our lane. We can explain VA health care, enrollment, copays, Community Care, and other VA related benefits. We are not licensed insurance agents and cannot tell you which Medicare, Medicare Advantage, supplemental, employer, or private insurance plan you should buy, keep, change, or cancel.
One important caution: VA health care does not count as coverage that protects you from Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties. That is another reason to get qualified guidance before dropping Part B.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. During this period, people with Medicare may review and make certain changes to their coverage for the coming year. If you are considering a change, especially dropping coverage, ask questions before making the decision.
For Medicare counseling in Minnesota, contact Minnesota Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433. This is Minnesota’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program and provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
The takeaway is simple: VA health care and insurance can work together. Use Veterans Services for questions about VA health care and benefits. Use Medicare, Minnesota Aging Pathways, or a qualified insurance professional for insurance decisions. A few phone calls before December 7 may prevent an expensive surprise later.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or Vets@LakeCountyMN.gov
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@cookcountymn.gov
