America’s veterans need to enroll in Medicare the right way

on Feb 8, 2024

Since Jason will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B for the first time, the Medicare enrollment options and rules apply:

-- A Medicare Supplement has a 6-month open enrollment period that begins the first month enrolled in Part B, and the Medicare enrollee will not have to answer health questions for underwriting. After 6 months, complete underwriting will happen.

-- A Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage), according to page 71 of the 2024 Medicare and You handbook, “starts the first day of the month after you sign up.” You must have both Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. Some MA plans have “extra benefits” for America’s veterans.

But there is some good news for Jason, Christina. Not enrolling in Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug plan) is a different story. Medicare considers the VA to be “creditable” coverage” and when veterans with VA benefits enroll in Part D later, they do not get the Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty. There is NO Part D donut hole when receiving prescriptions from the VA and not enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan.

And there is more good news: If the premium is too expensive, Jason can remain with the VA and explore his options for non-VA medical care by contacting his VA center and asking for referrals outside his local VA.

Special note to veterans: Scott Deluzio’s “Drive On” podcast, at driveonpodcast.com, is a resource for veterans. His podcast with Toni will be available in March.

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Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. She has spent nearly 30 years as a top sales leader in the field. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664. Toni’s books and her newsletter are available at www.tonisays.com. Toni’s Medicare Survival Guide Advance edition, a simple guide that puts Medicare in “people” terms, is on sale at www.tonisays.com. You can also schedule a “Confused about Medicare Workshop” for your organization or company by emailing or calling.