I am a 10% disabled USAF vet (VA Priority Group 3) and just turned 64. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding Medicare?

Capt Curt Schmidt — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 21:56:22 -0500

I am a 10% disabled USAF vet (VA Priority Group 3) and just turned 64 so I will need to make decisions regarding Medicare in less than a year. I currently receive excellent, free medical care at a major VA medical center just 30 miles away but have been told that I should still apply for Medicare. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding what I should do regarding all the choices (Original Medicare? With or without Medigap? Part D? Medicare Advantage?) or where I could turn for specific advice for someone in my situation? Since I presumably will continue to receive free VA care indefinitely, my gut reaction is to simply apply for a minimal (lowest monthly cost) Medicare Advantage plan. Any input appreciated. Thank you.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Dec 2 at 2020 10:19 PM

GySgt Gary Cordeiro — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:19:05 -0500

That’s what I did.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 3 at 2020 2:27 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 02:27:16 -0500

Your presumption of free indefinitely would not be correct. There is much you can Google which will point to sites like AARP that has some information. You surely want to do Part A because it's free. Part B Medical at $144/month is something you need to talk to the VA about related to what your "priority" for services are. Some sites say getting your drugs through VA is typically cheaper than buying a Part D option. Research for your specific situation is highly advised. Also consider what the realistic time frames would be if say you get cancer. Farming you out could cost you out of pocket. Not farming you out can equate to VA watching you die over time. That's what happened to three buddies I know of for sure. In Northern Idaho, all VA does for your "physical" is a drug list verification and not much else. If you get great service i.e. a real physical at your location, great, but don't count on it being there down the road. Assume nothing.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 3 at 2020 8:19 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 08:19:09 -0500

At minimum, sign up for Part A, which is at no cost to you (not free since you have contributed all your life). Part B has a monthly Premium, how much depends on the state and your income level, but if you pay all of it, this year is around 144 a month. That part is normally deducted from you Social Security. Part D Medigap and Drug coverage is an additional charge billed to you. Medicare Advantage Plans take the Part B premium, plus any addition premium listed that is billed to you, but puts you on a PPO or HMO. In my area, they are the best buy for the coverage, but be careful since some companies PPO's are not widespread in certain areas. As an Example, Cigna PPO's aren't widely accepted here, but Anthem is available.
In my situation, my Part B will start when I start Social Security payments at the first of 2021. If you are still in the working population, be aware that there is a fairly harsh income penalty to SSA until you reach the year of your full retirement, then the limit jump to around 48,000 and goes away after you reach your full retirement. That is the reason I put off SSA until January.

Response by PO1 Steve Ditto made Dec 3 at 2020 12:27 PM

PO1 Steve Ditto — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 12:27:07 -0500

You might want to listen to Capt Ball, he has it in a hand basket, I took Medicare with both A and B, but I also am 100% disabled so I have the VA which is located right here in my home town, Charleston,SC. I do not have any problems with the DR.'s them selves but the staff is not worth what you flush down the toilet. I am also retired so I also have Tricare for life. So I have three (3) Major insurance for the medical people to make claims to. After I got Medicare, I shifted ALL of my DR.'s to the CIV. world. I do get my meds through the VA, but in order to do this you MUST make at least one visit a year to them, I have a Primary Care and I see them for the yearly and this takes care of it. The price of drugs is out of sight. So the cost takes away the problems I had and is worth it in the long run as I know at the civilian hospitals I will be taken care of and not just left to expire.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 3 at 2020 9:30 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:30:23 -0500

If VA is handling your healthcare, by law you are still required to have Part A and B. You can pick insurance for what the VA doesn't cover.