Insurance Agent Forum

[Bob_The_Insurance_Guy]

OK.

Need some help.

I am working with someone who is retired Navy, and receiving VA Benefits. Can anyone point me in the direction of where I can find out what the VA does, and does not, cover for Medicare.

I feel, with his situation, that a Medicare Supplement would be of benefit, but I don't know that much about what the VA does and does not cover.

Thanks.

P.S. He is not on Tricare. I already checked that angle.

[TRK3031962]

Because he is retired military, he is eligble for "tricare for life". That goes for his wife too if he has one. I have clients that have it, but still have a supplement also. I try to tell them they are paying for something they don't need, but they are afraid if they don't get it now, they won't be able to get it if the VA gods decide to drop tricare. I try to explain at that point if it did happen, the would be guaranteed eligble for a supp. They don't listen. The bottom line is, if they can get Tricare, they do not NEED a supplement. You can call the VA local there and they can explain it to you or him.

[seadevil]

Being retired military I can tell you that as long as there is Tricare for Life and the veteran goes to the VA he is covered. The only tricky part will be if he goes to a private doctor then he has to pay a co-pay and meet his deductible. I have not investigated yet what happens to the deductibles when a veteran turns 65, since I haven't reached that age yet, but I do know that is when I have to get a new ID card because I will be medicare eligible.

Something else you might want to ask you client is if he is rated for disability or not. If not this is something that he may want to look at. All he needs to do is take his medical records, those while in the service and those since he has retired, to a VA Service Rep and they will help him fill out the paperwork to send in. People would be amazed at the number of veterans who retire and are rated for a disability. I know that this has affect on his care also. When I received my rating I was bombarded with paperwork on what I needed to do when turning 65 and what not. If it was here at the house I would scan it and send you a copy but that is locked in a lock box.