VA benefits are well deserved, and I’m incredibly thankful for every one of our veterans. I feel honored any time I get to work with someone who has VA benefits, knowing that they’ve earned every single one of them. These benefits were not handed out—they were earned through sacrifice, time, and commitment. That level of service deserves a level of clarity when it comes to healthcare decisions, especially as veterans transition into Medicare eligibility.
This article is going to give a broad overview of the different types of veteran benefits and how they coordinate with Medicare—and what types of Medicare plans make the most sense.
Let me be clear: there are exceptions to almost every rule under Medicare. And veterans fall into more of these exceptions than most people. One of the biggest is around enrolling in Medicare Part B (as in “boy”). The general rule is that everyone eligible for Medicare must enroll in Part B to make sure they have what’s called “creditable medical coverage.” And it’s not just medical coverage you need—there’s also a rule that everyone must have Part D prescription drug coverage too. That’s why these rules are out there—to make sure people don’t fall through the cracks without the right coverage.
But if you have VA benefits, CHAMPVA, or TRICARE, most of the time, you’re already covered. These programs are considered creditable, so you typically aren’t required to get Medicare Part B or Part D. That said, if you want additional benefits beyond what your VA-related coverage offers, this is where Medicare A and B can become helpful.
When Medicare A and B Might Help
Like I’ve explained in other articles, the biggest factor in whether a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan is a good fit for you is your location. That applies just as much when you’re a veteran. As a general rule, if you’re someone who uses the VA health system—whether it’s VA facilities, community care referrals, or other services—getting a Medicare Supplement plan is usually not cost-effective. Why? Because you’d be paying a high monthly premium for benefits you’ll likely never use.
You have to ask yourself: how often are you stepping outside the VA network? If the answer is rarely or never, then spending extra money on a Medicare Supplement that covers services you don’t use probably doesn’t make sense. It would be like paying for a second car you never drive.
Instead, for many veterans, if you have Medicare A and B and don’t plan on using it often, a Medicare Advantage plan can be more cost-effective. These plans often come with extra benefits and lower premiums. Some even help reduce or eliminate your Part B premium altogether. These are called Part B giveback plans or Part B premium reduction plans, and they can save you up to the full $185 monthly premium in some cases.
This is money back in your pocket just for having a plan that wraps around the benefits you already use—money that could help cover groceries, gas, or other everyday costs.
Extra Benefits That Might Be Worth It
If you’re using your VA benefits for medical care, it still can be helpful to add a Medicare Advantage plan that gives you extras benefits. Some of these plans offer dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter allowances, flex cards, food benefits, transportation, fitness trackers or memberships, utility reimbursements, emergency alert devices—you name it.
Think of these plans like a bonus round—because while your medical needs might be handled through the VA, things like dental and vision might not be. That’s where these extra benefits can really come into play. And if you’re someone who doesn’t mind the idea of getting your teeth cleaned at a non-VA facility or using a different provider for glasses, it could be a win.
But again, this totally depends on the area that you live in. Medicare Advantage plans are regional, and what’s available in one zip code may be completely different in another. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert insurance agency in Green Bay WI who knows your local market. Someone who understands what the competitive plans, benefits, hospital systems and how they can work together.
Let me give you an example. I worked with a veteran in northern Wisconsin whose Medicare Advantage plan included a grocery benefit and a monthly flex card that helped with his utility bills. He wasn’t using the plan for doctor visits, but those non-medical extras were a huge help on a fixed income. Every dollar counted.
If you specifically have TRICARE, it’s often in your best interest to avoid Medicare prescription drug coverage entirely. But even with TRICARE, there are exceptions. There are always exceptions. And that’s where working with someone who really understands Medicare and the plans in your market makes all the difference.
Personalized Support That Makes the Difference
At OnMedicare, we simplify and personalize every conversation. Whether you have VA, CHAMPVA, or TRICARE, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of and that you’re getting every benefit you’ve earned. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
You’ve already done the hard work. You’ve served. Now it’s our turn to serve you—by helping you understand what’s available and what fits your needs best. Whether you want to maximize your benefits or just make sure you’re not leaving money on the table, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
We’re not salespeople. We’re guides. And when it comes to navigating the Medicare maze—especially when you’ve already got veteran benefits—we want to make the process easier, not more confusing.
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether Medicare is worth adding on top of your VA benefits, or you’re simply curious about what else is out there, give us a call. No pressure, just guidance and honest answers. Because when it comes to honoring your service, you deserve nothing less.