VA Coverage and Medicare Advantage Plans

Posted November 11, 2021 by Sue Titterington Vice President, Sales & Market Development

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If you’re eligible for Medicare and are a Veteran, you’re probably receiving a lot of information from Medicare plans since we’re now in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP.) The AEP is from October 15 through December 7 and this is when most Medicare-eligibles select their coverage for the coming year. 

If you’re currently using VA health care, you may have questions about whether you should supplement your VA health care with a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.  While everyone’s needs are different, in many instances, enrolling in an MA plan may be a good option. 

Below are some things to consider as you review your options:

1. To enroll in an MA plan you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Most individuals don’t have to pay a premium for Part A, however, Part B typically comes with a monthly premium. If you’re not already enrolled in Parts A and B, this could be an extra monthly expense that you need to be aware of.
2. Many MA plans offer monthly premiums that start as low as $0 per month.If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, adding an MA plan could be a minimal investment from a premium standpoint.
3. MA plans typically offer large networks with many providers.If you’re interested in utilizing non-VA providers, an MA plan could be a good option.In addition, most MA plans offer travel coverage so if you spend winters in Florida, for example, you’ll have access to local providers.
4. Many extra benefits are included with MA plans.Coverage for dental, vision, hearing aids, over-the-counter (OTC) supplies as well as free gym memberships are included with many MA plans.

SummaCare offers many Medicare Advantage plan options including the Amber (HMO) plan. This plan doesn’t include prescription drug coverage so many Veterans may find this attractive.

If you’re a Veteran, SummaCare Medicare Advisors are available to walk you through your options and help you decide if enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you.  But, you need to make your decision by December 7.

SummaCare Medicare Advisors can be reached at <330-996-8440> or (toll-free) <888-464-8440> (TTY 800-750-0750).  We also offer free informational seminars to learn about SummaCare’s Medicare Advantage plans. See upcoming seminars at www.summacare.com/events

For more information, compare plans or enroll, visit www.summacare.com/medicare.

SummaCare is an HMO and HMO-POS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SummaCare depends on contract renewal.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. SummaCare Medicare has been recognized with a 4.5-Star (out of 5) overall rating for 2022 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 888.464.8440 (TTY 800.750.0750).

H3660_22_130_M Accepted 11102021