Paid Advertisement Ask the Medicare Specialist by: Aaron Zolbrod QUESTION: Question from James: I'm a healthy 67 old Veteran living in Pittsburgh, but only learned this year that I'm eligible for VA healthcare and was recently enrolled. I also learned I can receive a discount on my Medicare Part B premium and switch to a $0 dollar Advantage Plan geared toward Veterans. I currently have an Advantage Plan PPO that costs $30. My agent recommended a $0 HMO, but it has no prescription drug coverage. Preseriptions would have to come from the VA. I read in your January 30th article from last year that there were 80 Veterans plans with prescription benefits. Is such a plan still offered in 2021? If not, would adding a Part D plan to a Veteran's plan make sense if Ichoose and stay with my current PCP and not use the VA? As for providers, I've become a little less satisfied with my long time PCP On the other hand, I've heard good things about the Pittsburgh VA and would be willing to give them a try I highly value your expertise and would greatly appreciate your advice, ANSWER: First let me say I believe Veterans deserve the best health care the country has to offer at no cost, with Part D prescription coverage so they're designed for those who can get their prescriptions through including Medicare. They've earned what Medicare considers another "creditable" source such as the with VA coverage. The VA simply bills the insurance company and then covers the co-pay that would have been due at a private hospital such as UPMC, AHN, or elsewhere, making medical services no cost for the Veteran when services are received at VA facilities. It's my opinion that almost all Vets, even those who use the VA exclusively should have a $0 or low premium Tier 1 and Tier 2 generies. Therefore, Advantage Plan rather than just straight Medicare for several reasons, Number one, it gives one the choice of an alternative to the VA if medically necessary or as a preference for certain procedures or services. We're very blessed to have two outstanding Pittsburgh area hospital systems who employ some of the top doctors in the of an issue for those who use the VA country so keeping those doctors and hospitals as an affordable choice is very wise. Second is in an emergency where a Vet ends up in the back of an ambulance and at plan he has now, nor do they provide ahospital outside the VA. Having as much OTC allowance. And unless an HMO or PPO can eliminate the possibility of getting expensive bills and the headache of trying to are several factors that go into what get the VA to pay those claims. An Advantage plan a Veteran like James ambulance ride and hospitalization for someone with Medicare only could easily cost $1200 or more. Third is for convenance. Vets who live in rural areas such as Fayette County have an hour or longer drive to see a specialist in Pittsburgh. A assets. However, savings, checking. better choice. All the licensed agents visit to a local doctor might only have a $30 to $40 co- pax By the time you add up gas, tolls, and a lunch, it as IRA's or 401K's, stocks or bonds, most cost effective and beneficial for could come to that or more to go to Veterans, as well any other Medicare the city not to mention traffic near the VA can be stressful for those not used to driving in it. Lastly and as I mentioned previously, Advantage Plans have great ancillary benefits such as dental, OTCallowances, free gym memberships, and more, that it. This is a great question and topie. 1 VA, PACE, or PACENET. Vets who hear good things about the Pitisburg use the VA for prescriptions often VA as well. It's come a very long way pay more for generic medications from 10 years ago, when the majority than those who have drug coverage through an Advantage Plan, with some offering 80 co-pys for both of Veterans I met didn't want to get any services there. That isn't the case anymore with the almost every Vet I speak with telling me those who take several generics they're pleased with the Pittsburgh might not be best served on a plan VA and enjoy going My advice to all without drug coverage. Veterans who qualify for benefits, There are $0 premium Advantage even those who don't choose to use Plan HMO's available that provide prescription drug coverage. However, they generally have a back pocket so to speak and can be higher MOOP and co pays for most very useful in some circumstances, services. This wouldn't be as mach the VA, is apply and keep them active. It's good to have in your especially for certain brand name medications and insulin. almost exclusively, which sounds like James is open to at some point. Also, these $0 premium plans don't offer the rich dental benefits as the As far as getting your Part B discounted, that can only happen one of two ways. The first is restrictive because the state of Pennsylvania's Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which pays 100% of Part B premiums has income limits of $1436/month for an individual and $1.940/month for a married couple. There are also you're 100% service connected, the VA does not offer any dental. There should choose. He may be best to asset limits as of $7,730 (single) and take the $0 plan with the $0 Part B give back without drug coverage. possibly a 80 premium with drug coverage, or continuing to pay $30 for his current PPO may be the 11,00 (married) as well. A home, one automobile per household member, and personal possessions such as jewelry are not counted as additional autos, non-residential at The Health Insurance Store can property, retirement accounts such help determine which is overall and even the cash value of life insurance policies are The other way to get a discount on Part Bis to enroll in a s0 beneficiary for that matter This following fact is extremely important. You can't choose a premium plan that provides a Part 80 premium Advantage Plan and pair it with a separate Stand-Alone Part D plan like those who have Supplements utiline! James mentioned that as popular cholce this Annual Election a possibility. It isn't an option. Period. It offers the lowest available Enrollment in a separate Part D plan would automatically trigger a disenrollment from an Advantage Breduction, or "give back" as it is often referred, of s0. There are two companies that offer them and one in particular was a very the VA doesn't ofer. It's quite possible that Vets who currently have Medicare only can still enroll in an Advantage Plan HMO or PPO or move to another that can provide better value. To inquire if you're eligible, if you have any questions regarding this or any other Medicare topie, or to everyone understands that having an make an appointment for a no cost mentioned, these plans don't come Advantage Plan in no way interferes consultation, give us a call or email Maximum Out of Pocket (MOOP) of any plan in Western PA, some of the lowest co-pays, the largest amount of comprehensive dental benefits, and the most generous OTC allowances. But as James Plan. Although out of the scope of the question, I want to mske sure me personally 724-603-3403 The Health Insurance Store. Email your question to: aaron@getyourbestplan.com Connellsville 412-349-8818 Forest Hills www.getyourbestplan.com No-cost, unbiased Medicare plan review and consultation with local, licensed agents Paid Advertisement Ask the Medicare Specialist by: Aaron Zolbrod QUESTION: Question from James: I'm a healthy 67 old Veteran living in Pittsburgh, but only learned this year that I'm eligible for VA healthcare and was recently enrolled. I also learned I can receive a discount on my Medicare Part B premium and switch to a $0 dollar Advantage Plan geared toward Veterans. I currently have an Advantage Plan PPO that costs $30. My agent recommended a $0 HMO, but it has no prescription drug coverage. Preseriptions would have to come from the VA. I read in your January 30th article from last year that there were 80 Veterans plans with prescription benefits. Is such a plan still offered in 2021? If not, would adding a Part D plan to a Veteran's plan make sense if Ichoose and stay with my current PCP and not use the VA? As for providers, I've become a little less satisfied with my long time PCP On the other hand, I've heard good things about the Pittsburgh VA and would be willing to give them a try I highly value your expertise and would greatly appreciate your advice, ANSWER: First let me say I believe Veterans deserve the best health care the country has to offer at no cost, with Part D prescription coverage so they're designed for those who can get their prescriptions through including Medicare. They've earned what Medicare considers another "creditable" source such as the with VA coverage. The VA simply bills the insurance company and then covers the co-pay that would have been due at a private hospital such as UPMC, AHN, or elsewhere, making medical services no cost for the Veteran when services are received at VA facilities. It's my opinion that almost all Vets, even those who use the VA exclusively should have a $0 or low premium Tier 1 and Tier 2 generies. Therefore, Advantage Plan rather than just straight Medicare for several reasons, Number one, it gives one the choice of an alternative to the VA if medically necessary or as a preference for certain procedures or services. We're very blessed to have two outstanding Pittsburgh area hospital systems who employ some of the top doctors in the of an issue for those who use the VA country so keeping those doctors and hospitals as an affordable choice is very wise. Second is in an emergency where a Vet ends up in the back of an ambulance and at plan he has now, nor do they provide ahospital outside the VA. Having as much OTC allowance. And unless an HMO or PPO can eliminate the possibility of getting expensive bills and the headache of trying to are several factors that go into what get the VA to pay those claims. An Advantage plan a Veteran like James ambulance ride and hospitalization for someone with Medicare only could easily cost $1200 or more. Third is for convenance. Vets who live in rural areas such as Fayette County have an hour or longer drive to see a specialist in Pittsburgh. A assets. However, savings, checking. better choice. All the licensed agents visit to a local doctor might only have a $30 to $40 co- pax By the time you add up gas, tolls, and a lunch, it as IRA's or 401K's, stocks or bonds, most cost effective and beneficial for could come to that or more to go to Veterans, as well any other Medicare the city not to mention traffic near the VA can be stressful for those not used to driving in it. Lastly and as I mentioned previously, Advantage Plans have great ancillary benefits such as dental, OTCallowances, free gym memberships, and more, that it. This is a great question and topie. 1 VA, PACE, or PACENET. Vets who hear good things about the Pitisburg use the VA for prescriptions often VA as well. It's come a very long way pay more for generic medications from 10 years ago, when the majority than those who have drug coverage through an Advantage Plan, with some offering 80 co-pys for both of Veterans I met didn't want to get any services there. That isn't the case anymore with the almost every Vet I speak with telling me those who take several generics they're pleased with the Pittsburgh might not be best served on a plan VA and enjoy going My advice to all without drug coverage. Veterans who qualify for benefits, There are $0 premium Advantage even those who don't choose to use Plan HMO's available that provide prescription drug coverage. However, they generally have a back pocket so to speak and can be higher MOOP and co pays for most very useful in some circumstances, services. This wouldn't be as mach the VA, is apply and keep them active. It's good to have in your especially for certain brand name medications and insulin. almost exclusively, which sounds like James is open to at some point. Also, these $0 premium plans don't offer the rich dental benefits as the As far as getting your Part B discounted, that can only happen one of two ways. The first is restrictive because the state of Pennsylvania's Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which pays 100% of Part B premiums has income limits of $1436/month for an individual and $1.940/month for a married couple. There are also you're 100% service connected, the VA does not offer any dental. There should choose. He may be best to asset limits as of $7,730 (single) and take the $0 plan with the $0 Part B give back without drug coverage. possibly a 80 premium with drug coverage, or continuing to pay $30 for his current PPO may be the 11,00 (married) as well. A home, one automobile per household member, and personal possessions such as jewelry are not counted as additional autos, non-residential at The Health Insurance Store can property, retirement accounts such help determine which is overall and even the cash value of life insurance policies are The other way to get a discount on Part Bis to enroll in a s0 beneficiary for that matter This following fact is extremely important. You can't choose a premium plan that provides a Part 80 premium Advantage Plan and pair it with a separate Stand-Alone Part D plan like those who have Supplements utiline! James mentioned that as popular cholce this Annual Election a possibility. It isn't an option. Period. It offers the lowest available Enrollment in a separate Part D plan would automatically trigger a disenrollment from an Advantage Breduction, or "give back" as it is often referred, of s0. There are two companies that offer them and one in particular was a very the VA doesn't ofer. It's quite possible that Vets who currently have Medicare only can still enroll in an Advantage Plan HMO or PPO or move to another that can provide better value. To inquire if you're eligible, if you have any questions regarding this or any other Medicare topie, or to everyone understands that having an make an appointment for a no cost mentioned, these plans don't come Advantage Plan in no way interferes consultation, give us a call or email Maximum Out of Pocket (MOOP) of any plan in Western PA, some of the lowest co-pays, the largest amount of comprehensive dental benefits, and the most generous OTC allowances. But as James Plan. Although out of the scope of the question, I want to mske sure me personally 724-603-3403 The Health Insurance Store. Email your question to: aaron@getyourbestplan.com Connellsville 412-349-8818 Forest Hills www.getyourbestplan.com No-cost, unbiased Medicare plan review and consultation with local, licensed agents