As a former United States military member, you are entitled to a wide range of veterans’ benefits, including healthcare for everything from emergency room visits to prescription medications, telehealth services, mental health care, and even dental and vision coverage. For many veterans, these benefits are provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, given the increasing complexities of healthcare options, many veterans who also enroll in Medicare Advantage plans are beginning to ask an important question: Are they double paying for dental care and other essential services?
This is a great question, especially after a recent study uncovered overlapping coverage between VA and Medicaid plans. This has created confusion among our clients over who is truly overpaying—hard-working veterans like you or the federal government itself.
What the Study Says
According to the study, the government is double-paying for veterans’ healthcare and has been wastefully spending on these services for quite some time. In 2020 alone, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services spent over $1 billion on popular Medicare Advantage plans for veterans enrolled in both programs. Furthermore, approximately 1 in 5 veterans enrolled in high priced veteran Medicaid plans did not use any services paid by Medicaid within a given year because they used VA services instead.
“As veterans navigate the increasing complexities of healthcare options, our research aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the urgent need to optimize the use of federal resources in veteran care,” Jose Figueroa, MD, an associate professor of health policy and management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a statement. Investigators used CMS and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data to assess plan enrollment and costs. “This is particularly important given the substantial budget constraints the Veterans Affairs system faces.”
Does this mean you are in the clear? Yes and no.
From a personal financial perspective, you are not double paying for dental care and other services. That said, you could be spending more than necessary. Here are a few reasons why:
- If you are paying premiums for an Medicaid plan that you are not using—especially if VA benefits already cover added benefits like dental—you might not be reaping the full benefits value of the plan.
- If you already qualify for VA dental and/or vision benefits, you likely do not need additional coverage for dental and vision through Medicaid plans.
What Should I Do Next?
The first step is to review your current VA and Medicaid plan benefits and compare the coverage. If you are paying for services you will get for free through the VA or not using those services, it would behoove you to cancel your Medicaid coverage for those services.
If you are still confused or need extra guidance, please do not hesitate to speak with a VA benefits counselor, independent Medicare advisor, or your estate planning attorney. Any of these three people would help you understand the unique healthcare options available to veterans and how to make long-term changes that will benefit you and your family.
Call Leigh Hilton PLLC Today!!
Do you need help understanding how VA benefits help you and your family? Are you afraid that you have not explored all your options? Call Leigh Hilton PLLC in Denton. By working with us, you can be confident that you will always have someone in your corner who respects your service to our country, understands your unique needs, and uses an approach that makes sense to you.
Leigh Hilton, PLLC, wants to be your first call every time for any estate planning or veteran need. We look forward to serving you.
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