Veterans have multiple healthcare options to choose from. You could have Medicare, VA coverage, Tricare, and ChampVA based on your veteran eligibility. Each choice interacts with Medicare a bit differently.
If you’re a veteran with standard VA coverage, you might be tempted by other options for Veteran Medicare in Nevada, like an MA-Only Medicare Advantage plan. But there are some important considerations to take into account before you make the change.
What Are VA MA-Only Medicare Advantage Plans?
VA MA-Only plans are Medicare Advantage (MA) plans designed specifically for veterans. They’re a type of Veteran Medicare in Nevada that are marketed as “veteran-friendly” with extra perks — typically in the form of Part B premium rebates, expanded dental coverage, OTC allowances, and fitness program inclusions.
However, these types of Veteran Medicare in Nevada have one major drawback: They don’t offer Part D drug coverage.
The Major Drawback: No Part D Drug Coverage
Unfortunately, VA MA-Only plans don’t offer any sort of Part D drug coverage. While veterans can still get prescriptions through a VA pharmacy system, the issue arises if a non-VA doctor prescribes medication that can’t be filled through the VA.
Without Part D coverage, prescriptions from retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart aren’t covered — meaning you’d have to pay out of pocket. Unless you exclusively use VA providers for your healthcare, having MA-Only Veteran Medicare in Nevada leaves gaps in your care.
Is MA-Only Veteran Medicare in Nevada Right for You?
Despite the lack of drug coverage, there are instances in which having an MA-Only plan is a good idea:
- Good idea: If a veteran receives all care (primary, specialists, prescriptions) exclusively through the VA.
- Bad idea: If a veteran uses both VA and non-VA doctors.
For most veterans, an MA-Only plan leaves major gaps in care, specifically forcing them to pay out of pocket for medication prescribed by non-VA doctors. An MAPD plan with Part D coverage offers more protection and flexibility for veterans.
Unless you use VA services exclusively, it’s a good idea to avoid MA-Only plans and consider MAPD instead.
There are many options Veteran Medicare in Nevada, and if you have questions or would like to find out which plan is right for you, contact us at Health Benefits Associates. Our team of local agents will walk you through the options to find the one that best fits your unique needs. Schedule an appointment by calling 775-828-1216 today.
