Veterans deserve health care that honors their service and meets their unique needs. Choosing the right Medicare plan is a critical step in ensuring access to quality care. The Medicare Advantage Annual Election Period runs through Dec. 7, offering eligible individuals the chance to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans. These plans may provide broader coverage and additional benefits for all individuals who qualify for MA, including veterans.

Whether you’re managing chronic conditions, coping with mental health concerns, or navigating life transitions, you deserve care that supports your full health.

The FAQ below answers common questions about Medicare Advantage to help you evaluate which plan best fits your needs.

1. Can I keep my Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits if I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

You can keep your VA benefits and still enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. In fact, the VA encourages eligible veterans to enroll in Medicare even if they receive care through VA1. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan provides flexibility to get care outside the VA system when it’s more convenient, closer to home, or better suited to your specific health needs.

2. If I already get care through the VA, why would I want access to providers outside the VA system?

Having access to a wider network of doctors, pharmacies and hospitals gives you more flexibility and convenience. You can see providers closer to home, avoid long wait times, or get care when traveling. Medicare Advantage plans can also help fill in the gaps when VA care isn’t available or practical.

3. What should I look for in a Medicare Advantage plan?

The right plan will depend on your health needs, but there are key factors to consider. Start by reviewing monthly premiums and the scope of benefits. For example, Humana has Medicare Advantage plans designed with veterans in mind that include a $0 monthly premium, a Part B giveback that puts money back in your Social Security check, and dental, vision and hearing coverage.

4. Are there plans that can help with PTSD and emotional wellness?

Mental health can affect physical health outcomes, quality of life, and the ability to manage chronic conditions. Veterans who engage in behavioral health treatment report reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety, even after short-term interventions.2 Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage for mental health services. The Humana USAA Honor Giveback plan, for example, includes a $0 copay for in-network mental health services, including therapy and specialist visits, whether in person or virtual. That means you can get support for conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety without financial barriers. Behavioral health is treated as essential to your overall well-being, especially as you face transitions, such as retirement, loss of a loved one, chronic illness or age-related challenges.

5. Is my spouse eligible to enroll in these plans too?

While the Humana USAA Honor Giveback and Humana USAA Honor Giveback with Rx plans were developed in partnership with USAA and designed with veterans in mind, anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll, including spouses of veterans. That means your spouse can access the same coverage, including dental, vision, hearing and mental health support, even if they did not serve in the military.

6. Where can I get more information?

For more information, our Humana Customer Care specialists are available by calling 800-457-4708 (TTY 711). The contact center is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local member time, from Oct. 1-March 31 (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). They are specially trained in collaboration with USAA to answer questions about how the plan works if you have veteran benefits. You can also visit https://www.humana.com/medicare/veterans to learn more about the Humana USAA Honor Giveback plans.

Additional Information

  1. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Health Care And Other Insurance | Veterans Affairs
  2. Journal of Veterans Studies, Combat Veteran Mental Health Outcomes After Short-Term Counseling Services | Journal of Veterans Studies

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

The Humana USAA Honor Giveback plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare and veterans should consider all of their health plan options.

The Part B Giveback benefit pays part or all of our Part B premium and the amount may change based on the amount you pay for Part B.

Humana Insurance Company pays royalty fees to USAA for the use of its intellectual property. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Use of the term “USAA member” or “USAA membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA and the USAA Logo are registered trademarks of the United Services Automobile Association. All rights reserved. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.

Limitations on telehealth services, also referred to as virtual visits or telemedicine, vary by state. These services are not a substitute for emergency care and are not intended to replace your primary care provider or other providers in your network. Any descriptions of when to use telehealth services are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please refer to your evidence of coverage for additional details on what your plan may cover or other rules that may apply.

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