For reprint by the GWAAR Legal Services Team
Many veterans receive some type of health coverage from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Consequently, many veterans believe that they have adequate health coverage, and they do not want to pay a monthly premium to enroll in Medicare Part B. Generally, Medicare Part A provides “hospital insurance,” which covers most hospital and skilled nursing care. Part B provides “medical insurance,” covering most doctor’s services, outpatient hospital services, durable medical equipment, and ambulance services. Enrolling in Part B gives veterans access to non-VA providers.
You have the right not to enroll in Medicare Part B; however, the risks associated with that decision may not be worth the short-term cost savings. Even if you save money now, you may be subject to Part B premium penalties if you decide to enroll into Part B after your initial enrollment period. Below are additional issues that you may face if you chose not to enroll in Part B.
1. You will be subject to the General Enrollment Period if you decide to enroll in Medicare Part B in the future. Enrollment in Part B is only allowed during January, February, and March of each year. The coverage would start the month after you apply for the benefit. For example, if you need Part B in August 2023, you will have to wait until January 2024 to enroll in Part B, and your coverage would not be effective until February 2024.
2. You will be subject to a late enrollment penalty of 10% for every 12 months that you were eligible for Medicare Part B and did not enroll. Even if you have veteran’s benefits, this penalty will accrue for each month you should have had Part B but did not.
3. Veteran’s health benefits are given based on “priority groups.” However, there is no guarantee that Congress will continue to appropriate funds to cover each priority group. So, if your group does not receive adequate funding, your benefits could be impacted – this is of special concern to those who are in low priority groups. If your priority group loses funding and you did not enroll in Part B, you would only have Medicare Part A; you would not have Medicare Part B medical insurance.
While the Part B premium is an additional monthly expense, you should very carefully consider the risks of deferring Part B. Veterans who receive VA health coverage and who have questions about Medicare coverage should contact ADRC of Brown County at (920) 448-4300.
