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Are You a Veteran on Medicare? How to Get $1,800 Back and Unlock Hidden Benefits
Stop Overpaying: Special Medicare Plans Can Boost Your Social Security Check
If you are a veteran, or currently covered by TriCare for Life or Champ VA, and are also enrolled in Medicare, you may be unknowingly leaving money on the table. Many people in this situation are required to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65 simply to maintain their existing military or VA coverage.
The downside of the standard arrangement? You must pay the full Medicare Part B premium—which is significant ($185 in 2025, going up to $206.50 in 2026)—even if you rarely use Medicare services because your VA or TriCare coverage is primary for most needs.
Fortunately, Medicare recognizes this inefficiency and has created special plans specifically for you.
The Hidden Advantage: Special MA Only Plans
Instead of using the traditional path (Original Medicare A and B as primary, with VA/TriCare/Champ VA as secondary), you have the option to enroll in a special MA only plan. MA stands for Medicare Advantage.
These plans are tailored for individuals who already have strong drug and medical coverage through their military benefits. Because of this, these special MA plans are designed without prescription drug coverage attached. They sometimes even bear military-themed names, such as Honor, Eagle, or Patriot.
The real benefit of switching to an MA-only plan is financial:
Massive Premium Savings
The special MA-only plan will often lower your Medicare Part B premium, sometimes by as much as $150 a month. This translates into $1,800 a year in premium savings.
Instead of that money being deducted from your Social Security check, the savings are put directly back into your Social Security payment, giving you a substantial increase in funds available for your normal monthly expenses. For example, your premium could be reduced down to approximately $35 a month.
Added Perks and Extras
Because you are utilizing your VA or TriCare coverage for most hospital and medical services, and saving Medicare significant cost on prescription drugs, the MA-only plans add a bundle of extra benefits that Original Medicare does not provide:
- Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage: These are often overlooked areas that are typically not covered by VA or TriCare.
- Fitness Memberships: Stay active with gym and fitness program access.
- Transportation: Included rides to and from medical facilities and appointments.
- Allowances: Access to grocery and over-the-counter allowances.
Keep What You Have, Gain What You Need
If this sounds too good to be true, rest assured. These MA-only plans do not replace your existing coverage. Your VA, TriCare for Life, or Champ VA coverage remains exactly the same, sitting alongside the MA-only plan as your secondary insurance. You lose absolutely nothing in terms of core medical coverage.
This choice is also flexible. If you try out an MA-only plan and decide for any reason that it is not a good fit, you can switch back to your Original Medicare A and B coverage at any point during the year.
If you are a veteran or have TriCare or Champ VA coverage, knowing about these MA-only plans is crucial. You could potentially save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually while gaining valuable extra benefits that enhance your quality of life.
Tags: VA Benefits, TriCare for Life, Champ VA, Medicare Advantage, Part B Premium, Social Security, Veteran Health, MA Only Plan, Healthcare Savings, Military Coverage, marketus