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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As someone who works closely with veterans to help them understand the role of Medicare, I am sharing some of the questions I receive most often.

If I have health care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, do I need to enroll in Medicare when I become eligible?

Yes, the VA encourages you to enroll in Medicare to complement your VA health care benefits. If you need care from a non-VA hospital or doctor, Medicare can provide coverage. Having a Medicare plan means you have coverage if funding for VA health care changes in the future.

If the VA only authorizes certain services at a non-VA or VA authorized care facility, Medicare may cover additional services the VA can’t.

If you cancel Medicare Part B coverage, you cannot choose a Medicare Advantage plan until January of the following year (when you can enroll in Part B), even if your VA health care benefits change. A delay in Part B enrollment means a financial penalty when you sign up.

With Medicare Part D, which is coverage for prescription drugs, you will have the option to get medication prescribed by non-VA doctors and use your local pharmacy. Part D coverage is only available through private insurers and can be a stand-alone plan or part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original fee-for-service Medicare is the government-managed program and only includes Part A (hospitals) and Part B (doctors and outpatient services). Medicare Advantage plans, offered through private insurance companies, include Parts A and B and additional benefits that could help reduce gaps in coverage. For example, Humana USAA Honor plans, available to anyone eligible for Medicare, are designed with veterans in mind and include a $0 monthly plan premium, Part B Medicare premium reduction, worldwide coverage for emergency care, a limit on out-of-pocket costs, and dental, vision and hearing coverage.

What should I consider when looking at plan options?

Evaluate the costs of the plans available in your area, including monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and maximum out-of-pocket amounts. Review your total health care expenses from the past year and anticipate what you may spend in the coming year.

Original Medicare provides coverage through any provider that accepts Medicare; however, it typically only covers about 80% of the cost, with no limits for your portion. Medicare Advantage plans include maximum out-of-pocket costs, but they use provider networks, so verify your health care providers participate with the plan.

Additionally, review your medication needs. Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage, while many Medicare Advantage plans include it. However, if you receive prescriptions through the VA and are satisfied with your coverage, you may want to explore Medicare Advantage plans without prescription drug coverage.

Where can I go to get more information?

Look to credible sources, such as Medicare.gov or licensed sales agents, to compare plans and estimate costs. Veterans and Medicare households have access to Humana Customer Care specialists who collaborated with USAA to receive special training to better serve the unique healthcare needs of veterans. Visit Humana.com/Medicare/Veterans or call toll-free 1-833-585-8387 (VETS) (TTY: 711) 8 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week to speak to a Customer Care specialist or connect with a licensed sales agent.

Disclaimers: Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. The Part B Giveback Benefit pays part or all of your 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. The Humana USAA Honor plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare and veterans should consider all of their health plan options.

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