Veterans and Medicare

Image by kai kalhh from Pixabay

Last year about this time, we talked about Insurance and Patriotism. Memorial and Flag Day have recently passed, and Independence Day is right around the corner so I thought this would be a good time to speak to you about Veterans and Medicare and Medicare for Veterans.

Before we get into that, do you know the history behind Flag Day?
​
June 14th is the anniversary of the adoption of the stars and stripes as official flag in 1777. After three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. In 1949 President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day.

Amazing isn’t it that our government allows this day to be a Federal Holiday, although all Federal establishments may not honor it?
​
Now let’s talk about Veterans and Medicare….

---

Statistics show that 1 in 5 Medicare Eligible beneficiaries are Veterans. Many Veterans are unaware of benefits available to them. If they are disabled due to a Service-Connected injury, Veterans may be eligible to receive tax free income for life that pays concurrent to retirement! Dependents may also be entitled to financial compensation due to a Veteran spouse’s disability or death.

Also, there are some disabilities such as certain types of Cancer, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Coronary Artery Disease and Agent Orange Exposure, that are considered “Presumptive Service Connected.” Every case is unique so if you are a Veteran, spouse or dependent of one, please check with your local VA office and file for any and all benefits available to you.

The VA encourages veterans to enroll in Medicare, both A & B because having Medicare and VA provide broader coverage than only one or the other. Many times, Veterans will use their VA benefits to get services that are not normally covered by Medicare and vice-versa.

Remember, spouses of Veterans may not be eligible for coverage through the VA so they will need an individual Medicare plan.

To find out more about VA Benefits you or your spouse/dependents may be eligible for, contact our local VA office at 337-491-2309 (1000 Ryan St. in Lake Charles), or the VA Clinic at: 337-466-4500 (3601 Gerstner Memorial Blvd). You can also go online to: www.ebenefits.va.gov  www.va.gov or www.nacsvso.org
​
If you are a Veteran and are on Medicare or approaching Medicare age, know that there are certain Medicare plans out there that are specifically designed to work with your VA Benefits. Please give one of our licensed and trained Medicare agents a call and see if we can help you today.

Until next time take care and .... If you are a Veteran - THANK YOU for your service! If you're not, remember to thank one today.

Tommy Curtis and Staff
​

Disclaimers:

• Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
• Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency

​Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}