SAN ANTONIO – (March 21, 2023) – To educate members of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 on Medicare, a team from Humana was invited to the post to give a Veteran Medicare 101 presentation prior to the post’s general membership meeting.
The presentation covered Medicare eligibility and enrollment options, Medicare options, Veteran Affairs health care and Medicare, how Medicare works with veteran coverage and helpful resources.
According to Post Commander Burrell Parmer, Jacqueline Renteria, who presented the information, delivered a very comprehensive briefing.
“Although we have many members of the post family who are 65 and older, there are many of us who have yet to reach that milestone in life,” said Parmer. “Understanding how Medicare works now will provide us with information to make a better-informed decision on which Medicare plan to enroll in when the time comes.”
The briefing was well received by the membership, with many questions being asked about Medicare and TRICARE for Life.
According to Renteria, TRICARE requires military retirees and their spouses to enroll in Parts A and B of Medicare once they become eligible.
“Once combined, original Medicare and TRICARE becomes what is known as TRICARE for Life (TFL),” said Renteria. “TRICARE for Life works similarly to a Medicare Supplement (Med Supp) with TRICARE for Life beneficiaries. Medicare is primary, TRICARE is secondary.”
Persons are first eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before they turn 65 and may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if they have a disability.
“I was under the assumption that, as a retired veteran, TRICARE would be my primary health insurance for life, but according to the information received, it becomes secondary.”
According to Humana, their approach is simple - offer personalized care from people who care.
“I want to thank Veteran Engagement Executive and U.S. Navy veteran Andrea Ortiz of Humana, who was instrumental in scheduling the presentation,” said Parmer. “Additionally, the post thanks Humana for being a sponsor of our 2023 National Vietnam War Veterans Day Program to be held at the post on March 29.”
Fred Brock Post 828’s mission is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s veterans, their families, the military and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.
