Appendix — Resources & Quick-Reference Toolkit
Everything you need, all in one place
Essential Contact Information
Veterans Advantage Financial™
Your Veteran Medicare Specialists
- Phone: 888-960-8387 (VETS)
- Services: Free Medicare reviews, plan optimization, IRMAA appeals guidance
- Specialization: Exclusive focus on veteran Medicare benefits
- Coverage: Licensed in all 50 states
- Mission: Medicare guidance that demonstrates what We Speak Veteran™ really means
Educational Resources & Social Media
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisDuncan-WeSpeakVeteran
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/veteransadvantagefinancial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wespeakveteranchrisduncan/
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/wespeakveteran
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christopherduncanvaf
- IRMAA Information: https://veteransadvantagefinancial.vet/irmaa
Government Agencies & Official Resources
Medicare Information
- Medicare.gov: Official plan finder and information
- 1-800-MEDICARE: 1-800-633-4227 (24/7 customer service)
- Medicare Appeals: Medicare.gov/claims-appeals
Social Security Administration
- Main Number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- Online Services: ssa.gov
- IRMAA Appeals: Use Form SSA-44
- Medicare Enrollment: Available through ssa.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs
- Main Number: 1-800-827-1000
- Healthcare: 1-877-222-8387
- Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
- Online Portal: va.gov
TRICARE
- TRICARE for Life: 1-866-773-0404
- Main Customer Service: 1-800-538-9552
- Online Portal: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/
2025 Medicare Costs & Key Numbers
Standard Medicare Costs
Medicare Part | 2025 Monthly Cost | 2025 Deductible |
Part A | $0 (most veterans) | $1,676 per benefit period |
Part B | $185.00 | $257 annual |
Part D | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
2025 IRMAA Income Thresholds & Surcharges
Based on 2023 Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)
Individual Income | Married Filing Jointly | Total Part B Premium | Part D IRMAA |
≤ $106,000 | ≤ $212,000 | $185.00 (standard) | $0 |
$106,001–$133,000 | $212,001– $266,000 | $259.00 | $13.70 |
$133,001–$167,000 | $266,001– $334,000 | $370.00 | $35.30 |
$167,001–$200,000 | $334,001– $400,000 | $480.90 | $57.00 |
$200,001–$499,999 | $400,001– $749,999 | $591.90 | $78.60 |
≥ $500,000 | ≥ $750,000 | $628.90 | $85.80 |
Medicare Enrollment Periods
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
- When: 3 months before through 3 months after your 65th birthday month
- Duration: 7-month window
- Best Practice: Enroll during first 3 months for coverage starting on 65th birthday
Annual Election Period (AEP)
- When: October 15 – December 7 every year
- Purpose: Change Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, add/drop Part D coverage
- Effective: Changes take effect January 1st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
- When: January 1 – March 31 every year
- Purpose: Switch between Medicare Advantage plans OR return to Original Medicare (with or without Part D)
- Who Can Use: Only those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan
- Effective: Changes take effect the first of the month after enrollment
- Important: This period is particularly valuable for veterans who discover their Medicare Advantage plan isn’t working well with their VA benefits or TRICARE for Life, giving them a second chance to optimize their coverage early in the year.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
- Employer Coverage Loss: 8 months after employment ends
- Moving: 2 months when relocating outside plan area
- Other Qualifying Events: Varies by situation
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
- When: January 1 – March 31 every year
- Coverage Starts: July 1st
- Note: Late enrollment penalties may apply
- Important: Don’t confuse the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (for those already in MA plans) with the General Enrollment Period (for those who need to initially enroll in Medicare). They run at the same time but serve completely different purposes.
Quick Reference Checklists
Pre-65 Medicare Planning Checklist
6 Months Before 65th Birthday:
- ☐ Create Social Security online account at https://www.ssa.gov/
- ☐ Gather DD-214 and military service documentation
- ☐ Review 2023 tax return for potential IRMAA
- ☐ Contact Veterans Advantage Financial™ at 888-960-8387 (VETS) for veteran-specific guidance
- ☐ Verify current VA or TRICARE benefits status
3 Months Before 65th Birthday:
- ☐ Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (unless you have creditable employer coverage)
- Note: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Your Medicare card will arrive about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
- ☐ Research Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans with Part B premium refunds
- ☐ Compare plan networks and extra benefits
- ☐ Finalize Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan selection
Annual Medicare Review Checklist (October 15 – December 7)
- ☐ Review current plan’s premium refund amount for next year
- ☐ Check for new Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans with higher refunds
- ☐ Evaluate changes in extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing)
- ☐ Verify provider network changes
- ☐ Review prescription drug formulary changes (if applicable)
- ☐ Contact Veterans Advantage Financial™ at 888-960-8387 (VETS) for optimization review
- ☐ Make plan changes if beneficial
IRMAA Appeal Checklist
If You Receive an IRMAA Notice:
- ☐ Review the income year being used (usually 2 years prior)
- ☐ Determine if you’ve had qualifying life-changing events
- ☐ Gather documentation (retirement letters, tax returns, etc.)
- ☐ Complete Form SSA-44 within 60 days of notice
- ☐ Review IRMAA appeal resources at https://veteransadvantagefinancial.vet/irmaa/
- ☐ Submit appeal to your local Social Security office
- ☐ Follow up on appeal status
Important Medicare Forms
Important Forms to Know
- Form SSA-44: Medicare Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – Life-Changing Event
- Use for: Appealing IRMAA surcharges due to income changes
- Available at: ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf
- Form CMS-L564: Request for Employment Information
- Use for: Appealing late enrollment penalties
- Available at: cms.gov
- Medicare Appeal Forms: Various forms for coverage appeals
- Available at: https://www.medicare.gov/appeals
Documents to Keep Organized
- ☐ Medicare card and Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI)
- ☐ Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan ID cards
- ☐ Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for all services
- ☐ Annual Notice of Change from Medicare plans
- ☐ TRICARE for Life ID card (if applicable)
- ☐ VA ID card and priority group documentation
- ☐ DD-214 or retirement orders
- ☐ Recent tax returns (for IRMAA documentation)
Emergency Medicare Situations
Lost Medicare Card
- Immediate Action: Log into Medicare.gov to print temporary card
- Alternative: Call 1-800-MEDICARE for replacement
- Timeline: New card arrives in 5-7 business days
Billing Disputes
- First Step: Contact provider’s billing department
- Medicare Issues: Call plan customer service or 1-800-MEDICARE
- Complex Issues: Contact Veterans Advantage Financial™ at 888-960-8387 (VETS)
Plan Network Issues
- Provider Dropped: Call plan to find alternative in-network providers
- Emergency Care: Most plans cover emergency care at any facility
- Travel: Verify coverage when traveling outside plan area
Prescription Drug Issues
- Drug Not Covered: Request formulary exception from plan
- Appeal Denial: Use plan’s appeal process
- Emergency Supply: Plans must provide temporary supply during appeals
State-Specific Assistance Programs
Medicare Savings Programs
Income Limits for 2025:
Program | Individual Monthly Income | Married Couple Monthly Income |
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,325 | $1,783 |
SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,585 | $2,135 |
QI (Qualifying Individual) | $1,781 | $2,400 |
How to Apply
- Contact: Your state Medicaid office
- Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE for local contact information
- Online: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs
Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
- Purpose: Help with Medicare Part D costs
- Application: https://ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213
- Automatic Qualification: If you receive Medicaid, SSI, or MSP benefits
Veterans-Specific Resources
VA Health Care
- Enrollment: 1-877-222-8387 or https://va.gov/health-care/apply
- Travel Pay: May be available for long-distance VA care
- Community Care: VA-approved care closer to home
Military Retiree Resources
- TRICARE for Life: 1-866-773-0404
- Military Pay Centers: For retirement pay questions
- DFAS: 1-800-321-1080 for military retirement pay
Service-Connected Disability
- Ratings: Impact VA care priority and costs
- Appeals: If you disagree with VA rating decisions
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Additional benefits may be available
Planning Worksheets
Annual Healthcare Budget Worksheet
Fixed Medicare Costs:
- Medicare Part B premium: $/month × 12 = $/year
- IRMAA surcharge (if applicable): $/month × 12 = $/year
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) premium: $/month × 12 = $/year*
- *Most Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums
Premium Refunds/Credits:
- Part B premium refund: $/month × 12 = $/year
- Other credits: $___/year
Variable Costs:
- VA copays (estimated): $___/year
- Dental care (if not covered): $___/year
- Vision care (if not covered): $___/year
- Emergency fund allocation: $___/year
Total Estimated Annual Healthcare Budget: $______
Medicare Plan Comparison Worksheet
Option A Details:
- Plan Name: ____________________________
- Monthly Premium: $______
- Part B Premium Refund: $______/month
- Dental Coverage: Yes ☐ No ☐
- Vision Coverage: Yes ☐ No ☐
- Provider Network: ____________________________
- Annual Cost After Refunds: $______
Option B Details:
- Plan Name: ____________________________
- Monthly Premium: $______
- Part B Premium Refund: $______/month
- Dental Coverage: Yes ☐ No ☐
- Vision Coverage: Yes ☐ No ☐
- Provider Network: ____________________________
- Annual Cost After Refunds: $______
Recommended Action: Contact Veterans Advantage Financial™ at 888-960-8387 (VETS) for expert comparison and guidance.
Final Reminders
Why Work with Veterans Advantage Financial™
Medicare rules allow us to provide all services completely free to veterans. You pay exactly the same for Medicare coverage whether you work with us or go directly to insurance companies. The difference is you get expert veteran-focused guidance at no additional cost.
When to Call 888-960-8387 (VETS)
- Approaching your 65th birthday
- Currently enrolled but haven’t had a veteran-focused review
- Paying for Medigap while you have TRICARE for Life
- Facing IRMAA surcharges
- Missing Part B premium refund opportunities
- Questions about Medicare and military benefits integration
- Want ongoing support and annual optimization
Veterans Advantage Financial™
Medicare Guidance That Demonstrates what We Speak Veteran™ really means
Phone: 888-960-8387 (VETS)
Licensed in all 50 states | Serving veterans nationwide
Specializing exclusively in veteran Medicare benefits
Educational Resources: