Veterans could be missing out on a way to increase their Social Security checks while keeping their VA benefits. The Honor Giveback PPO includes a little-known feature that actually reduces Medicare deductions from monthly payments.
Key Takeaways
- Veterans can potentially reduce their monthly Medicare Part B premiums through Humana USAA Honor Giveback PPO plans, which may increase their Social Security checks while preserving all VA benefits
- These specialized plans offer $0 copays for in-network mental health services, including therapy and specialist visits, both virtually and in-person
- Coverage extends beyond VA healthcare with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing services that aren’t always covered by Veterans Affairs
- Both veterans and their spouses are eligible to enroll in these Medicare Advantage plans, which are designed to complement rather than replace VA coverage
- The plans feature $0 monthly premiums and provide broader network access to healthcare providers closer to home
Medicare-eligible veterans now have access to specialized healthcare plans that work alongside their existing VA benefits rather than replacing them. The Humana USAA Honor Giveback PPO plans represent a significant development in veteran healthcare coverage, offering financial benefits and expanded access to care.
Veterans Can Potentially Lower Their Monthly Medicare Part B Premium and Increase Their Social Security Check While Keeping VA Benefits
The Medicare Part B premium typically gets deducted directly from Social Security checks each month, reducing the amount veterans receive. However, the Honor Giveback PPO plans include a unique Part B giveback feature that can reduce or eliminate this deduction entirely. This benefit effectively puts money back into veterans’ pockets each month while maintaining their full VA healthcare benefits.
Veterans don’t have to choose between their earned VA benefits and Medicare coverage. These plans are specifically designed to complement existing VA healthcare, providing additional options without sacrificing any current benefits or services. For detailed information about Medicare options and enrollment guidance, Medicare.org offers resources to help veterans understand their coverage choices.
The financial impact can be substantial over time. With the standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 at $185.00, the monthly savings from the giveback benefit can add up to significant annual savings that go directly back into veterans’ Social Security payments.
What Makes Honor Giveback Different for Veterans
1. Designed to Work Alongside VA Healthcare
Unlike traditional Medicare plans that might create conflicts with VA benefits, the Honor Giveback PPO plans are specifically structured to complement Veterans Affairs coverage. Veterans can continue using VA hospitals, clinics, and providers exactly as before while gaining access to additional healthcare options through the Medicare Advantage network.
This dual-coverage approach means veterans can choose the most convenient or appropriate care setting for each healthcare need. Routine VA appointments can continue as normal, while urgent care or specialist visits might be more accessible through the broader Medicare network when VA facilities are distant or unavailable.
2. $0 Monthly Plan Premiums with Medicare Part B Responsibility
The Honor Giveback plans feature no monthly premium charges beyond the standard Medicare Part B premium that all Medicare beneficiaries pay. This structure keeps healthcare costs predictable and affordable for veterans on fixed incomes.
The Part B giveback feature can offset much or all of the standard Medicare Part B premium, potentially resulting in net-zero monthly costs for Medicare coverage while providing benefits that extend far beyond basic Medicare.
3. Broader Network Access Beyond VA Facilities
Veterans living in rural areas or far from VA medical centers particularly benefit from the expanded provider network. The PPO structure allows access to any Medicare-approved provider, offering flexibility to choose healthcare providers based on location, specialty, or personal preference rather than being limited to VA facilities.
Emergency situations become less stressful when veterans know they can seek immediate care at the nearest hospital or urgent care facility, regardless of whether it’s a VA facility, without worrying about coverage gaps or unexpected costs.
Part B Giveback Reduces Medicare Premium Deductions from Social Security
The Medicare Part B giveback benefit directly addresses one of the most common concerns among Medicare-eligible veterans: the monthly premium deduction from Social Security checks. This feature can return varying amounts per month back to veterans, depending on their specific Medicare Part B premium amount and plan location.
For veterans already managing tight budgets, this monthly increase in available Social Security income can make a meaningful difference in covering other necessary expenses like housing, utilities, or medications not covered by the VA.
The giveback amount adjusts automatically if Medicare Part B premiums change, ensuring veterans continue receiving the maximum possible benefit without needing to take any action or reapply for the benefit.
Mental Health Coverage with Zero Copays for In-Network Services
Outpatient Therapy and Specialist Visits Covered
Mental health support receives special attention in the Honor Giveback plans, with $0 copays for all in-network mental health services. This includes individual therapy sessions, group therapy, psychiatric consultations, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Veterans can access mental health specialists outside the VA system without financial barriers, potentially reducing wait times and providing more options for finding the right therapeutic relationship. The coverage includes both initial consultations and ongoing treatment sessions.
Virtual and In-Person Options Available
Recognizing that mental health care accessibility varies greatly by location and personal circumstances, the plans cover both telehealth and traditional in-person mental health services at the same $0 copay level.
Virtual mental health appointments can be particularly valuable for veterans in remote areas, those with mobility challenges, or anyone who feels more comfortable beginning their mental health journey from home. The flexibility to switch between virtual and in-person care allows veterans to choose the most appropriate format for each session.
Extra Benefits VA Doesn’t Always Cover
Dental Coverage with Semi-Annual Preventive Services
While the VA provides dental care for some veterans based on specific eligibility criteria, many veterans don’t qualify for dental benefits through Veterans Affairs. The Honor Giveback plans include routine dental coverage with no-cost semi-annual cleanings, checkups, and X-rays.
Preventive dental care can help veterans avoid more serious and expensive dental problems later. Regular cleanings and checkups often catch issues early when treatment is simpler and less costly, making this benefit particularly valuable for long-term health maintenance.
Vision and Hearing Benefits with Network Providers
Age-related vision and hearing changes affect most people over 65, but VA coverage for these services may be limited depending on whether the condition is service-connected. The Medicare Advantage plan fills these gaps with routine vision exams, hearing tests, and often allowances toward glasses or hearing aids.
Access to regular vision and hearing care helps veterans maintain independence and quality of life as they age. Early detection and treatment of vision or hearing problems can prevent more serious complications and help veterans stay active in their communities.
Prescription Drug Flexibility Options
Veterans can choose between filling prescriptions through the VA system or using their Medicare plan’s pharmacy network, providing flexibility based on convenience, location, and specific medication needs. Some Honor Giveback plans include prescription drug coverage with $0 copays on hundreds of common medications.
This dual-option approach is particularly helpful when veterans are traveling, when VA pharmacies have limited hours, or when specific medications are more readily available through retail pharmacy networks.
USAA Recommends Humana Medicare Advantage Plans
USAA’s endorsement of Humana Medicare Advantage plans, including the Honor series, represents a significant vote of confidence from an organization known for serving military families. USAA’s recommendation carries particular weight because of their deep understanding of veterans’ unique healthcare needs and financial situations.
The partnership between USAA and Humana specifically focuses on creating Medicare options that work well for military families, addressing common gaps in coverage while maintaining affordability. This collaboration ensures that veterans have access to insurance products designed with their specific circumstances in mind.
Veterans service organizations including AMVETS, VFW, and DAV also recommend Humana as their national Medicare plan provider, further validating the company’s commitment to serving the veteran community effectively.
Enrollment Requirements for Medicare-Eligible Veterans and Spouses
Enrollment in Honor Giveback PPO plans is available to anyone eligible for Medicare, including both veterans and their spouses. Veterans don’t need to be USAA members to apply, and the plans are available regardless of military service branch or discharge status.
The primary requirement is enrollment in Original Medicare Parts A and B, along with residing in an area where the Honor Giveback plans are offered. Humana makes these plans available in a majority of U.S. counties, providing widespread access to veterans nationwide.
Veterans can enroll during their initial Medicare eligibility period, during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, or during special enrollment periods triggered by qualifying life events such as moving to a new area or losing other health coverage.
For personalized guidance on Medicare enrollment and plan selection, licensed insurance professionals can provide consultation to help veterans understand their healthcare coverage options and make informed decisions about their Medicare plans.
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Humana USAA Honor Giveback PPO Options
Below we have listed some of the more popular (by enrollments) Humana USAA Honor Giveback PPO plans available.
For Medicare guidance and personalized plan selection assistance, visit Medicare.gov for official information on Medicare Advantage options.