By Darren Grubb, Medicare Advantage Majority spokesperson
May is Military Caregiver Month—a time to reflect on and appreciate the countless individuals who stand by our veterans, offering unwavering support behind the scenes. These caregivers—spouses, parents, children, friends—are the pillars that help veterans thrive after service, and are the glue that holds everything together when service members come home with injuries, visible or not.
As they care for others, caregivers themselves need systems that care for them. Medicare Advantage provides structure in the uncertainty, offering coordinated care and extra benefits that help caregivers breathe a little easier. It turns a maze of appointments and paperwork into a more manageable path, freeing up caregivers to focus on what matters most: caring for their loved one and maintaining some sense of balance in their own lives.
Veterans often come home with unique needs that go beyond what traditional care can offer. Whether it’s recovering from physical injuries or navigating the lasting effects of PTSD and other mental health challenges, the healthcare journey for veterans is rarely straightforward.
That’s where Medicare Advantage can make a difference. For those who have served, this program can offer added support and help bridge gaps in care. Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive coverage—everything from eye exams and hearing aids to mental health services and gym memberships—not typically included in standard Medicare or VA care. They can also provide access to a broader network of doctors and facilities, giving veterans and their families control over their healthcare.
What’s more, Medicare Advantage offers a level of flexibility that’s essential for caregivers managing a wide range of responsibilities. Many plans allow veterans and their caregivers to choose care that suits their specific needs, providing the tools needed to meet the realities of military life after service. It ensures that veterans and their caregivers can select coverage that fits their real-life needs.
With the coordinated care offered by Medicare Advantage, coverage is streamlined and made simple, helping military caregivers focus less on red tape and more on the people they love. These plans ensure that caregivers can count on having a team of doctors who stay in constant communication—working together to support every aspect of a veteran’s well-being, including their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Most of all, it recognizes that caregivers need care, too. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer support for caregivers, like transportation to and from appointments, meal delivery services, and in-home assistance. Meeting caregivers’ needs isn’t an afterthought. It’s a key part of sustaining quality care for veterans. Because when caregivers are supported, their loved ones receive better care, and the weight they carry feels a little less heavy.
Our veterans and their families have spent their lives giving everything in service of our country. They deserve nothing less from us now. This May, let’s recognize that behind every service member is someone quietly serving too—and they deserve healthcare options that work as hard as they do.