Government May Be Paying Twice for Veterans’ Health Care in Medicare Advantage Plans

AJMC October 8, 2024
Hayden E. Klein

Key Takeaways

• Dual enrollment in VHA and Medicare Advantage led to $78 billion in VHA spending from 2011 to 2020, raising concerns about federal overpayments.
• The number of dual enrollees increased by 63% from 2011 to 2020, with outpatient care being the largest VHA spending category.
• Meyers suggests reducing Medicare Advantage payments or allowing VHA reimbursement from these plans to address overpayment issues.
• Expanding the VA’s current policy of billing private insurers to include Medicare Advantage could help recoup funds for services provided.

The federal government may be paying twice for health care services provided to veterans enrolled in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Medicare Advantage plans.¹

Between 2011 and 2020, the VHA spent $78 billion on health...

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