You can use your Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits along with Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare will not affect your VA benefits. If you have VA benefits, you are not required to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, but the VA recommends Medicare enrollment to cover non-VA medical expenses.
What happens if you have Medicare and VA health care?
If you’re in one of the lower priority groups, you could lose your VA health care benefits in the future. Having Medicare means you’re covered if you need to go to a non-VA hospital or doctor—so you have more options to choose from.
How does Medicare Part B work with VA benefits?
Medicare Part B can provide you with medical coverage and services outside of the VA health system. Therefore, it is recommended that you enroll in Medicare Part B in addition to your VA benefits.
Should you enroll in Medicare if you have VA health insurance?
Another reason you may consider enrolling in Medicare is the possibility that you may lose your VA benefits at some point, leaving you without health insurance coverage. VA health benefits depend on an annual appropriation of funds by Congress, and it’s unpredictable if enough funding will be approved in future years to care for all veterans.
How do I know if my VA and Medicare benefits overlap?
VA plans only cover care at VA facilities and Medicare only covers care at Medicare assigned facilities. VA and Medicare coverage do not overlap. To confirm your VA benefits and options, please call the VA directly 1-877-222-VETS (8387), since we are not authorized to answer specific questions.
Do you lose your VA benefits when you turn 65?
Even after veterans reach full retirement age, VA's disability payments continue at the same level. By contrast, the income that people receive after they retire (from Social Security or private pensions) usually is less than their earnings from wages and salary before retirement.
Can you have Medicare and VA at the same time?
You can have both VA Benefits and Medicare. However, you will need to choose which benefits you use when you receive health care services or get health care items. To use VA benefits, you'll have to see a VA doctor or get care at a VA medical center or other VA location.
Do I need Medicare Part B if I have VA benefits?
Therefore, it is beneficial to enroll in the hospital insurance you earned through Medicare. However, like other beneficiaries, veterans with VA benefits will need to pay a standard Medicare Part B premium for Medicare's outpatient coverage. You will want to enroll in Medicare Part B as soon as you are eligible.
Is Medicare primary to VA benefits?
The Medicare and VA systems are entirely separate, with no coordination of benefits between them. You would use your VA identity card at VA facilities and your Medicare card anywhere else. You'll find more information at the VA website on how VA care works with other insurance.
Do veterans get free healthcare for life?
You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service (called “service connected”). We also provide certain other services for free.
How can you lose your VA benefits?
VA disability compensation payments are reduced if a Veteran is convicted of a felony and imprisoned for more than 60 days. Veterans rated 20 percent or more are limited to the 10 percent disability rate. For a Veteran whose disability rating is 10 percent, the payment is reduced by one-half.
Can you have a Medicare Advantage plan and VA benefits?
You can have both. Coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan does not conflict with VA health care services and would increase your flexibility and options in terms of how and where you receive health care.
Will I lose my VA disability if I go to a nursing home?
The VA may pay all or part of the nursing home costs for disabled and elderly veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides both short-term and long-term care in nursing homes to veterans who aren't sick enough to be in the hospital but are too disabled or elderly to take care of themselves.
Why do military retirees have to pay for Medicare?
By law, TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select end at age 65. This requires service retirees to enroll in Medicare at age 65 to maintain a major health care plan and our TRICARE benefits. TRICARE For Life (TFL) acts as our Medicare supplement, and TFL allows us to continue using the TRICARE pharmacy.
What Medicare plan is best for veterans?
Medicare Advantage plans can be good options for veterans. A Medicare Advantage plan may be worth considering if you are a veteran. A Medicare Advantage plan will provide all the same coverage as Original Medicare, and some Medicare Advantage plans may cover some additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn't.
Does VA disability count as income for Medicare?
When you apply for an income-based Medi-Cal program, most of your earned (like wages) and unearned income (like interest and dividends) will count toward your income. For purposes of income-based programs, Medi-Cal does not count veterans' disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
What happens if you lose your VA benefits?
If your VA Benefits are dropped at some point OR if your local VA facility does not cover all health services, you could pay 100% of the out-of-pocket expenses for a serious illness. The VA highly recommends that you enroll in Part B as well. Don’t miss the Part B deadline or you will have to pay a penalty.
What is the phone number for Medicare?
If you have an urgent matter or need enrollment assistance, call us at 800-930-7956. By submitting your question here, you agree that a licensed sales representative may respond to you about Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
What is a medicare supplement plan?
A Medicare Supplement Plan (AKA Medigap) will fill in the unpaid gaps in coverage such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare also includes benefits when travelling outside of the U.S. and its territories. Make sure to speak with your VA, Tricare or CHAMPVA representative before enrolling in any supplemental plan to ensure ...
How much does Medicare Part D cost?
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs at the pharmacy and these plans cost on average around $35 a month. Most Vets do not select a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan as they have RX coverage from the VA.
Is there an additional cost for Medicare Part A?
Usually there is no additional cost for Medicare Part A. This will allow you to receive hospital coverage should you go to a non-VA facility. According to the VA’s website “ [We] encourage you to keep your private [Medicare] health insurance.”.
Does Medicare Advantage cover out of pocket costs?
Probably. Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can help reduce your out-of-pocket risk should you go to a non -VA facility. Many MA plans have no little or no additional cost. If you go down this path we recommend that you look for a zero premium policy.
Is VA coverage separate from Medicare?
It is important to note that Veteran’s Affair (VA) plans and Medicare are completely separate. VA plans only cover care at VA facilities and Medicare only covers care at Medicare assigned facilities. VA and Medicare coverage do not overlap.
Why is Medicare important for VA?
Therefore, Medicare coverage may be particularly important if, say, you don’t live near a VA facility or your local facility has long wait times.
What happens if you wait to enroll in Medicare Part B?
If you wait to enroll in Part B when you are first eligible, you will likely experience gaps in coverage and incur a penalty for each 12-month period you were without Medicare Part B coverage. Learn more about Medicare Part B.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and VA Benefits. If you need additional services or coverage not offered to you through your VA benefits, you may consider a Medicare Advantage plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage, like vision, hearing, dental, prescription drug coverage, and/or health and wellness programs. ...
How to contact Medicare.org?
For further information about finding a Medicare plan that works with your VA health benefits and individual needs, call (888) 815-3313 – TTY 711 to talk with an experienced Medicare.org licensed sales agent.
Do you have to pay a penalty for Medicare?
The VA encourages you to consider enrolling in Medicare as soon as you’re eligible because Medicare and VA benefits don’t work together – and you may have to pay a penalty if you end up enrolling in Medicare later.
Do veterans need Medicare?
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who is eligible, or nearing eligibility for Medicare coverage? If you already have medical coverage through the VA health program, you may be wondering if you also need to enroll in Medicare. The answer is that you could probably benefit from having both VA ...
Does VA cover prescription drugs?
With VA health benefits, you typically get premium-free drug coverage. However, if the VA-approved pharmacy locations or the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy Program (CMOP), doesn’ t work for you, then you may consider a Part D or a Part C plan with prescription drug coverage.
Do You Need Medicare If You Have VA Benefits?
Having both VA benefits and Medicare increases your options for where and how you receive health care services.
How Do VA Benefits Work with Medicare?
Medicare and VA benefits seldom work together. This is a major reason the VA recommends that veterans enroll in Original Medicare even if they have VA benefits.
Prescription Drug Coverage Through VA Benefits or Medicare Part D
If you have both VA and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you have the option of using either to pay for your prescriptions.
Using Medigap or Medicare Advantage and VA Benefits
Medicare supplement insurance plans — also called Medigap — and Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurers that contract with Medicare.
When can veterans enroll in Medicare?
Like other Americans, veterans become eligible for Medicare at age 65. (Those with a qualifying disability may enroll earlier.) The best time to sign up is during your initial enrollment period. That begins 3 months before the first day of your birthday month and lasts for 7 months.
Do you have to enroll in Medicare if you have VA benefits?
You don’t. But without Medicare coverage, you’ll be uninsured for any treatment you get at non-VA facilities or care from providers not authorized in advance by the VA. You’ll be billed for the full cost of those services, at serious risk to your net worth. That’s why the VA recommends that veterans sign up for Medicare as soon as they can.
What are the benefits of combining Medicare and VA benefits?
Enrolling in Medicare could fill in gaps in the coverage you get through the VA benefits. That’s because you’ll be able to go either to VA facilities for treatment (covered under VA benefits) or to Medicare-approved doctors and facilities (covered by Medicare). Also, VA benefits are not guaranteed, so your coverage could change in the future.
Which areas of Medicare coverage and VA benefits can you combine?
Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. But they can sometimes complement each other. For example, if the VA pre-authorizes treatment at a non-VA hospital but not certain services you get during the hospital stay, Medicare may pay for those services. For specifics, contact your Medicare plan.
How does VA disability affect Medicare?
VA benefits — including disability payments — don’t affect Medicare. At age 65, you are eligible for Medicare regardless. Before that, you may receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) while you’re on VA disability. After 2 years of SSDI payments, you can enroll in Medicare. Your VA disability benefits remain in place.
What do you have to do to manage Medicare and VA benefits?
You will have to pay the premiums for Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage as well as any cost-sharing copayments. For VA benefits, there typically aren’t enrollment fees, monthly premiums, or deductibles. But some veterans may have copayments for healthcare or prescription drugs.
Where can you get help coordinating Medicare and VA benefits?
Various government-supported offices have staffers to help you combine and manage your health plans:
Does VA health care meet the ACA?
If I’m signed up for the VA health care program, does that mean I meet the requirements to have health care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Yes. Being signed up for VA health care meets your Affordable Care Act health coverage requirement of having “minimum essential health coverage.”.
Does VA pay deductible?
Your private insurer may apply your VA health care charges toward your annual deductible (the amount of money you pay toward your care each year before your insurance starts paying for care).
What should veterans know about Medicare?
Here are seven things every veteran should know about Medicare. Medicare covers veterans in the same way as it covers most other Medicare beneficiaries. But there are a few things that veterans of the armed forces should know about Medicare. 1. Medicare and VA coverage do not coordinate benefits. Medicare and VA (Veterans Affairs) ...
What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare Part B?
If you do not sign up for Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be subject to late enrollment penalties if you decide to sign up later on.
How to enroll in Medicare Advantage?
There are a few instances in which enrolling in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage may make sense: 1 VA coverage includes its own drug formulary (a list of drugs covered by the plan). If the VA does not cover a specific drug that you need to take, you might consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan that covers that drug. 2 A drug prescribed by a doctor at a non-VA facility may not be covered by VA benefits without authorization. 3 A non-VA pharmacy may be a more convenient way to obtain your drugs, especially if you reside in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. 4 If you qualify for Medicare Extra Help, your overall drug costs may be lower with a Part D plan than under VA coverage.
What if VA does not cover a specific drug?
If the VA does not cover a specific drug that you need to take, you might consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan that covers that drug. A drug prescribed by a doctor at a non-VA facility may not be covered by VA benefits without authorization.
Does Medicare Advantage have its own formulary?
There are a few instances in which enrolling in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage may make sense: VA coverage includes its own drug formulary (a list of drugs covered by the plan).
Does Medicare cover non VA care?
Medicare will not provide coverage at a VA facility, and VA benefits will not provide coverage at a non-VA facility.
Does Medicare and VA insurance work together?
Medicare and VA coverage do not coordinate benefits. Medicare and VA (Veterans Affairs) insurance do not coordinate coverage. The only instance in which the two programs might team up to offer dual coverage is when the VA approves qualified care to be received at a non-VA facility. Medicare coverage for people with VA insurance typically works like ...
What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part B?
In addition, if you do not enroll into Part B when you are first eligible to do so, you will most likely incur a Part B premium penalty for each 12-month period you were without Medicare Part B coverage. In addition, you may also experience gaps in coverage .”.
How long do you have to wait for VA care?
You have been (or will be) waiting more than 30 days for VA medical care. You live more than 40 miles away from a VA medical care facility or face one of several travel burdens. The Choice Program does not affect your existing VA health care nor any other VA benefit.
Does Medicare Part B pay for VA?
Budget proposal could mean no 52% jump in Medicare Part B premiums. If, however, you’re enrolled in VA Health Care, consider this: You can have both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, according to MedicareInteractive.org. However, Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. Medicare does not pay for any care ...
Can Medicare pay for the same services as the VA?
Medicare cannot pay for the same service that was covered under the VA benefits, and vice versa. It is important to note that Medicare is never the secondary payer after the VA.”. Daniels also notes that in order for the VA to pay for services, you must go to a VA facility or have the VA authorize services in a non-VA facility.
Does Tricare pay Medicare Part B?
You must continue to pay Medicare Part B premiums to remain enrolled in Tricare, says Daniels. “Tricare pays after Medicare in the U.S. and the U.S. territories,” she says. “Tricare also pays Medicare deductibles and co-insurance.”. If, however, you’re enrolled in VA Health Care, consider this: You can have both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) ...