Veterans that have health insurance coverage through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and qualify for Medicare are not required to sign up for Medicare. However, you may have good reasons to enroll in Medicare. Veterans Affairs itself strongly recommends that veterans with VA also sign up for Original Medicare as soon as they become eligible for Medicare.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of combining Medicare with VA benefits.
If I Have VA, Do I Need Medicare?
Many veterans improve their health coverage and care options through enrollment in both VA benefits and Medicare. When you need health care, you simply choose which insurance plan to use. Medicare allows you to visit non-VA doctors and facilities. Medicare Part D prescription drug plan also allows veterans to fill prescriptions through local pharmacies rather than through the Veterans Affairs’ mail-order service.
In addition to these benefits, veterans should also keep long-term health in mind. If you don’t enroll in a Medicare plan when you first become eligible but decided to register at a later date, you may face a late penalty fee. In addition, if the amount of funding changes for VA, the people in the lower priority groups may be at risk of losing their health coverage.
How Do They Work Together?
VA and Medicare benefits hardly coordinate, which is why veterans are highly recommended to sign up for Original Medicare. VA doesn’t provide coverage for all the services you receive from non-VA hospitals and doctors, and Medicare will also not cover services obtained from VA facilities. So, if you want care or treatment from non-VA providers, you’ll have to enroll in Original Medicare.
However, there may be times when both insurance plans will pay. This occurs when you go to a non-VA doctor/hospital for a VA-approved medical treatment but need more medical services that the VA healthcare plan doesn’t cover. Medicare covers those additional medical expenses.
Keep in mind that you must still pay your Medicare Part B premium and 20% coinsurance fees or copay.
Medicare and TRICARE
TRICARE is the military medical insurance provider.
TRICARE is separated into different plans, which are based on your military status. TRICARE plans include:
- TRICARE Prime Overseas
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
- TRICARE Select Overseas
- TRICARE Select
- TRICARE For Life
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Young Adult
- TRICARE Prime
- US Family Health Plan
After retiring from military service and reach the age of 65, you’ll be eligible for TRICARE for Life if you sign up for Original Medicare.
Have Questions?
If you’re a veteran looking for help with your Medicare and VA benefits, contact Simple Retirement Benefits today. Our experienced Medicare insurance experts can help you navigate the maze of Medicare.
