Veterans Benefits + Medicare: How to Stack Your Coverage

If you've served in the U.S. military and you're approaching (or past) 65, you're in a unique position. You may be eligible for both VA healthcare benefits and Medicare -- and that's a powerful combination when you know how to use it. But it can also be confusing. Can you have both? Should you? When do you use one over the other? Let's clear it all up.

Can Veterans Have Both VA Healthcare and Medicare?

• Yes -- you can absolutely be enrolled in both VA healthcare and Medicare at the same time
• VA healthcare and Medicare are completely separate programs; neither one requires the other
• Having both gives you more flexibility in choosing where and how you receive care
• VA benefits do not count as creditable coverage for Medicare Part D (important for avoiding late penalties)
• Enrolling in Medicare Part B is optional but recommended to avoid gaps and future penalties

When to Use VA Care vs. Medicare

• Use VA care for service-connected conditions, mental health, and VA-specific programs
• Use Medicare for non-VA doctors, specialists outside the VA network, and emergencies
• VA wait times can be longer in some areas -- Medicare gives you a backup option
• Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing) that complement VA care
• Some veterans use the VA for prescriptions (often cheaper) and Medicare for everything else

Prescription Drug Coverage: VA vs. Part D

• VA pharmacy benefits are often significantly cheaper than Medicare Part D
• If you primarily use VA pharmacies, you may not need a separate Part D plan
• However, VA drug coverage does not count as Medicare "creditable coverage"
• If you ever leave the VA system, you could face Part D late enrollment penalties
• Consider enrolling in a low-cost Part D plan as a safety net even if you use VA prescriptions

TRICARE for Life

• TRICARE for Life is available to military retirees (20+ years of service) and their families
• It works as a supplement to Medicare -- Medicare pays first, TRICARE for Life covers most of the rest
• You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to use TRICARE for Life
• TRICARE for Life has no enrollment fee and no premium beyond your Part B premium
• It provides excellent secondary coverage, including overseas care for eligible beneficiaries

How to Coordinate Your Benefits

• If you have VA care + Medicare, inform your providers so claims are billed correctly
• VA cannot bill Medicare, and Medicare cannot pay for care received at VA facilities
• If you're seen at a non-VA facility, Medicare (or your MA plan) is the primary payer
• Keep your VA health ID card and Medicare card accessible at all times
• Review your benefits annually -- plan offerings and VA eligibility rules can change

Tips for Veterans Navigating Medicare

• Don't skip Medicare Part B enrollment at 65, even if you're happy with VA care
• Talk to a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free help understanding your VA benefits
• Compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area -- some offer veteran-specific perks
• Use the VA's "Veteran Health Benefits Handbook" to understand your priority group
• Consider working with a licensed Medicare advisor who understands VA coordination
• Check if you qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits for additional financial support

Need Help?

Navigating VA benefits and Medicare at the same time can feel like a maze. At Insuras Health Benefits, we specialize in helping veterans coordinate their coverage so nothing falls through the cracks.

Contact us for a free consultation -- we'll help you stack your benefits and get the most from your service.