Do I need to sign up for Medicare since I use the VA for my medical care?

SSG Jack McClary — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 15:20:07 -0500

I'm not drawing Social Security retirement and don't plan to for some time. I've heard that I can be penalized if I don't sign up for Medicare

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 4:43 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:43:57 -0500

SSG Jack McClary Search on Medicare and VA for additional posts dealing with this topic. I have both Medicare and VA.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/if-i-have-the-va-medical-care-do-i-really-need-medicare

If I have the Va medical care do I really need medicare? | RallyPoint

If I have the Va medical insurance do I need medicare

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 17 at 2020 4:57 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:57:40 -0500

Yes By Law, even if VA/TRICARE is your primary care provider, you must have Medicare parts A &B as a minimum. when you reach the right age.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Dec 17 at 2020 5:00 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:00:54 -0500

If you plan on not ever using a Doctor outside of VA, you only need Part A which you have already paid for, you will pay a 10 % penalty per year if you later chose to to get Part B. It all depends on your need for doctor coverage outside of VA. You will get Part A no matter what as you paid for that while working.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2020 7:29 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 07:29:55 -0500

you are required, by law, to sign up for medicare. you don't have to use it but you do have to sign up once you turn 65.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 18 at 2020 8:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 20:03:07 -0500

I am so confused.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 20 at 2020 1:56 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 13:56:29 -0500

YES! When you reach Medicare eligibility age, you should sign up. VA and Medicare have arrangements about paying for care. I don't know the relationship because I don't use the VA. If you're retired (can't tell from your profile), Medicare plus TRICARE for Life is a very good deal. We haven't paid a doctor bill or hospital bill since we turned 65. Pharmacy benefit also is very good.

Response by SGT Louis Perrault made Sep 21 at 2023 6:24 PM

SGT Louis Perrault — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:24:02 -0400

If you use only the VA, you can decline part B ...you will save $$$

Response by CDR William Mims made Oct 11 at 2023 7:10 PM

CDR William Mims — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:10:28 -0400

if you have 100% P&T from VA, there's a better than average chance of getting SS disability. if ou get that no matter what age you get Medicare A&B.

Response by SN Paul House made Oct 11 at 2023 11:44 PM

SN Paul House — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 23:44:57 -0400

I have 100% coverage with the VA. I only have part A. You have the choice to take out Medicare Part B or C or D. every case is different. You need to take it up with the VA and the need may be for you to have it all. I am very happy with coverage I have.

Response by Sgt John Wilkinson made Oct 12 at 2023 9:43 AM

Sgt John Wilkinson — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:43:29 -0400

I have Medicaid as well as Tricare. Even though I am 100% disabled, I use Medicaid due to the fact that I can see a doctor quicker than going through the VA. Plus, I feel that the doctors from Medicaid are more through than the VA docs.

Response by PO2 Mark Fraktman made Oct 12 at 2023 3:43 PM

PO2 Mark Fraktman — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:43:36 -0400

I don't KNOW but if you have parts A&B The VA charges them for what they can. And uses their allowable for paying.