I am 66 1/2 year old vet with VA medical. Should I sign up for Medicare?

CPL Lawrence Jennetta — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:58:40 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 4:20 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 16:20:12 -0400

CPL Lawrence Jennetta Here is a previous post with excellent information.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/at-100-dav-is-medicare-signup-necessary

With my being a 100% DAV, is signing up for Medicare necessary? | RallyPoint

I'll be 65 in 7 months. I have a 100% rating and am on community care already due to distance to nearest VA Clinic. Do I really have to sign up for medicare and all those other things associated with it? Who's the SME?

Response by SGT David Schrader made Aug 30 at 2023 6:41 PM

SGT David Schrader — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:41:16 -0400

It’s a tough choice. I declined Medicare coverage due to the fact that I can use any VA facility or Military hospital if needed. I didn’t feel that I needed Medicare. It’s worked out so far.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 31 at 2023 3:41 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:41:58 -0400

You should call directly the federal Medicare office they have no vested interest and shar all the facts. I learned a lot even after having read the pamphlet.

Response by PO1 Ed Fiore made Sep 7 at 2023 1:16 AM

PO1 Ed Fiore — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 01:16:12 -0400

Basic Medicare YES
Part B NO as government agencies do not bill each other.
So save your self the money.

Response by SSgt Michael Aaron made Sep 7 at 2023 6:37 AM

SSgt Michael Aaron — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 06:37:14 -0400

NO, you shouldn't. All Vets should sign up with the VA for their Medical Care, which is TOTALLY FREE. No deductibles or copays, etc. You've earned it! Too many guys do not take full advantage of it. The care you get from the VA is all-encompassing and is VERY GOOD! They know what you're prone to suffer from, and in addition to everything else, they are keyed into the maladies caused by Agent Orange, etc. and know how to treat them. Medicare would be a duplication for you, and it would be an added COST for you. Stay away from it.

Response by AB Ed Jones made Sep 7 at 2023 10:36 AM

AB Ed Jones — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:36:46 -0400

Signing up for medicare lets you choose where you want to go for medical care (local doctor) and you still use the VA when it is more convenient. I am 83 and have have no conflicts.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2023 12:35 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:35:40 -0400

I'd suggest you signing up for Medicare despite your VA connection. It won't hurt anything and may be transparent to you. Ya never know when the government will change things up on us, so cover your bases...just in case.

Response by CPO Mario Calima made Sep 7 at 2023 1:06 PM

CPO Mario Calima — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:06:09 -0400

To CPL Jenneta,
No, It is your choice but I recommend to get it in case that you go somewhere that their is no nearest VA Hospital or Clinic. If you go to a private hospital or clinic you have to pay for it. Note: if you don't enroll in Medicare when you in the age of 65 you are going you pay penalty of 10 % every year and increase to 20% then 30 % and so forth. Call Medicare and make your decision.

Response by MSgt Earl King made Sep 7 at 2023 3:31 PM

MSgt Earl King — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 15:31:13 -0400

I think so, it's the law!! I think Medicare & Social Security are under the same umbrella!

Response by LCDR Regina Taylor-Hines made Sep 8 at 2023 1:11 AM

LCDR Regina Taylor-Hines — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 01:11:37 -0400

I would go in and speak to a VA admissions team member or call the va.gov hotline. I do not see the harm in signing up for additional benefits that you have earned and paid for during your lifetime. Medicare does cover quite a few long-term care expenses (especially for medical equipment) that may or may not be completely covered by your VA benefits.
Better to have additional prescription and long-term care coverage than too little.

Response by SSG Jim Campbell made Sep 8 at 2023 7:23 PM

SSG Jim Campbell — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:23:58 -0400

You can use both and I believe that the VA gets reimbursed from Medicare when you are treated at the VA. I'm 70% service related disabled and use both.

Response by SSG Donald Bramley made Sep 8 at 2023 10:02 PM

SSG Donald Bramley — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 22:02:38 -0400

Hi Veteran, You should check with your Veteran Service Officer. Ask is it necessary or an advantage to have both, especially as we age and the unknown.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Sep 9 at 2023 12:53 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 00:53:21 -0400

FIRST.. Let Me Offer A Suggestion.
VA's Quality Of Medical Care Seems To Depends Upon Where You Live & Which One You Must Use.
My Brother, Mike, Lives In Centerville, Ohio; And Goes To The DAYTON VA....He Raves About How Great They Are. He Even Gets Telephone Calls Just To Ask How He's Doing & About New Benefits He's Entitled To, And How To Apply For Them.......
I Live In Las Vegas, Our Medical Care Is Rather Questionable..... As For Myself, I'm Eligible FOR And Now USE My Medicare; Because, Since My Very FIRST Appointment The VA Has Been WRONG About Most Things They've Diagnosed And Done TO Me... WRONG Diagnosis = WRONG Medications ,
And Some Of That Shit WILL Kill You.....In Fact. I Came Very Close To Death, And Spent WEEKS In The Hospital... SO, Before You Decide, Check Around And Ask Questions... And If Possible, Go To Their Medical Center And/Or Hospital And Talk To The Other VETS There.....You'll Find Them In The Lobby & Throughout The Facilities......Believe Me, It WILL Be Worth Your Time.

Response by SPC Vernon Trexler made Sep 9 at 2023 5:16 AM

SPC Vernon Trexler — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 05:16:45 -0400

I did.thats the short answer.shop for your policy.get the best coverage you can with cheaper co pays.if you gotta go under the knife for major operation...think about gettin the best medical care you can.

Response by Maj Bruce Miller made Sep 10 at 2023 8:37 PM

Maj Bruce Miller — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 20:37:01 -0400

Assuming you are eligible for Social Security and began benefits prior to age 65 you were automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You cannot disenroll from Part A but you can disenroll from Part B although you must file a form with the SSA to do this. Every year after 65 you do not enroll there is a permanent 10% penalty added to your Part B premium.

If you have a high % service connected disability and you live near a VA hospital and clinic you may elect NOT to enroll in Part B, but you will be relying 100% on VA medical services.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 13 at 2023 12:56 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:56:11 -0400

By LAW at the age of 65 everyone must have Medicare Part A & B! If VA is taking care of up, then you don't have to worry about the rest of Medicare

Response by TSgt Kent D Woodward made Sep 18 at 2023 9:02 AM

TSgt Kent D Woodward — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:02:55 -0400

Hi, I'm 100% disabled and get all my care at the VA. So I only signed up for Medicare part A. Been 7 years and see no reason to sign up for part B. I'm only 45 minutes from my VA.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 18 at 2023 5:06 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:06:26 -0400

Yes! Sign up for MEDICARE. Sgt Private RallyPoint Member response is excellent. MEDICARE and TRICARE will give you more low-cost options for medical care. Yes, there's a MEDICARE premium that comes out of your Social Security check, But it's low for the high amount of coverage you get. Also, there may be locations where a MEDICARE provider will be the best or only option for medical care.

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Sep 19 at 2023 6:52 PM

SGT Erick Holmes — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:52:44 -0400

This you would have to check with the VA on that. I don't know if its a law or a rule when you hit a certain age you have to go on medicare. I want to say no you dont but I'm in no position to tell you something that I have no knowledge of.

Response by LCpl Eric Rasmussen made Sep 21 at 2023 10:21 AM

LCpl Eric Rasmussen — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:21:37 -0400

It depends on your service connected rating. Right now if you have co-pays, Medicare would cover them. The other argument is the VA is quietly changing some programs and ratings. It would at least cover your bases

Response by Sgt Linda Limon made Sep 21 at 2023 2:01 PM

Sgt Linda Limon — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:01:45 -0400

Absolutely. Medicare should automatically be deducted from your Social Security Check if you are receiving one. I use the VA for some things and Medicare/Tricare for Life for others. Also, unless you qualify for VA Dental, you will need dental insurance.

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

SGT Louis Perrault — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:21:55 -0400

I use only the VA and have part A...no need for part B if you use VA for your care and no outside care...

Response by SP5 Sheldon Behensky made Sep 22 at 2023 3:38 PM

SP5 Sheldon Behensky — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:38:05 -0400

Yes, by all means.

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Sep 24 at 2023 7:54 AM

SFC Barbara Layman — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:54:41 -0400

Federal law REQUIRES that one enroll in Medicare upon attaining the age of 65 years - I believe that age may now depend on your year of birth.
Medicare becomes your PRIMARY provider, Tricare secondary and if you are eligible for/receiving VA medical it's a plus.
Personally, I have been using Medicare/Tricare for Life for those issues not covered by VA. By and large my only expense is for medications prescribed by non-military related .

Response by CPT Jose A “Tony” Fernandez made Sep 24 at 2023 1:07 PM

CPT Jose A “Tony” Fernandez — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 13:07:26 -0400

If you are at 100% service connected disabilities, I would respectfully decline Medicare unless you just want to give them approximately $170 monthly for absolutely NO good reason.

Response by Sara Lucas made Sep 24 at 2023 3:22 PM

Sara Lucas — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:22:11 -0400

Absolutely..you've earned this right..please use it

Response by 1SG Wayne Harvin made Sep 24 at 2023 4:47 PM

1SG Wayne Harvin — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 16:47:00 -0400

You should've been receiving Medicare at age 65

Response by SPC Joel Quey made Sep 25 at 2023 7:34 PM

SPC Joel Quey — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:34:29 -0400

Anyone answering your question without getting more information is probably accidentally misleading you. It depends on a few different variables.

You're probably already signed up for Medicare Part A. The question is whether you want Part B or Part D (I'm guessing you don't want Part C, but it's possible there might be good options for you).

One of the biggest variables is income (or if you have a service disability). If you get 100% free care and prescriptions through the VA, that's very different than if you have to pay co-pays for care from the VA.

Another big variable is where you live. Some VA hospitals are a lot better than others.

There are other variables as well, but those are probably the two biggest.

Response by TSgt Kent D Woodward made Sep 25 at 2023 8:28 PM

TSgt Kent D Woodward — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:28:37 -0400

Medicare yes. Medicade Part B depends if you're 100% VA disabled. I'm 100 % and get all my care through the VA and didn't take part B. I'M only 45 minutes from the VA.

Response by MSgt Earl King made Sep 26 at 2023 12:02 PM

MSgt Earl King — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:02:40 -0400

Yes, with TriCare for Life!

Response by Maj Bruce Miller made Sep 26 at 2023 9:29 PM

Maj Bruce Miller — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:29:52 -0400

In the month you attained age 65 you were automatically enrolled in both Medicare parts A and B. Part A (hospitalization) has no premium to you but Part B, outpatient services, carries a monthly charge of about $160. Although automatically enrolled in part B, you may elect to disenroll and not pay the the about $160 or so. But if you do, you will not be covered for outpatient medical services provided outside the VA. Are you ok with that? And every year you elect no Medicare B coverage, the premium increases 10%. Your call.

Response by LTC Denise Coakley made Sep 26 at 2023 11:49 PM

LTC Denise Coakley — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:49:57 -0400

Absolutely

Response by CPL Fred Alexander made Sep 28 at 2023 7:44 AM

CPL Fred Alexander — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:44:41 -0400

CERTAINLY!, You, we, & me need all the medical help / insurance we can get. Some of US fought & some didn't, BUT WE ALL SERVED! WE ARE THE ENTITLED. OOORAAH! 12B

Response by LTC Anthony Kluz, EA made Sep 28 at 2023 10:23 AM

LTC Anthony Kluz, EA — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:23:52 -0400

It’s the law! Mandatory enrollment at 65 (7 month window I believe). Do it asap RLTW

Response by CH (CPT) Jerry McGowin made Oct 1 at 2023 4:29 PM

CH (CPT) Jerry McGowin — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:29:09 -0400

Absolutely, and as soon as possible.

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Oct 8 at 2023 11:37 PM

SFC Larry Jones — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:37:01 -0400

In a word, yes.

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Oct 9 at 2023 2:20 AM

SP5 Derick Johnsohne — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 02:20:04 -0400

Yes . some extra benefits come with Medicare .

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Oct 19 at 2023 11:34 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:34:36 -0400

NOW HEAR THIS: ~~ Was Told This In VEGAS, Verified Through DAYTON By Telephone
Just Last Week, I Was Told, Then I Verified The Information.

We Are NOT Assigned To ANY Va Facility, Nor They To Us....
We Can Use ANY VA,,, Regardless Of The Location.
NOW: I Want To Get A Portable Oxygen Machine ~~ OUR VA Does NOT Provide Them.....
Nor Do They Provide "TRELEGY" The Inhaler For Those Of Us With Breathing Issues.
So I Can't Get The Oxygen Machine NOR The TRELEGY, From My VA ~ I Have COPD.~
BUT (read On)
.. Now Here's The Gig.... The VA's Medications, Supplies, Etc., Are NOT The Same
At All Of The VA's ~~ Every One Can, And May Be, VERY Different......SO, I Contacted The DAYTON, Ohio VA.... .I CAN Get A Portable Oxygen Machine AND The TRELEGY Out Of DAYTON....
All I Needed To Do, Is Contact MY Primary And Ask HIM to ORDER The Products From The DAYTON VA......I Left The Message For MY Primary OVER A Week Ago........
.~ And Ain't Heard Sh*t Sense.!~
NOW, As We ALWAYS Must Do ~~ Keep Doing The Follow Up And Ask "WTF's The Hold Up"?

Response by Sgt Richard Moore made Oct 26 at 2023 7:47 AM

Sgt Richard Moore — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:47:20 -0400

There is no inclusive answer and I am not an expert but....
Medicare, Tricare, VA disability medical care, etc. are INSURANCE. They all involve risk and therefore it depends on your situation and need for “peace of mind”.
However if you do not sign up and your situation changes to where you need addition coverage there is a PENALTY!
Part A late enrollment penalty
If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%.
You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.
Example:
If you were eligible for Part A for 2 years but didn't sign up, you'll have to pay the higher premium for 4 years. Usually, you don't have to pay a penalty if you meet certain conditions that allow you to sign up for Part A during a Special Enrollment Period. Find out if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
Part B late enrollment penalty
You’ll pay an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up for Part B, but didn’t.
You may also pay a higher premium depending on your income.
Choose carefully based on your current and future situations.
Rich

Response by PO3 Dale Olson made Nov 5 at 2023 3:05 PM

PO3 Dale Olson — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 15:05:09 -0500

Yes.... I can see my Dr anytime and not wait for weeks. Plus parking is not 2 football fields away from the front door.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2023 8:37 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:37:21 -0500

I'm a retired Navy and have VA and Medicare part a and b. If you are retired military you get Tricare for Life automatically as long as you are signed up for Medicare part B. (You are automatically enrolled in part A at 65 y/o). Tricare for Life is far superior to VA because other than the Part B premiums you pay, everything else is covered.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Nov 16 at 2023 4:21 PM

CDR William Kempner — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:21:22 -0500

Yes. Do it right now!!

Response by SPC Martin Meyer made Nov 17 at 2023 3:38 PM

SPC Martin Meyer — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:38:01 -0500

Absolutely, Medicare covers a lot and gives you access to doctors outside of the VA. I have a Medicare advantage plan without prescription coverage since I get my medications from the VA. There are a lot of advantage plans out there for veterans I would check them out and find out what best suits your needs. I like having the Medicare coverage it allows me to get second opinions from the VA in regards to what my doctors outside of the VA are suggesting.

Response by CPL Cadrew Strickland made Nov 18 at 2023 10:06 AM

CPL Cadrew Strickland — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 10:06:23 -0500

Yes you should, gives you more options for your medical treatment. VA is good for some things but not all things

Response by SSgt Mary Dungan made Dec 13 at 2023 3:07 PM

SSgt Mary Dungan — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:07:49 -0500

You should be signed up automatically once you turned 65. Depending on what VA benefits you get, you will want a Medicare supplement plan. I don't get dental or vision through the VA, so I have a supplement plan to cover that.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Dec 13 at 2023 7:38 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:38:58 -0500

I chose not to sign up for Medicare. It cost war to much money when I would rarely use it because of the VA covers everything for me

Response by SGT Greg Knytych made Dec 14 at 2023 4:31 PM

SGT Greg Knytych — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:31:26 -0500

My brother-in-law was a Vietnam veteran and had VA medical. He never worried about other insurance when he was younger but when he retired and sold his business, he automatically received Part A and B when he signed up for social security.
It came in handy when he had an emergency and had to go to the local hospital. He spent 3 days in the local hospital before they could transfer him to VA. The VA refused to pay for his hospital stay but the hospital was able to bill Medicare. He was able to get the VA to pay his portion not covered by Medicare.

Response by PO3 Mickey Mishra made Dec 14 at 2023 9:50 PM

PO3 Mickey Mishra — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:50:48 -0500

100% YES!
I am not anywhere near 66 years old. But I can tell you that having extra options for care outside of the VA is a VERY good thing.
There are some things that the VA does great. Then there are some things that are just better overall outside of the VA healthcare system. (Seeing and Orthopedic specialists for example)

You want to have as many bases covered as possible as the VA or any agency can be slow.
And it never hurts to have a back up insurance plan.

Response by SSG Tim Stoeckle made Dec 14 at 2023 10:45 PM

SSG Tim Stoeckle — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:45:02 -0500

You would be insane not to. Most VA Advisors, VSO’s, and Medicare Agents have no clue on what they are advising you on when it comes to this. If you qualify for Medicare take it for in most cases you would not pay for Part A (Hospitalization) and your Part B is (Medical) $174.60 per month in 2024 for most individuals. The issue is, if you rely on VA only and your status should change you would incur a penalty for not signing up when eligible. Also it would allow you to now get a Medicare Advantage only Plan. You would get a world of benefits to you most Medicare recipients do not receive, most at $0 premiums. If you get your care 100% from VA, the VA may bill your plan allowing the VA to keep much needed money allocations. I am a Licensed Agent that specializes I Medicare with VA or Tricare benefits. I have many clients that have Medicare, Tricare, and VA Benifits and enjoy the many options they have available to include a give back of dollars into their Social Security accounts. Find a reliable Licensed Agent in your area that specializes in Veterans Benefits and Medicare and they sit with you, at no charge, and explain how it all flows.

Response by SP5 Koa Feliciano made Dec 15 at 2023 12:14 AM

SP5 Koa Feliciano — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:14:24 -0500

I have both and use both for medications. I get my meds at no cost via the VA and my Medicare plan, effective 2024 will charge $1 co-pay per each prescription. I don't like running out (Type II diabetic). Other benefits about my medicare plan is that I get $80 monthly to spend at grocery stores, gas stations etc. It used to be $130 but effective 2024, that gets cut to $80. The next thing is travel. My nearest VA clinic is a two hour round trip. Not a problem. My only accessible VA hospital, depending on traffic, is a four to six hour round trip. I had a colonoscopy last week and needed a driver with me in order get it done since I would be sedated and would not be allowed to drive afterwards. My Medicare plan provided unlimited medical trips. As of 2024, those got cut down to 20 trips per year. See a pattern here? I called the affiliated company and they had a driver at my front door at 5:30 am. I was taken to the VA hospital and the driver walked in with me to verify she was the driver. She left, had breakfast and waited in the parking area for my call. Once done, I gave the driver a call and she was there at the front of the hospital within minutes to pick me up and drive me (and my wife) back home. Not a penny out of pocket except I bought the driver lunch since we stopped by Churches on the way back and I gave her a $40 tip which she initially refused. I insisted. I already had someone on standby on the off chance the driver would did not show. That standby would have cost me $150 plus lunch plus gas so I saved a bundle via my Medicare plan. My Medicare plan also provides for basic electrical and plumbing work should I need it, also at no additional cost. I also get up to $500 per year for glasses. It used to be $850.00 per year but you guessed it, it got dropped for 2024. The drop came, which I found out from the driver, was that the U.S. Government cut three hundred million dollars from the Puerto Rico Medicare fund. But that's OK because it went to Ukraine. Money well spent. *Roll eyes*. So, as everyone is stating, Medicare with a supplemental plan like Triple SSS etc is really the way to go.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Dec 15 at 2023 10:21 AM

CWO3 Robert Fong — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 10:21:08 -0500

Not only YES, but hell yes. You will need to take Part B also. If you are Medical eligible (50% or more disabled) you do not have to take Part D.

Response by Maj Rob Drury made Dec 17 at 2023 3:15 AM

Maj Rob Drury — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 03:15:31 -0500

You absolutely should. Depending on the coverage available, you should probably also enroll in one of the many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans designed specifically for veterans receiving care through the VA or TriCare. Such plans may offer additional services that you may not be eligible for through the VA, such as dental, hearing, or vision coverage, and may pay much or all of your monthly Part B premium for you. You can get more information and speak with a veteran knowledgeable in these areas by contacting the EasyMed Medicare information line at [login to see] . The office is generally not available between the end of Medicare Annual Enrollment (Dec 7) and January 1st.

Response by LT William Pellegrini made Dec 18 at 2023 12:38 PM

LT William Pellegrini — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:38:42 -0500

Why not? The more insurance you have the less likely it will be for you to end up paying large medical bills in the future. Do it. Wish I could.

Response by SPC Juanita Anderson made Jan 2 at 2024 10:46 PM

SPC Juanita Anderson — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 22:46:40 -0500

Hate to say yes. Because if you get sick and end up needing rehab there are certain thing the va does not do and then Medicare will cover. Like being away from the va and getting stuck at the reg hospital. Learn that with my mom and she was a navy wave

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Jan 3 at 2024 9:53 AM

GySgt Jack Wallace — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 09:53:19 -0500

Yes......

Response by SCPO Almoe Mason made Jan 3 at 2024 7:29 PM

SCPO Almoe Mason — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:29:48 -0500

If you are retired, the obvious answer is yes. You must have medicare part A and Part B to receive Tricare for Life. If you are not retired the answer is it depends. If you can afford it, which is a complicated answer, then Medicare A&B plus a plan G or N Supplement is your best bet. If you can't afford that then go with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have VA Health Care, Try to find an Veterans Advantage plan (generally they have a give back of B because you get your drugs through the VA). Now if you are really poor, and you live with in 30 miles of a VAMC (Hospital) you may be ok with not getting part B and using VA Health Care exclusively. I know that a lot of folks use VA health care only, as I did for over twenty years, and get really good care. When I had a heart attack and needed surgery at a local hospital the VA covered it under the MIL Bill. That was because I had no other insurance. When you turn 65, most of us will get Medicare part A automatically. The Mil Bill states that if have insurance that pays any part of the bill, The VA won't pay anything. That's why you need to live close to a VA Hospital.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2024 7:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 07:01:58 -0500

Yes.
You get MEDICARE automatically when you turn 65, if you have 40 qualifying quarters of work and are receiving Social Security benefits. You will receive A letter.
If you have not elected to receive SSA benefits by the time you turn 65, contact SSA to sign up.

Response by SSG John C Quigley II made Jan 9 at 2024 8:47 AM

SSG John C Quigley II — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:47:21 -0500

I am on Medicare and have a VA card as well, but I live over 100 miles from the nearest VA facility. I receive a paper every year that says I don't have to sign up for Medicare as VA takes the place of Medicare. It depends on your needs and as you say, you have both civilian doctors and VA. Take the Medicare signup to help with the costs involved on that side of the equation. I do not have Tricare for life so the Medicare takes care of much of my needs.

Response by PO2 Jaime Lazarus made Jan 10 at 2024 9:51 AM

PO2 Jaime Lazarus — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 09:51:17 -0500

I understand that if you didn't sign up for Medicare before turning 65 that you can STILL do so, but it'll be more costly. There's a penalty for not doing so, which you will continue to pay annually (until your death?).

I think the other responses to your question answer whether you may have BOTH VA and Medicare but didn't address the extra costs.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jan 10 at 2024 11:42 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:42:13 -0500

Yes. You may need it (at the 20% cost) when VA med care is not available or timely.
A lot of vets had problems during the recent COVID thing,
as the VA basically shut-down for 2 years or so.

I watched a family member(Vietnam Era- Underwater welder Navy Vet )* suffer and die of COPB , in a worse state, because VA care was so lacking during that recent( COVID Epidemic) time.

That was sad.

So you rolls the dice. Not saying you should pay the monthly premium ,
but at least be signed up for it/Medicare.

I pay for Medicare , but I also have VA.
"Render unto Caesar what it is Caesar's" although I have served Caesar before. LOL

-------------------------------
* I suspect, he was a SEAL before they were labelled such.
I only recall him saying 2 sentences in 40 years, about his time in the service/ Vietnam War.
He never said/or claimed anythingabout any special service himself.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Jan 10 at 2024 9:20 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 21:20:53 -0500

Yes! I'm retired from the Army so I have TRICARE for LIFE. Also retired from Federal Civil Service with my insurance plan and I have MEDICARE & MEDICAID as well as VA Health Care. It is cheap Health Care insurance and helps to keep out of pocket cost in your pocket.

Response by SPC Thomas Marsh made Jan 10 at 2024 10:05 PM

SPC Thomas Marsh — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 22:05:47 -0500

Thanks

Response by AB Freddie Stalkup made Jan 14 at 2024 3:21 PM

AB Freddie Stalkup — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 15:21:43 -0500

I have both. Have had for quite some time. I am very satisfied with the care I receive.

Response by LTC George Morgan made Jan 17 at 2024 3:03 PM

LTC George Morgan — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:03:22 -0500

Yes. Always need back up. and a lot of times you may be able to get some things that may not be as easily through VA. Found both to be good programs. Limited but good.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 28 at 2024 7:55 PM

1SG John Millan — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:55:14 -0500

If you're 100% VA service -connected or have Tricare, no need. Otherwise yes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2024 9:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 21:58:23 -0500

yes...

Response by PFC Barbara Driscoll made Mar 28 at 2024 3:41 PM

PFC Barbara Driscoll — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:41:12 -0400

I am trying to get civilian insurance because of the treatment I have tried to get from them after a major trauma that has caused me to be suffering from Severe Panic disorder and Agoraphobia! It happened last March (2023) and I finally got through to them in late May! I have hardly been able to go outside (sometimes I have issues with going out of my bedroom) since 3/10/2023 after being carjacked and assaulted (plus a whole lot of other things) while I was working for DOOR DASH. This was actually the first time that they had ever let me down but at one point they had me on so many different medications that I was going into FattyLiver and literally liver failure.
It is making me gun shy because they are not helping ~I just don’t want them to cause me to be a statistic we call it Being made a 22.