I have Medicare part A & B. I get part A for free but charged $134.0 mo for part B. Do I really need part B since I have VA Medical care ?

PO3 Ellsworth Allen Westgate — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 21:31:56 -0400

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 29 at 2017 9:42 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 21:42:33 -0400

In theory you don't but if you are injured far from a VA Facility it will help. Medicare only covers 80% but when you get old enough, Tricare For Life will pick up the slack, and they require A&B. If you are married that is how you insure your spouse. It's expensive $134 x 2 for me but the TFL is Free

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 29 at 2017 9:51 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 21:51:37 -0400

Whoever has the answer please tag me. I'm only 20 years or so away. I probably need to figure this out well before then.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 29 at 2017 10:12 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 22:12:06 -0400

You should check if VA will be "first payer" when you're eligible for Medicare. TRICARE will only be second payer.

TRICARE for Life is available only for retired service members. They always pick up the 20% Medicare doesn't. Sweet deal! Also you have prescription drug coverage under TFL.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 29 at 2017 10:20 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 22:20:26 -0400

PO3 Ellsworth Allen Westgate, absolutely enroll for Part B! You never know when your circumstances may change and you may need it. As SSG Edward Tilton suggests, you must have it to get Tricare for Life. There are penalties for late enrollment that go up each year. SSG Trevor S.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 30 at 2017 3:27 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 03:27:08 -0400

I would suggest getting it. We are not sure what is coming our way. After all Congress is the only ones that can cherry pick.

Response by SrA Neil Jackson made Jul 5 at 2017 11:20 PM

SrA Neil Jackson — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 23:20:51 -0400

In the state of Alabama if you drop prat B the V.A. will discontinue care until you reenroll so I wouldn't test it as the wait can be a year.

Response by PO3 Donald Reed made Sep 28 at 2023 11:31 AM

PO3 Donald Reed — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:31:13 -0400

I have VA care and health insurance with my current employer,do I need Medicare while working full time at my job.I turned 65 in July. No plan to retire till late next year.