Should I keep Medicare Part B Coverage after qualifying for VA Healthcare?

That's a very valid reason to keep Part B. I actually had used that for a recent shoulder surgery I had done outside of the VA. The orthopedic surgeon did my other shoulder before I got VA coverage and I wanted him to do the other shoulder. But The VA wanted me to travel 58 miles to have it done by the VA hospital in Temple TX (there is a 60 mile zone you have to be outside of to have the VA approve Community Care). So I believe I will just have to pay the extra monthly Part B and have better coverage. My last concern is should the VA then pick up the 20% out of pocket for my shoulder surgery in this case?

Sgt Gene Stanton - maybe they should, but they definitely won't pickup the 20 %

I would keep Medicare Part B.
1. There is a penalty for each year that you are not covered by Part B unless you are working after age 65. There is also a waiting period up to one year before you can be covered by Part B. The amount of the Penalty percentage is fixed for each year there is no coverage. The future Medicare Premium will be increased by the percentage amount for each year of coverage.
2. You will not be entitled to Tricare Coverage without Medicare Part B.
3. If the Veterans Administration clinic or hospital is unable to see you for a particular condition you can see a physician or go to a hospital with Tricare at no cost in most cases.

I guess every place and state is different because I have been in the VA system for almost 4 years and they pay me for everything even non Va clinics. They also sent me to a periodontist outside Va and paid for everything, it took a while to fixed my teeth but they did it. Medicare part b wouldn’t paid for all the job they did to me. If you are a 100% disabled with no other insurance I think is not worthy to pay for Medicare part b. I am still making my mind reading here and there but the more I read the more convinced me not to pay for something I am not using. So content with all the service I receive from Va. And I live an hr from a Va hospital but if an emergency occur I just have t call the Va within 72 hrs and they will transfer me t a Va hospital or either pay. It’s up to you. They tell you to take it in case these politicians give less funds to Va but at the same time they will cut Medicare too. It also depends of what priority you are.

You know the VA should sponsor classes for Vets who are old enough for Medicare and have VA care also so decisions can be made.

They do!

Will do and Thanks.

You need part B for Tricare for life to cover your copay with Medicare. 100% only gives you care at the VA facility unless the facility allows you to go commercial or in an emergency.

LtCol Robert Quinter - you are correct, but most vet's don't understand where you are coming from!! I'm 100% and Still Contact my commercial Doctors, I don't use part B but I am enrolled, and Tricare for life is for my wife, are you connected with EXPRESS SCRIPTS

Correction, I have Tricare for Life, my wife has Tricare Prime.