Military Veteran's

VA coverage pays for medical services if you go to a VA hospital or doctor. If you need to go elsewhere, you'll probably end up having to pay the full cost yourself, even in emergencies. With Medicare, you're covered if you need to go to a non-VA provider. This is an especially important point to consider if you live some distance from the nearest VA facility. 

Medicare isn’t mandatory. However, there is significant value to signing up for this coverage when you become eligible. If your only health insurance is through VA benefits, you’ll only have coverage within the VA health system. On the other hand, Medicare offers coverage in nearly every facility and from nearly all providers throughout the nation. Thus, having both Medicare and VA benefits allows individuals to access well-rounded health care coverage. Keep in mind that once you enroll in Medicare, you’ll want to update your health information with the VA.

If you have both VA and Part D drug coverage, you have the flexibility of using one or the other. This would allow you to get prescriptions from non-VA doctors and fill them at local retail pharmacies (rather than relying solely on the VA's mail-order service) and to obtain medications the VA doesn’t cover. You can apply for low-cost drug coverage under Part D’s Extra Help program if your income is under a certain level. 

You made a commitment to our country. Your deserve a Medicare plan that's committed to you. There are a wide range of plans available that complement the health benefits you already receive for your service.  

Disabled veterans under 65 eligible for Medicare due to collecting SSDI for at least two years should enroll in Medicare. Regardless of disability status, everyone qualifying for Medicare should enroll in at least Part A if they can get it premium-free.