Medicare & VA Benefits What Veterans Need to Know
Understand how Medicare works with your VA health benefits and how to make the most of both coverage options.
Speak With a Licensed Medicare Advisor
Can Veterans Have Medicare & VA Benefits?
Veterans who sign up for Medicare can have both VA health benefits and Medicare coverage at the same time. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs encourages veterans to enroll in Medicare once eligible because it expands your care options beyond VA facilities.
Key Takeaways:
Medicare doesn’t replace VA benefits — it complements them.
You can choose which benefits to use depending on where you receive care.
Having both gives you more choice and flexibility
Why Enroll in Medicare as a Veteran?
Even if you already have VA health care, signing up for Medicare makes sense because:
✔ Coverage Outside VA Facilities
VA benefits generally apply when you use a VA clinic or hospital. Medicare lets you see doctors or specialists near home who don’t work for the VA.
✔ Avoid Future Gaps
VA funding can change, and coverage is not guaranteed in all situations — Medicare provides additional peace of mind.
✔ Prescription Drug Options
VA covers many medications, but Medicare Part D gives you the option to fill prescriptions at your local pharmacy.
Tip: If you delay Part B past your Initial Enrollment Period, you could owe a lifetime penalty.
How Medicare Works With VA Health Care
Veterans should understand how these systems coordinate:
VA Health Care
Eligibility based on military service conditions.
Health care and benefits vary by priority group and service history.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65+ and some younger with disabilities.
You can use Medicare:
At any Medicare-authorized facility
For care not available through VA locations
Important: Medicare and VA do not coordinate payment — you choose which one to use when getting care.
Enrollment Tips for Veterans
When to Sign Up:
Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before turning 65
Ends 3 months after your 65th birthday
Special Enrollment Periods may apply in certain cases
Need Help? You can contact 1-800-MEDICARE any time for official guidance.
How We Can Help You
At Medicare Plan Assistance, we help you:
Understand your Medicare options
Compare Medicare Advantage or Part D plans
Walk through enrollment steps with a licensed agent
Call our expert advisors to get personalized assistance.