Can I opt out of Medicare Part B if I have VA benefits?
Asked by: Rocio Langosh | Last update: July 18, 2025Score: 5/5 (56 votes)
Can I decline Medicare if I have VA benefits?
If you have VA coverage, you don't necessarily have to sign up for Medicare, but if you don't and then change your mind, there are steep penalties involved. VA and Medicare do not work together, but they can compliment each other and give Veterans more benefits.
Do I need Medicare Part B if I have VA coverage?
You aren't required to sign up for Medicare if you have health care coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but the VA encourages veterans to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B during your initial enrollment period at 65, unless you also have group insurance from a current employer.
What happens if I opt out of Medicare Part B?
Part B (Medical Insurance)
There are some risks to dropping coverage: Your costs for health care: You may have to pay all of the costs for services that Medicare covers, like hospital stays, doctors' services, medical supplies, and preventive services.
What is the best medicare plan if you have VA benefits?
Humana is the national Medicare plan provider recommended by veterans service organizations (VSOs) like AMVETS (American Veterans), VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
How Does Medicare Work with VA Benefits? | VA and Medicare Explained
Do 100% disabled veterans have to pay Medicare premiums?
However, like other beneficiaries, veterans with VA benefits will need to pay a standard Medicare Part B premium for Medicare's outpatient coverage. Remember, you will want to enroll in Medicare Part B as soon as you are eligible because delaying Part B coverage can result in a lifelong late penalty.
Do veterans get a discount on Medicare?
Having VA benefits does not affect Medicare costs. You can qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A coverage, but you'll likely have to pay premiums or a monthly fee for your other Medicare coverage depending on your plan.
Is it mandatory to have Medicare Part B?
Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
Do I need Medicare Part D if I am a veteran?
No. Drug coverage from the VA (Veterans Affairs) is considered creditable prescription drug coverage, which means the coverage is at least as good as what Medicare drug plans provide, so you do not need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.
Do veterans get free healthcare for life?
No! You get VA Healthcare if you have a service connected injury or illness. Any Veteran can be treated by VA but there can be costs, sometimes large costs.
Do I have to pay for Medicare Part B if I have TRICARE?
No. You don't pay any enrollment fees, but you must pay Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B monthly premiums. Medicare Part A is paid from payroll taxes while you are working. Your Part B premium is based on your income, but you must have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Do I need Medicare Part B if I have VA health insurance?
Can a veteran have Medicare and VA benefits? Yes. If you have VA health benefits and qualify for Medicare at age 65, you can be enrolled in both plans at the same time. In fact, the VA strongly encourages veterans without employer-sponsored insurance to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B as soon as they qualify.
What can cause you to lose your VA benefits?
One of the primary reasons veterans lose their VA benefits is the failure to meet the eligibility criteria. If a veteran's circumstances change, such as a significant increase in income or a change in disability rating, they may no longer meet the requirements for certain benefits.
Can I decline Medicare if I have private insurance?
Employer or Union Coverage: Some individuals continue working past age 65 and maintain employer or union-sponsored health coverage. In such cases, Medicare enrollment is optional as long as the employer or union coverage meets certain requirements and provides at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare.
Can I choose not to take Medicare Part B?
You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). However, you may need to have a personal interview with us to review the risks of dropping coverage and for assistance with your request.
Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part B premiums?
Enrollees who have Medicaid, employer-sponsored health coverage, or retiree health benefits from an employer generally don't have to pay the full Medicare Part B deductible, as the other coverage picks up some or all of the cost (this varies depending on the plan).
Do you have to opt out of Medicare Part B?
Although Part B is not mandatory, it does come with a premium in most cases. Some people delay enrollment in Medicare Part B to avoid paying the premium – especially if they have other creditable coverage. The same can be true of Part A, for people that must pay a premium for it.
How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?
You may refuse Part B without penalty if you have creditable coverage, but you have to do it before your coverage start date. Follow the directions on the back of your Medicare card if you want to refuse Part B.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?
There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.
Who pays first Medicare or veterans?
Veterans' Affairs pays for VA-authorized services or items. Are covered under TRICARE Entitled to Medicare and TRICARE For active-duty military enrolled in Medicare, TRICARE pays for Medicare-covered services or items. For inactive-duty military enrolled in Medicare, Medicare pays first and TRICARE may pay second.
What happens to my VA disability when I turn 65?
The good news is that, in most cases, VA disability benefits continue unchanged at age 65 and beyond. Unlike some other forms of income or benefits that may be affected by reaching retirement age, VA disability compensation is designed to be a lifelong benefit for eligible veterans.
Do disabled veterans get free VA healthcare?
Some Veterans are eligible for free care for non-service-connected conditions based on their VA disability rating, pension payments, or other factors (like receiving the Medal of Honor). If you're not eligible for free care based on these factors, you may be eligible based on your income.