Can you have Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits?
Asked by: Nona Cummings I | Last update: September 16, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (27 votes)
Can you have Medicare and VA benefits at the same time?
You can have both VA Benefits and Medicare. However, you will need to choose which benefits you use when you receive health care services or get health care items. To use VA benefits, you'll have to see a VA doctor or get care at a VA medical center or other VA location.
What disqualifies you from VA benefits?
absence without official leave (AWOL) for a continuous period of 180 days or more, without compelling circumstances to warrant such prolonged unauthorized absence (as determined by VA). This means that if an individual is discharged for any of the above reasons, the law prohibits VA from providing any benefits.
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).
What is the income limit to qualify for VA benefits?
In 2021, the VA National Income Thresholds were as follows: $34,616 or less if you have no dependents. $41,539 or less if you have one dependent. $43,921 or less if you have two dependents.
How Does Medicare Work with VA Benefits? | VA and Medicare Explained
Can you be denied VA benefits because of income?
When the veteran has no VA rating, the VA determines group assignment by special circumstance (for example: Medal of Honor recipient, Purple Heart recipient, or former prisoner of war) or by income. For veterans with no rating or special circumstance, then gross household income must be below VA income limits.
What is the Medicaid income limit for 2024 in VA?
As a result of eligibility expansion, Medicaid is available to Virginia adults under age 65 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. In 2024, that's $20,782 for a single person, and about $35,631 for an adult in a household of three people).
Are VA benefits better than Medicaid?
The type of care a person requires is usually the major deciding factor between choosing Medicaid or a VA pension. Generally, for those needing home care or assisted living, VA benefits are better. For those who need nursing-home care, Medicaid is usually better.
Do veterans get extra Medicare benefits?
VA benefits and Medicare enrollment
Plus, Medicare Advantage plans can come with extra benefits that most veterans don't receive through the VA, such as over-the-counter allowances and transportation benefits.
How much does Medicare cost for veterans?
Medicare coverage for veterans
Some veterans with VA benefits choose to enroll in Medicare Part A because there is no monthly premium. They may choose not to enroll in Part B because it carries a monthly premium of $174.70 for 2024.
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.
Should I get health insurance if I have VA benefits?
No. Whether or not you have health insurance coverage doesn't affect the VA health care benefits you can get.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA 5-year rule protects your disability claim by not allowing the VA to reduce your disability rating unless your condition has significantly improved over time. This rule pertains to a rating that has been in effect for five years or longer. After a five-year period, the rating is considered a stabilized rating.
Can you have both VA and Medicaid?
Yes, get him to apply. I use CA medi-cal for all my health issues thats non-service connected and then use my VA PCP for referral to specialist related to my service connection disability. I utilize both services and pay zero out of pocket.
Is VA primary or secondary to Medicare?
VA health benefits always provide primary coverage in VA facilities. If you have VA benefits and become eligible for Medicare, you should consider the benefits of both types of insurance and whether you should enroll in Medicare now or delay enrollment—and the potential consequences of delayed enrollment.
Can I drop Medicare if I have VA coverage?
It's not mandatory to enroll in Medicare at age 65 if you're a veteran with VA benefits. However, if you choose not to sign up for Medicare, you won't have coverage for services you get in facilities outside the VA health system.
Can you combine Medicare and VA benefits?
You can have both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, but Medicare and VA benefits do not work together.
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.
What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.
Do I need a Medicare supplement if I have VA benefits?
When you have VA coverage, you will want to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B for coverage outside the VA. Some Veterans choose to purchase a Supplement plan or an Advantage plan to help with costs after Medicare.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in VA?
Virginia has very restrictive Medicaid eligibility: Pregnant women and children through age 18 cannot have income higher than 148 percent of federal poverty level (FPL) or $30,240 for a family of three. (Virginia's FAMIS program covers children and pregnant women up to 205 percent FPL or $41,880 for a family of three.)
Can you have TRICARE and Medicaid?
Beneficiaries who are entitled to TRICARE may simultaneously be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.
Do you automatically qualify for Medicaid with disability in VA?
Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the SSA are already income-qualified to receive Medicaid in Virginia. SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to meet basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter, for those who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled.
What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?
Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.
What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?
If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.