Can you have VA medical and Medicare at the same time?
Asked by: Prof. Marty DuBuque DVM | Last update: May 4, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (21 votes)
Can you have Medicare and VA health insurance at the same time?
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.
Can you get Medicare and VA benefits?
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.
Should VA or Medicare be primary?
The VA is considered the primary payer for the treatment of service-related injuries and illnesses. Non-Service Connected Conditions: For non-service connected conditions, Medicare may become the primary payer. This is especially true if the veteran doesn't meet specific criteria for free VA healthcare.
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).
VA and Medicare (what Veterans need to know)
Can Medicare be secondary to VA?
You can have both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, but Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. Medicare does not pay for any care that you receive at a VA facility.
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.
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 best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
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.
Can veterans go to any doctor now?
As a Veteran, you may be eligible to get care outside VA. This means we'll pay for the cost of your care from a health care provider in our community care network. Keep reading on this page to find out if you're eligible for community care. Note: You can still always choose to get care at a VA health facility.
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.
How much does VA health care cost per month?
There is no monthly premium required to use VA care, however Veterans may have to agree to pay copayments. If a Veteran has health insurance, it may cover the cost of co pays.
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.
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 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.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
What are the problems with VA healthcare?
Many veterans face difficulties navigating VA healthcare, a lack of awareness of benefits or challenges in working through the complex system to receive them, inadequate mental health support, long wait times at VA facilities, and poor access to VA facilities in rural areas.
What is the maximum income 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.
Is Medicare or VA primary?
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 you go to any hospital with VA benefits?
Veterans can receive emergency care in a non-VA healthcare facility. The VA defines a medical emergency as an injury, illness, or symptom that is so severe that any delay would be reasonably expected to endanger the veteran's life or health.
How much does Medicare cost at age 65?
If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).
Can you bill Medicare and VA?
Medicare and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) both provide healthcare coverage for millions of Americans. The programs' benefits do not overlap but can complement each other to provide more coverage options. VA benefits can not be used to pay for Medicare deductibles, copayments, or premiums.