Turning 65 when you already have VA health care or TRICARE can make Medicare seem unnecessary.
But VA health care and TRICARE are different programs, and they interact with Medicare differently. Before deciding whether to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, it is important to understand which military benefits you have and what rules apply to you.
Here are six things worth checking before your 65th birthday.
1. Do You Have VA Health Care or TRICARE?
Start by identifying exactly which coverage you have.
VA health care generally provides care through VA facilities and other care authorized by the VA.
TRICARE is a separate military health program, and Medicare eligibility can affect how certain TRICARE coverage works.
Because the programs are different, advice that applies to a veteran using VA health care may not apply to someone with TRICARE.
2. Where Do You Want to Receive Medical Care?
If you primarily use VA facilities, think about whether you also want the ability to receive Medicare-covered care outside the VA system.
Medicare may provide another way to receive covered services from doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare.
For some veterans, having access to both systems provides additional flexibility.
3. Does TRICARE Require Medicare?
If you are eligible for TRICARE For Life, Medicare enrollment becomes especially important.
In many situations, TRICARE beneficiaries who become entitled to Medicare Part A must also have Medicare Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE coverage.
Do not assume that existing military coverage automatically means you can skip Medicare.
Confirm the requirements that apply to your specific TRICARE eligibility before making a decision.
4. What Happens If You Delay Medicare Part B?
One of the biggest questions is whether delaying Part B could create problems later.
Your ability to enroll later without a penalty or gap can depend on why you delayed Medicare and what type of other coverage you had.
VA health care by itself is not the same as active employer group health coverage for Medicare enrollment purposes.
Before delaying Part B, understand exactly what enrollment opportunity you would have if you changed your mind later.
5. How Will Prescription Coverage Work?
Prescription coverage is another area where military benefits can be different.
Someone using VA prescription benefits may fill medications through the VA system, while TRICARE beneficiaries may have access to TRICARE pharmacy benefits.
Before adding or changing Medicare drug coverage, review how your current prescriptions are filled and whether another plan would actually improve your situation.
6. What Coverage Gives You the Access You Want?
The decision is not simply about having the greatest number of insurance cards.
Think about:
- Where you receive medical care
- Which doctors you want to use
- How prescriptions are covered
- Whether you travel
- Whether you want access to non-VA providers
- Your current military benefits
- Your Medicare enrollment deadlines
Your situation may be very different from another veteran's.
Learn More Before You Turn 65
I have a more detailed guide explaining how VA health care, TRICARE, and Medicare can interact when you approach age 65.
Read my complete VA, TRICARE and Medicare guide:
https://shawnrayinsurance.com/medicare-va-tricare-turning-65
If you would like to go through your Medicare timeline and coverage questions with me, you can choose a time here:
Schedule a Medicare appointment:
https://shawnrayinsurance.com/calendar
The most important step is understanding the rules that apply to your specific benefits before making a Medicare enrollment decision.
