Last Updated: August 15th, 2024

Veterans, Learn how Medicare, VA Benefits, and TRICARE for Life work together. 

Our goal is to assist Veterans in understanding Medicare, VA benefits, and TRICARE for Life. These systems can be complex to navigate, particularly when obtaining complete coverage and cost savings. We have created this guide to provide you with peace of mind and assist you in making informed healthcare decisions. We are here to support you throughout the process.

VETERAN Benefits

As Veterans and military retirees approach age 65, they often face questions about how their VA benefits and TRICARE coverage align with Medicare. This guide sheds light on the key considerations and options available to Veterans during this crucial phase of their healthcare journey.

Scroll down to take a look at the frequently asked questions! Visit VA.gov for more detailed information on VA Benefits and to stay updated with any changes to the VA benefits. 

Who is eligible for Medicare, VA benefits, and TRICARE for Life?

The eligibility requirements for Medicare, VA benefits, and TRICARE for Life vary. Here is a general overview of the eligibility requirements for each program:

  • Medicare: To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 years old or older or have a certain number of work credits.
    • You can also be eligible for Medicare if you have a disability that qualifies you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
  • VA Benefits: To be eligible for VA benefits, you must have served in the military during a period of war or have a service-connected disability.
  • TRICARE for Life: To be eligible for TRICARE for Life, you must be eligible for Medicare and also be enrolled in TRICARE.

What are the different options available to Veterans?

There are a variety of options available to Veterans when it comes to healthcare benefits. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Here are some of the most common options:

  • Dual Eligible: This is a term used to describe Veterans who are eligible for both Medicare and VA benefits. Dual-eligible Veterans can access a wide range of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
  • TRICARE for Life: This program provides supplemental coverage to Medicare beneficiaries who are also eligible for TRICARE. It covers costs that Medicare doesn’t, such as copays, deductibles, and non-covered services.
  • VA Choice: This program allows Veterans to see non-VA doctors and hospitals for certain services. The VA will pay for the services up to a certain amount.
  • VA Community Care Program: Provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when the VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.

How do these programs work together?

Medicare, VA benefits, and TRICARE for Life can work together to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for Veterans. For example, a Veteran who is dual eligible could use Medicare for doctor visits and hospital stays, VA benefits for prescription drugs, and TRICARE for Life for copays and deductibles.

How can I choose the right combination of benefits for me?

The best way to choose the right combination of benefits for you is to speak with a healthcare advisor who specializes in Veterans’ benefits. They can help you understand your options and choose the plan that best meets your needs.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a combination of benefits:

  • Your health needs: What types of care do you need most?
  • Your budget: How much can you afford to pay for healthcare each month?
  • Your preferences: Do you prefer to see VA doctors or non-VA doctors?

VA Benefits, Medicare & TRICARE

Understanding  Medicare, VA benefits, and TRICARE for Life can be complex. Still, it is important for Veterans to understand their options so they can choose the right combination of coverage for their needs. By speaking with a healthcare advisor who specializes in Veterans’ benefits, Veterans can get the help they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

  • The importance of choosing the right combination of benefits: there are a variety of benefits available to Veterans, and the best combination for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It’s important to speak with a healthcare advisor who specializes in Veterans’ benefits to help you understand your options and choose the plan that best meets your needs.
  • The cost of healthcare: Healthcare costs can be a significant financial burden for Veterans, especially those with chronic health conditions. It’s important to factor in the cost of healthcare when choosing a combination of benefits. Some plans may have lower premiums, but they may also have higher out-of-pocket costs. Finding a plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs is important.
  • The availability of care: It’s also important to consider the availability of care when choosing a combination of benefits. Some plans may have a wider network of providers than others. If you live in a rural area, you may want to choose a plan with a wider network to have more care options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Veterans need to enroll in Medicare if they have VA benefits? Enrolling in Medicare at age 65 is not mandatory for Veterans with VA benefits. However, opting out may result in a lack of coverage for services received outside the VA health system. If a Veteran chooses not to enroll in Medicare, they may be responsible for paying the full cost of any healthcare services they receive outside of the VA health system. This could be a significant financial burden, especially for Veterans with chronic health conditions.

2. Can Veterans have both VA benefits and Medicare? Veterans with VA health benefits can be enrolled in both VA benefits and Medicare. This dual enrollment offers more care options and financial security.

3. How does the coordination between VA benefits and Medicare work? VA benefits and Medicare are separate systems. VA care is received from VA doctors or facilities, while Medicare care is provided by Medicare-authorized facilities.

4. What happens if a Veteran doesn’t enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period? Suppose a Veteran delays Medicare enrollment and lacks employer-sponsored coverage. In that case, they may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31 each year) to enroll, potentially facing financial penalties.

5. Can Veterans access prescription drugs with both VA benefits and Medicare? VA benefits include prescription drug coverage. However, Veterans with Medicare Part D can access prescriptions from non-VA doctors and local pharmacies. It may not be as comprehensive as Medicare Part D coverage. Veterans with Medicare Part D may access a wider range of prescription drugs and pay lower copays.

6. How does TRICARE for Life work with Medicare? TRICARE for Life acts as supplemental coverage to Medicare. It reduces out-of-pocket costs and covers services not included in Medicare, such as healthcare outside the U.S.

7. What happens to TRICARE coverage when Veterans become eligible for Medicare? Traditional TRICARE coverage ends, and Veterans transition to TRICARE for Life upon Medicare eligibility. When Veterans become eligible for Medicare, they must either enroll in traditional TRICARE or TRICARE for Life. Traditional TRICARE is more expensive than TRICARE for Life, so most Veterans choose to transition to TRICARE for Life.

8. Is enrollment in Medicare Part B necessary for TRICARE for Life?Yes, maintaining TRICARE for Life coverage requires enrollment in Medicare Part B. This applies even if Veterans are still working.  This is because TRICARE for Life is a supplemental program that only covers costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.

9. Do Veterans have to pay for Medicare Part A? Medicare Part A is cost-free for most beneficiaries who have paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. Veterans who have not paid enough quarters may have to pay a monthly premium. However, Part B comes with a monthly premium.

10. Can TRICARE for Life beneficiaries skip enrolling in Medicare Part D?  Yes, TRICARE for Life beneficiaries can skip enrolling in Medicare Part D, as they are covered under the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. However, some Veterans may choose to enroll in Medicare Part D for additional coverage or to have access to a wider range of prescription drugs.

11. Is a Medicare supplement necessary with TRICARE for Life? No, TRICARE for Life serves as a Medicare supplement, eliminating the need for a separate Medigap policy. Medigap policies are private insurance plans that can help cover the Medicare coverage gaps. 

12. How do VA benefits, TRICARE for Life, and Medicare interact when seeking medical care? VA benefits and Medicare operate independently. Care received must adhere to the specific system’s guidelines, with the potential for overlap in certain cases. VA benefits, TRICARE for Life, and Medicare operate independently. This means that veterans must be aware of the specific rules and regulations for each program when seeking medical care. For example, Veterans may need to get prior authorization from the VA before they can see a non-VA doctor or hospital under the TRICARE for Life program.

13. Why might Veterans consider enrolling in both VA benefits and Medicare? Enrolling in both offers comprehensive coverage, broader care choices, and financial stability, especially in uncertain future funding scenarios. Veterans may consider enrolling in both VA benefits and Medicare for a variety of reasons, including:

  • To have comprehensive coverage for both in- and out-of-VA care
  • To have broader care choices, including the ability to see non-VA doctors and hospitals
  • To have financial stability, as Medicare can help to offset the cost of out-of-pocket expenses

14. Can Veterans access non-VA healthcare facilities with TRICARE for Life? TRICARE for Life beneficiaries can access participating and non-participating Medicare providers, expanding their care options. This gives Veterans more flexibility when choosing a healthcare provider.

15. How do Veterans avoid coverage gaps when transitioning to TRICARE for Life? Enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B before turning 65 is essential to ensure a seamless transition to TRICARE for Life coverage. Veterans can avoid coverage gaps when transitioning to TRICARE for Life by enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B before turning 65. This will ensure that they have continuous coverage when they become eligible for TRICARE for Life.