For veterans
Veterans and Medicare
VA health care and Medicare are separate programs. The VA encourages eligible veterans to enroll in Medicare so they have more options, but the right coverage choice still depends on how and where you receive care.
- Reason 1
VA eligibility and priority groups can differ
VA eligibility and costs can depend on factors such as service history, disability status, income and priority group. The VA also notes that future funding could affect access for veterans in lower priority groups, which is one reason it encourages eligible veterans to keep other coverage.
- Reason 2
Medicare can broaden your non-VA options
The VA generally covers care at VA facilities and care it authorizes in the community. Medicare can cover eligible services from non-VA providers under Medicare's rules. If you use Medicare Advantage, the plan's network, prior-authorization and cost-sharing rules also apply, so check the plan rather than assuming every non-VA provider is covered.
- Reason 3
Delaying Part B can create a lasting penalty
VA health care by itself does not create a Part B Special Enrollment Period. If you delay Part B and do not have qualifying current-employment coverage, you may have to wait to enroll and may owe a late-enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B.
Medicare Advantage alongside VA health care
You can keep VA health care while enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, but the two programs do not pay together as primary and secondary insurance. You choose which benefit to use for each service. A Medicare Advantage plan may offer extra benefits, but its premium, network, authorization rules and cost sharing vary by plan and Arizona ZIP code.
Which plans are available, and at what premium, depends on your Arizona ZIP code. Comparing them is what we do at no cost to you. See how the plan types differ, or ask a licensed agent to run the numbers.
Check the official guidance
Read the VA’s current guidance on VA health care and other insurance and Medicare.gov’s explanation of late-enrollment penalties.
Veteran questions
- I am a veteran with health care coverage from the VA system. Do I need Medicare as well?
- VA health care and Medicare are separate programs. The VA encourages eligible veterans to sign up for Medicare so they have more options for non-VA care and protection if VA access changes. Part B timing deserves particular attention because VA coverage alone does not prevent a Part B late-enrollment penalty.
- Can I use a Medicare Advantage plan alongside my VA benefits?
- You can keep VA health care while enrolled in Medicare Advantage, but the programs do not coordinate like a primary and secondary plan. You choose which benefit to use for each service. Medicare Advantage premiums, networks, authorizations, costs and extra benefits vary by plan and location.
- What happens if I skip Part B and change my mind later?
- If you delay Part B and do not have qualifying current-employment group health coverage, you may have to wait to enroll and may owe a late-enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B. VA health care alone does not create the employment-based Special Enrollment Period.
Talk to an agent about using VA health care alongside Medicare
No separate client fee, no obligation, and no pressure. Tell us how to reach you and we will help you compare plan options from the carriers CSG represents that are available in your ZIP code.
Or explore our Medicare FAQs and latest articles.