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Question about Medicare and the VA

Ruger4meRuger4me Member, Moderator Posts: 3,793 ******
in General Discussion

I've been using the VA for doctor visits and RX for about 2 years now, I co not have a disability rating so have to pay copays for the RX, Also been on Social Security retirement for a about a year longer than that and now this February Medicare kicks in and I have to make choice of which "Plans" to select, I already received my Medicare card from the SSA and have checked both the VA and "My Social Security" websites but for those of you that know, how do the VA and Medicare work together? I know it makes a difference depending on where you live for costs and plans available, but trying to figure out options and what others have chose to use...

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Comments

  • FrogdogFrogdog Member Posts: 2,992 ✭✭✭✭

    I believe it works the same way as Medicare and Tricare. Medicare is “Primary” and VA is “Secondary” for anything they would cover.

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  • hillbillehillbille Member Posts: 14,393 ✭✭✭✭

    medicare does not reimburse the VA so if you plan to stay with VA only no use to keep medicare, if you prefer a Dr. outside the VA or treatment outside the VA, then by all means keep medicare and get a supplemental plan, just remember these do not pay towards any of your VA copayments for treatment or prescriptions.

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  • navc130navc130 Member Posts: 1,246 ✭✭✭
    1. What hillbille said is accurate.
    2. The VA is a totally separate / independent medical operation. It has NOTHING to do with Medicare or any medical insurance company, i.e. absolutely NO interaction. It is there to use as you wish in addition to any other medical plan you have.
    3. I also thought the same as you when I started to use the VA but soon learned the facts. The VA has loads of info out there and would be happy to talk to you in person or telephone. Talking to someone who is using the VA would be helpful. Good luck.
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  • Ruger4meRuger4me Member, Moderator Posts: 3,793 ******

    Thank guys for the info thus far. I'm trying to figure it out, but it is kind of overwhelming with so many 6-9 a week of agents sending info on this plan or that one through the USPO and also email... the SSA website shows me the plans that are available in my zip code, Did any of you use an agent (either independent or with the actual insurance Co. that offer the advantage plans)? I don't trust the AARP since they back policies that aren't conservative. And thank you @navc130 I may send you a pm to set up a call, unless you happen to be in the North Texas area.

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  • chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,083 ✭✭✭✭

    Depending upon how long you served, you may be able to get meds free providing you live near a military base that has a pharmacy.

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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,433 ✭✭✭✭

    I have Medicare and Tricare, but also keep my VA account active as a tertiary resource. In the unlikely event that I got sick outside the US, neither Medi nor Tri would cover, but VA would.

    I use the VA for hearing aids and an annual physical. That's all. But that keeps me "on the books".

    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • elubsmeelubsme Member Posts: 2,191 ✭✭✭✭

    For more accurate and detailed information, ask this question on the military forum.

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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,886 ✭✭✭✭

    Hopefully you signed up for both Medicare Part A AND Part B. Part A is free to most of us who worked & had premiums deducted from our pay; part B is currently about $170/ month, & pays for doctor fees, outpatient care & other care that Part A doesn't cover. Both parts still don't cover every possible expense, so folks who can afford it will buy "medi-gap" insurance to cover the "gap".

    Neal

    "If you think that health care is expensive now, wait until it's free." -- unknown

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