Medicare Began July 1, 1966

On Facebook, Medicare Answers From Connie Posted:  Medicare recently had a birthday. When did Medicare begin?

ANSWER:  President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare in to law on July 30, 1965. Medicare was implemented the following year on July 1, 1966.

Medicare, Tricare for Life and Dental, Vision and Hearing Aid Benefits

Medicare, Tricare for Life and Coverage for Dental, Vision and Hearing Aids

Question:  Does Medicare cover dental care? vision? hearing aids? The person in question is on Medicare A&B with Tricare for Life as the supplement, and is also on Social Security disability.

Answer:  Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision or hearing aids. Here is a link to details:  http://blog.medicareanswersfromconnie.com/2011/03/medicare-coverage-for-dental-and-vision.html

Tricare for Life does provide some dental coverage; there are also some provisions for obtaining hearing aids. Here is a link to the Tricare For Life Handbook: 

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ProfileFilter.do;jsessionid=TvcL2V0SMv6TQpXGvzCyCf0yZWvB2dF2RchgpxqJTfWr1f0Zk8cJ!-1473747591?puri=%2Fhome%2Foverview%2FPlans%2FLearnAboutPlansAndCosts%2FTRICAREForLife

I think you’ll find the entire handbook helpful but be sure to check out Page 17 (hearing aids) and Page 21(provisions for dental care).

If the disability is service related, there is a very good possibility there are additional benefits available through the VA. Contact the VA to learn what benefits are available. Here’s a link to numbers for the VA:  https://iris.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1703 

For answers to your Medicare Questions or to request quotes on a Medicare Supplement or Part D Drug plan visit www.MedicareAnswersfromConnie.com.

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Medicare Eligibility

Medicare Eligibility

Question:  My job is one that does not require that I pay Social Security taxes. Will I be eligible for Medicare when I turn 65?

Answer:  It’s possible that you will be eligible for Medicare. Many city, state or federal employees, as well as some self-employed, do not pay Social Security taxes. However, there are 2 different taxes, a Social Security tax and a Medicare tax. Even if you aren't paying Social Security tax, you or your employer MAY still be paying Medicare tax. The only way to know is to look on your pay stub or W-2, it shows it in either of these places. It will say Medicare Tax.

Also, if you are married or were married for at least 10 years and your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you may qualify under your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s Medicare tax payment.

When did Medicare Start?

On Facebook, Medicare Answers From Connie asked:  When did Medicare Start?

July 1, 1966 - 7 people chose this one
April 30, 1942 - 2 people chose this one
In 1814, AFTER we took a little trip with Col. Jackson down the mighty Mississip - 0 people chose this one

July 1, 1966 is the correct answer! President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare Program in to law on July 30, 1965 and beneficiaries began receiving benefits the next year. Thank you for participating!

Medicare with VA Benefits

Medicare with VA Benefits

Question: I am 61, on VA disability, and get free health care except dental. When I turn 65 and get Medicare, will I still be able to go to the VA for medical care?


Answer: Qualified veterans may have and use Medicare and VA benefits at the same time.

You're several years away from 65, so bear in mind this answer is for current guidelines and those could change by the time you reach 65.

In most cases you will have your VA benefits and Medicare once you reach age 65. With VA, there are several levels of eligibility so it is important to contact VA as the time nears to find out exactly what your coverage will be.

Typically, to automatically receive Medicare Part A you must have a minimum number of credits earned from employment or receive them under a spouse's coverage. You can find out how your disability effects this requirement by calling Social Security (1-800-772-1213). You likely will need to enroll in Medicare Part B. There is a premium for Part B. Your disability and financial circumstances will effect what you are required to pay. Also, there is a penalty for enrolling outside your initial enrollment period if you are not covered under a qualified plan. VA can advise you on how your VA coverage fits these guidelines.

 Right now VA prescription coverage is considered "creditable coverage" to Medicare Part D -the drug plan for Medicare. This means you are not penalized for failing to enroll in a Medicare drug plan (Part D). You may have both Medicare Part D and VA but may only fill a prescription with one or the other, not both.

 You don't say how long you have been on VA disability. I have talked to some disabled veterans who are under 65 and because they qualify for Social Security Disability they begin receiving Medicare benefits in their 25th month of disability. VA benefits, in general, and disability benefits even more so, are complicated so be sure to check with VA for specifics to your situation.