VA Benefits without Medicare After Age 65

VA Benefits without Medicare After Age 65

Question: I am a veteran about to turn 65. I am on Social Security and make 780.00 a month. I go to the VA for medical. Am I required to sign up for Medicare or can I just use the VA?

Answer:  You may continue to just use the VA. You are not required to sign up for Medicare, BUT…  You will receive Medicare Part A premium free, so long as you have earned enough work credits, and because you are receiving Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B. You may contact Social Security and decline Medicare Part B. If you choose to do this, should you ever decide you want or need Part B, you may only apply during general enrollment, January through March of each year, and Part B will not begin until July of that year. You will also be assessed a premium penalty based on the length of time you have gone without Part B coverage. 

While you don’t have to, I advise you to, enroll in Medicare Part B. There is a very good possibility, based on your income, that you would qualify for extra help through Social Security paying your Part B premium. Whatever you decide, you will need to contact Social Security – 1-800-772-1213. Here is a link to a Medicare Publication about who pays first when you have other health insurance and Medicare   http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/02179.pdf

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.

Be Sure to Read my Book, Available at Amazon.com
 

 

 

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.