VA health care and Medicare
VA benefits and Medicare are separate. VA covers care at VA facilities; Medicare covers care at non-VA doctors and hospitals. Many veterans keep both so they have options. If you delay Part B while relying only on VA care, you could face a late penalty if you sign up later.
TRICARE For Life
If you are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare, you generally must have both Part A and Part B to keep TRICARE coverage. TRICARE For Life then works as secondary coverage after Medicare.
Drug coverage
VA and TRICARE drug coverage are generally considered creditable, which means you may not need a Part D plan to avoid a penalty. Some veterans still choose one for pharmacy convenience.
This guide is general education, not advice about a specific plan. Rules and amounts can change each year.
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