Medicare-eligible Veterans

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• When members of the military leave active duty, your eligibility for VA Health Care and other health care coverage depends on your service history and other factors.
• If you are RETIRED MILITARY, your TRICARE For Life requires you to purchase Medicare Part B when you turn age 65.  The 2025 monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $185.00 .To sign up for Medicare Part B:
  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
  • Sign up online at www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
  • Local Social Security office 
  • Necessary Documents:  Go to www.ssa.gov
• If you have VA Health Care, you do not have to purchase Medicare Part B. However, there may be reasons for this group to purchase Medicare Part B. The VA recommends you sign up for Medicare as soon as you can. Please use this link to the VA website to confirm this statement and learn more: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/va-health-care-and-other-insurance/
  • Veterans should know that there are additional benefit options available to them outside their government plans.  Many insurance companies offer a type of plan called Medicare Advantage that is designed for veterans who have reached age 65. 
  • Each insurance company’s plan for Veterans is different from the competition. Veterans should work with an insurance agent who is able to compare and contrast the available plans from multiple insurance companies. 

• The VA recommends you sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B during your initial enrollment period at 65, unless you also have group insurance from a current employer. 
  • Source: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/va-health-care-and-other-insurance/)

1. More options

Medicare gives veterans more options for their care, including access to non-VA hospitals and doctors. 

2.  Avoid penalties

Signing up for Medicare during the initial enrollment period can help veterans avoid paying a penalty for late enrollment if you choose to enroll for Medicare Part B at a later date. 

3. Future funding

The VA encourages veterans to sign up for every health care benefit they're eligible for, as funding for VA health care could change in the future.