Veteran FAQs

As a veteran, you may already receive excellent health coverage through VA benefits, TRICARE for Life, or CHAMPVA. However, it’s important to understand how these programs work with Medicare — and where additional benefits may be available. Medicare Advantage plans can often complement your existing coverage by offering valuable extras such as dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter allowances, transportation, and wellness programs. Reviewing your options with a licensed agent ensures you get the most out of the benefits you’ve earned.

    • Do veterans with VA benefits need Medicare?
      → Yes. VA coverage is limited to VA facilities. Medicare allows access to non-VA doctors and hospitals.

    • What happens if I don’t enroll in Medicare when first eligible?
      → Late enrollment penalties may apply, and you could face gaps in coverage if your VA benefits change.

    • If you receive your health care directly through the VA, you can still choose to enroll in Medicare. Having Medicare in addition to your VA benefits gives you access to a wider network of providers and services outside of VA facilities. Medicare Advantage plans can also provide extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs that may not be available through VA coverage alone. Benefits offered vary by plan.

    • Contact us to compare how Medicare Advantage plans might enhance your coverage with extra benefits beyond VA care.

    • What is TRICARE for Life?
      → TFL is secondary coverage for retired military and their dependents once enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.

    • How do TRICARE for Life and Medicare work together?
      → Medicare pays first, TFL covers most remaining costs.

    • Do I need a Part D drug plan with TRICARE for Life?
      → No. TFL includes prescription drug coverage that is considered "creditable," so there is no penalty for not enrolling in Part D.

    • TRICARE for Life works together with Medicare to cover most of your medical needs. Medicare pays first, and TRICARE picks up most of the remaining costs. However, many veterans choose a Medicare Advantage plan for additional benefits not included under TRICARE, such as routine dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter allowances, fitness memberships, and more. These plans can complement your existing coverage and help cover services that matter to your overall health and quality of life. Benefits offered vary by plan.

    • What is CHAMPVA?
      → Health coverage for spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition.

    • Do CHAMPVA members need Medicare?
      → Yes, once eligible. CHAMPVA requires beneficiaries to have both Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare pays first, CHAMPVA pays secondary.

    • Prescription coverage:
      → CHAMPVA includes prescription drug benefits, considered creditable coverage, so Part D is not required.

    • CHAMPVA provides excellent coverage for eligible family members, but it does not include everything. Enrolling in Medicare and adding a Medicare Advantage plan can expand your options and could possibly provide valuable extras like prescription savings, transportation, preventive services, and routine care benefits (dental, vision, and hearing). These additional benefits can help fill in gaps and provide peace of mind for your family’s needs. Benefits offered vary by plan.

    • Do veterans need Medicare Part D?

      • VA coverage: If you only get prescriptions through the VA, you don’t need Part D. But it only works at VA pharmacies.

      • TFL and CHAMPVA: Both include drug coverage, so Part D is unnecessary (but some veterans choose Part D for access to local retail pharmacies).

    • What is creditable coverage?
      → It means coverage is at least as good as Medicare Part D, so you won’t be penalized later if you delay enrollment.

    • Will I pay Medicare premiums if I have VA, TFL, or CHAMPVA?
      → Yes. Everyone pays the Part B premium unless they qualify for Medicaid or assistance programs.

    • Do I need a Medicare Advantage plan?
      → While not required under TFL or CHAMPVA, Medicare Advantage plans may offer significant value—reach out and I can help you compare costs along with the extras that matter most to you.

    • Veteran with only VA benefits → Strongly advised to enroll in Medicare A & B.

    • Military retiree with TFL → Must enroll in A & B; no need for Medicare supplement or Part D.

    • Spouse/dependent with CHAMPVA → Must enroll in A & B; CHAMPVA works like a secondary plan.

    • Contact us to compare how Medicare Advantage plans might enhance your coverage with extra benefits beyond what you currently have.

    • VA Benefits: www.va.gov

    • TRICARE for Life: www.tricare.mil/tfl

    • CHAMPVA: www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/champva

    • Medicare: www.medicare.gov