Turned 65, use the VA, but do I need Medicare?

[shepcal]

Thought I saw something about this, did a search but can't find.

I have used the VA for about 15 years for most health issues, minor stuff I paid out of my pocket. Just signed up for Social Security. Have had an issue with my ankle for last 6 months and applied early at 65. I planned on trying to still work, altho much less, but with fractured ankle, work has been close to zilch. Consultation on ankle, another 3 weeks away.
My question to whoever, I receive a 10% service connected disability. I fell into the scare tactic of the government and signed up w/ Medicare to avoid penalties, but now understand I didn't need to. And when away from home, need to sign up for Veterans Choice Program.
Thought I did well when I hit 65. First made it. Home, old as it is, truck, and 'toys' are paid for.
Anyone opt out of Medicare and just use the VA? I have had excellent service from the VA, till this latest ankle problem. Hey there are those who have worse problems so I don't want to push it, but have to watch my pennies. Biggest problem, I live in CA.

Appreciate any replies, Thanks , Shep

[sdianel_-acct_c]

My husband is a 100% disabled veteran and uses the VA exclusively for his care. He did take Medicare Part A (hospital which also includes nursing home care and hospice). No premiums for that. You can use that anywhere in the US.
We did not take Medicare Part B for doctors. We go home for routine doctor appointments. Chuckbear is correct. You will not be able to use the Veterans Choice Plan (read the rules). If you use the VA in other regions you are not in their system and will need to go to the regional office and sign up to get in their system. If it's an emergency you can go to any VA emergency room or any other emergency. If it's a non VA facility emergency room they will need to pre-approve your treatment with your home VA office. Make sure you get the full name and the phone humber of the person the hospital spoke to at the VA. We have only had to use the VA once when we were out of state for an emergency. The cost was $800 and the VA tried to deny it claiming the hospital never called to pre approve the care and that we should have traveled 1.5 hours to the regional VA office ER for treatment!! After 2 years the Florida VA finally paid the bill. If you have a medical problem that will require doctors as you travel and it's not feasible to return to your home VA doctors, I would go ahead and get Medicare Part B. In that case you might also want a supplement to pay for what Medicare doesn't pay.

[chuckbear]

The VA does not pay for a private doctors care. You can apply for outside services if you live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or clinic, but service is routinely denied under the Veterans Choice plan. It is well known that this is just a publicity push by VA and not something they often will allow. If you do not follow up on appointments and doctors visits at the VA, they can stop your benefits and you will have to reapply and go through the entire process all over again. Not sure what your question is regarding 10% for doctors visits. Everyone in the VA system is issued an ID card and it must be presented when you visit a facility for care. You are not required to be retired military to receive benefits. Chuck

[Crazy_Ray]

Shep a few questions.1.. Are you on Tricare for life. 2.What does VA 10% pay for
Dr visit.. Do you have a VA card. Toymaker who told you can lose yo

ur VA benefits if you don't got to the VA??
Shep are you retired from military

[toymaker10]

I only go to the VA for hearing aids and eye exams and my nine month visit for lab and Dr just to keep my VA benefits everything else through Medicare

[WyoTraveler]

The problem is if you sign up late for medicare there is a penalty. My penalty is $50 a month. I had employer Blue Cross. Problem is DRs and hospitals see you walk in. They give you great treatment but the 20% was killing our pocketbook. Medicare and a 20% plan worked out better for us $$$ wise.

[VoodooMedicineM]

I have VA
I also have Humana HMO
I find the local doctor much more thorough than the VA

[chuckbear]

Part B has nothing to do with VA coverage. It will cover you for private doctors visits and care as well as ambulance transportation if needed and a VA facility is not nearby. Chuck

[donn0128]

Medicare part A is automatic.
Medicare part B is not mandatory to use VA benefits
If you choose like a lot of vets to have a suppliment for better coverage, then buy part B for around $125 a month then go shopping for one of the suppliment carriers. These can run from free to hundreds a month. The more you pay the lower your copays.

[chuckbear]

Shep, You absolutely want to sign up. The VA will not cover a lot of things unless you are treated at a VA facility. If one is not available you will probably not get them to cover anything unless it was a life or death emergency and even then... If your traveling far from home, it's an excellent backup. In addition, don't skip part B just because you have the VA. I have been down this road and believe me, they will not look out for your best interest. Chuck

[We_Cant_Wait]

I know that if I don't sign up for Medicare at 65, that I will NOT have my Tricare benefits.