Official government resource · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Health Care & Medicare

How VA benefits work alongside Medicare — and why most veterans still enroll in Part B.

Publisher
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Format
Web
Last reviewed
January 15, 1970

What it is

A VA and Medicare.gov reference explaining how VA health care and Medicare coordinate. VA coverage does not replace Medicare, and delaying Part B enrollment can create a life-long late-enrollment penalty if you later need care outside a VA facility.

Who should read this

  • Veterans approaching age 65.
  • Veterans considering whether to enroll in Part B.
  • Family members helping a veteran plan for non-VA care.

Key topics covered

VA and Part BCare outside the VACommunity CareLate-enrollment penalty

Related on Medicare Caddies

No dead ends — keep walking the course