How Medicare works with Tricare and Veterans Affairs programs

Veterans Affairs and Tricare are for those who have served in the military. Veterans Affairs (VA) is for former military members. Tricare is for current and former military members.

If you have VA benefits, you are restricted to care and treatment received within the VA hospital to receive coverage. Just like with prescriptions – if your prescription is written by a doctor not affiliated with VA, and you try to use a pharmacy affiliated with VA, then your prescription will not be filled.

That’s why it’s a good idea to get Medicare. You will have more options as to what healthcare facilities you can have access to for your coverage.

Tricare for Life and Medicare

Tricare is a healthcare program for current and former military members. Tricare itself is a separate program, and the treatments are limited to healthcare services that allow for Tricare coverage. But it does combine well with Medicare.

You can get Tricare for Life by enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare will pay first, then Tricare will cover whatever expenses are left. This option is even more affordable than a Medigap plan. You must stay enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to maintain coverage. You can also still enroll in Part D for additional prescription drug coverage.

Tricare for Life also works with Medicare Advantage. However, it may be a good idea to assess your options. When you get Medicare Advantage, you become limited to healthcare facilities within your plan’s network, which leaves you with fewer options in terms of where you can get treatment. Also, your prescription drug coverage may be more limited because your coverage depends on the Medicare Advantage plan you choose to join.

If you have any questions about Medicare as it relates to Veterans Affairs or Tricare, call us today.

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We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.