Medicare and Veteran’s Benefits

How do they handle claims if you have both coverages?

Do you want to sign up for Medicare A & B?

Pros & Cons of having both VA & Medicare?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait to get into the hospital or see a doctor?

San Diego Union Tribune 4.13.2017 New Website to tell you

VHA’s enrollment system one year ago had roughly 867,000 “pending” records. VA’s OIG found that about 35% of the pending claims were for veterans who investigators determined were deceased (Muchmore, Modern Healthcare, 9/2)  CA Health Line 9.3.2015

I have Medicare and Veteran’s benefits.

Who pays first?

If you have or can get both Medicare and Veterans benefits, you can get treatment under either program. * ^{medicare.gov/32996} *    When you get health care, you must choose which benefits you are going to use. You must make this choice each time you see a doctor or get health care, like in a hospital. Medicare cannot pay for the same service that was covered by Veterans benefits, and your Veterans benefits cannot pay for the same service that was covered by Medicare. You do not have to go to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital or to a doctor who works with the VA for Medicare to pay for the service. However, to get services paid by VA, you must go to a VA facility or have the VA authorize services in a non-VA facility.

Are there any situations when both Medicare and VA can pay?

Yes. If the VA authorizes services in a non-VA hospital, but doesn’t pay for all of the services you get during your hospital stay, then Medicare may pay for the Medicare-covered part of the services that the VA does not pay for.

Example: John, a veteran, goes to a non-VA hospital for a service that is authorized by the VA. While at the non-VA hospital, John gets other non-VA authorized services that the VA refuses to pay for. Some of these services are Medicare-covered services. Medicare may pay for some of the non-VA authorized services that John received. John will have to pay for services that are not covered by Medicare or the VA.

Can Medicare help pay my VA co-payment?

Sometimes. The VA charges a co-payment to some veterans. The co-payment is your share of the cost of your treatment, and is based on income. Medicare may be able to pay all or part of your co-payment if you are billed for VA-authorized care by a doctor or hospital that is not part of the VA.

 I have a VA fee basis ID card.

Who pays first?

The VA gives fee basis ID cards to certain veterans. You may be given a fee basis card if: •You have a service connected disability; •You will need medical services for an extended period of time; or •There are no VA hospitals in your area.

If you have a fee basis ID card, you may choose any doctor that is listed on your card to treat you for the condition. If the doctor accepts you as a patient and bills the VA for services, the doctor must accept the VA’s payment as payment in full. The doctor may not bill either you or Medicare for any charges. If your doctor doesn’t accept the fee basis ID card, you will need to file a claim with the VA yourself. The VA will pay the approved amount to either you or your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

You can get more information on Veterans’ benefits scrolling through this page  and other pages on our site.  by calling your local VA office, or the national VA information number 1-800-827-1000 . Or, you can use a computer to look on the Internet at www.va.gov. If you do not have a computer, your local library or senior center may be able to help you get this information using their computer.

If I have additional question on my Medicare coverage, who do I call?

1.800.Medicare   ssa.gov

Or of course, this private website.  [email protected]

VA Mission Act of 2018
Official Website

Beginning June 6, 2019, under the MISSION Act, * Brochure *  FAQ’s  * you’ll have more ways to access health care. This includes within VA’s network and through approved non-VA medical providers in your community, called “community care providers.” 

Find VA Locations & Community Care Providers  

Depending on your situation—for example, if a certain type of health service isn’t provided by VA—you may be able to go to a non-VA provider, using your VA coverage.

How does this program work with other Insurance? 

Here’s what we have so far on taxes if you are in the military.

IRS has resources to help military personnel and veterans understand taxes

The IRS provides Tax Information for Members of the Military to help them meet their unique tax obligations. Here are some topics that affect current and former military personnel, along with resources where they can go to find more information.

Military status
A taxpayer’s military status affects their eligibility for certain benefits.

• Check out these links:
  Military status

Combat zones
There are rules specific to those who are serving in a combat zone.

• Check out these links:
  Tax Exclusion for Combat Service
  Notifying the IRS by E-mail about Combat Zone Service

Overseas service
There are also special rules for people serving abroad.

• Check out this link:
  Armed Forces Tax Guide

Special situations
Active members of the Armed Forces might have questions about travel expenses, IRA contribution rules, and moving expenses.

• Check out this link:
  Armed Forces Tax Guide

Disabled veterans
There are resources available to disabled veterans to help them understand employment and retirement benefits. These resources help these veterans find out where to get free tax help. They can also find IRS forms and publications in formats accessible for people with disabilities.

• Check out these links:
  Frequently asked questions about the Uniformed Services and Reemployment Rights Act and the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940
  Resources for Disabled Veterans

Get free tax help
Most military installations offer free income tax assistance; contact your legal office for more information.  Veterans may also qualify for free tax help at locations nationwide if they meet income or age requirements.

• Check out this link:
  Free help from volunteers

Does child support end when a child enters the Military?