Veterans and Medicare Eligibility

How Medicare works with veteran health benefits

If you’re a veteran or military retiree turning 65, you may be eligible for Medicare in addition to health insurance through TRICARE or Veterans Affairs (VA). Understanding how these programs work together can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you get the care and prescription drug coverage you need.

Medicare, TRICARE, and VA benefits are all health insurance programs — but they don’t automatically coordinate with each other. The way they work together depends on your eligibility and where you're receiving care. For example, Medicare generally doesn’t cover services from a VA doctor unless the care is provided outside the VA system.

This page will help you explore how your Medicare coverage fits with:

• TRICARE: If you or a family member served in the military, you may qualify for TRICARE for Life. You’ll learn how enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B affects your benefits, including how Medicare pays first and TRICARE covers remaining costs for eligible services and prescription drugs. Learn more about TRICARE and Medicare.
• VA health benefits: If you receive care through the VA, it’s important to know that VA and Medicare do not work together. Medicare won’t pay for care at VA facilities. But enrolling in Medicare gives you more flexibility to receive care in non-VA facilities and access prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D. Learn more about VA benefits and Medicare.

Understanding how these programs work together can help you plan for future care and avoid unexpected costs.