You can have both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, but Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. Medicare does not pay for any care that you receive at a VA facility. In order for your VA coverage to cover your care, you must generally receive health care services
VA benefits basics
If you are a veteran–meaning you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for a required period of time and received an honorable discharge or release–you may be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. VA benefits are administered by the federal government and include pensions, educational stipends, and
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and Medicare
Retiree insurance and Medicare
Retiree coverage and Part D
Some retiree insurance plans offer prescription drug coverage. If your retiree insurance offers creditable drug coverage and you prefer it to Part D, you can delay Part D enrollment without penalty. Even if your retiree drug coverage is not creditable, you may want to keep it if you have high
Retiree insurance and Medicare coordination
Retiree insurance is almost always secondary to Medicare, meaning it pays after Medicare and may provide coverage for Medicare cost-sharing, like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Deciding whether to keep retiree coverage after you enroll in Medicare is a personal one that depends on your costs and anticipated health care needs.
Enrolling in Medicare with retiree insurance
Retiree insurance is a form of health coverage an employer may provide to former employees. Retiree insurance almost always pays second to Medicare. This means you need to enroll in Medicare to be fully covered. Some retiree policies require you to sign up for Parts A and B once you
Original Medicare appeals
Appealing a reduction in skilled nursing facility or home health care
You have rights if your skilled nursing facility (SNF) or home health agency (HHA) decides to reduce your care because it believes Medicare will no longer cover it. Be aware that the process is slightly different depending on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Also note
Original Medicare appeals if your care is ending
If you are receiving care from a hospital, skilled nursing facility (SNF), Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF), hospice, or home health agency and are told that Original Medicare will no longer pay for your care (meaning that you will be discharged), you have the right to a fast (expedited) appeal