Medicare and VA coverage
VA provides healthcare coverage that is different from the healthcare system than Medicare. Typically, these systems do not interact with each other, so it is often up to the veteran to understand what coverage is provided by each plan.
VA healthcare coverage
VA healthcare covers services for medical conditions that are both service and non-service related. To receive 100 percent coverage, you have to seek care in a VA hospital.
If you receive care in a non-VA medical facility, you may need to pay a copay. In some cases, the VA may authorize care in non-VA facilities, but this may be approved before treatment.
Medicare coverage
So, what if you receive care in a non-VA facility for a condition that’s not service-related and isn’t covered by your VA insurance plan? In this case your Medicare will help, if you are over 65.
Opting into a part of Medicare allows you to build a more comprehensive healthcare coverage for yourself. You will also be less likely to pay high out-of-pocket costs.
Here are the different parts of a Medicare.