Veteran Turning 65/Medical Benefits v. Medicare

[follow maggie]

  Received my 100% disability 2 1/2 yrs ago after 3yrs of appeals and record searches. I'm 73 and have kept my medicare "just in case". Maybe I should look into opting out and save the $130 a month. What do you think?

I’ve used both Medicare & the VA. The private practice doctors provide much higher quality care than the VA.

[Brushbuster]

I recently signed up for VA health care so I am still learning about what it will cover. I already have Kaiser Permanente through my State Retirement & Medicare. I know the VA pays better on some of my medical stuff, but I am reluctant to drop Kaiser. ($178pm). It seems like the VA takes longer to be seen. It will be 2 1/2 months before I have my first intake appt with a dr/pa. Learning as I go.

[Encore 280]

If you need help with getting disability paperwork started and submitted have DAV give you a helping hand. They did all my paperwork and submitted it. I'm more than happy with them.

[Brushbuster]

If you need help with getting disability paperwork started and submitted have DAV give you a helping hand. They did all my paperwork and submitted it. I'm more than happy with them.

For me: Paperwork & exams are completed just waiting on the VA to review them. I quickly learned you want to use a VSO that is knowledgeable & you are comfortable working with. They are volunteers & vary in their skill level. Right now I am using State of WA Veterans Admin that did my initial claim in 2007. 

[tankcdr66]

Once you hit social security age you go on Medicare as your primary medical coverage and any other medical insurance (TRICARE, VA, Blue Cross, etc) become the secondary payer.  Hope this helps.

Tony
COL, USA Retired

[pianoman9701]

Once you hit social security age you go on Medicare as your primary medical coverage and any other medical insurance (TRICARE, VA, Blue Cross, etc) become the secondary payer.  Hope this helps.

Tony
COL, USA Retired

Thanks, Tony.