Do you need Medicare if you have VA benefits?

Choosing between VA benefits and Medicare is not an either/or choice. You can have both. In fact, the Veterans Administration (VA) encourages eligible veterans to sign up for Medicare.1 And if you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may enjoy valuable additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing care—even prescription drug coverage—with a low or, in some areas, a $0 monthly plan premium.

How does Medicare work with VA health care coverage?

If you qualify for veterans’ healthcare benefits and you choose to enroll in Medicare, you can opt to get treatment under either program. But you’ll need to decide which benefits program you want to use before receiving care.

Don’t miss out on valuable Medicare coverage options

The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated healthcare system, serving 9 million enrolled veterans each year.2 But members of the military pay Social Security payroll taxes, so they may qualify for Medicare coverage, as well.

You can have both.

Veterans Crisis Line

Humana cares about your emotional health. If you’re a veteran in crisis, or if you're concerned about one, dial 988, then press 1 to access free, confidential support from the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7, 365 days a year.

Explore Medicare Advantage plans with veterans in mind, but available to anyone eligible for Medicare

A Humana Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t replace your Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage—it complements it. Choose between VA healthcare providers or civilian doctors, pharmacies and specialists to maximize your benefits. Explore plans in your area today!

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What to consider before selecting a Medicare plan

Here are some things to keep in mind as you explore your Medicare options.

Cost

If you worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years, you’re eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. Part A helps provide hospital coverage, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and home healthcare.

For 2025, the standard premium for Medicare Part B, which helps cover outpatient care and durable medical equipment, among other services, is $185.

Coverage

Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. These are called MAPD plans and they give you the option of filling covered prescriptions at your local pharmacy instead of through the VA system.

Convenience

The VA health system provides care for millions of veterans each year at its 1,255 facilities, including 170 medical centers and more than 1,000 outpatient sites across the country.2 However, it generally doesn’t cover care outside of those locations. If your nearest VA facility isn’t convenient to you, a Medicare Advantage plan may help you access care closer to home.

Choice

A Medicare Advantage plan offers options. You can see in-network doctors and hospitals that may be closer to home. And if you’re dealing with a serious or confusing healthcare issue, you can get a second opinion from a doctor outside the VA system.

How can we help?

Call us

Licensed Humana sales agents are available daily, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

1-888-204-4062 (TTY: 711)

See plans in your area

Enter your ZIP code below to see plans with their premiums, copays, and participating doctors and pharmacies.

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Request a call

Our licensed Humana sales agents are available to help you select the coverage that best meets your needs. 

Sources

  1. VA Health Care and Other Insurance,” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, last accessed Nov. 13, 2024.
  2. About VHA,” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, last accessed Nov. 13, 2024.