Understanding Medicare for Veterans
Veterans who are eligible for Social Security Disability or retirement benefits may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), providing essential medical coverage for people 65 and older or those with qualifying disabilities. Veterans with both VA and SSA benefits often wonder how these programs interact. Speaking with a veteran disability lawyer in California can help ensure you’re getting the full range of healthcare benefits available to you.
Medicare Benefits for Veterans
Social Security and Medicare Eligibility
If you’ve paid into Social Security through your work history — including military service — you may be eligible for Medicare. There are two primary ways veterans qualify:
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Age-Based Medicare: You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and eligible for Part B when you turn 65 and are receiving Social Security benefits.
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Disability-Based Medicare: If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare is divided into parts:
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Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
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Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
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Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare, offered through private insurers, combining Parts A & B and often including drug coverage.
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Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Covers outpatient prescription medications.
Veterans with VA health benefits may still want to enroll in Medicare to access more care options and avoid coverage gaps outside the VA system.
Can I Have Both VA Health Care and Medicare?
Yes. Veterans can have both VA health care and Medicare coverage. These systems do not conflict. In fact, having both can be beneficial:
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VA benefits only cover services provided at VA facilities.
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Medicare provides coverage at non-VA facilities, allowing greater flexibility and access to care.
Enrolling in Medicare Part B is especially important if you want to avoid future penalties or anticipate needing non-VA care. To learn more about how these systems work together, visit our veteran disability lawyer services page.
Applying for Medicare
Veterans can apply for Medicare in one of the following ways:
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Online at ssa.gov/medicare
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By calling 1-800-772-1213
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In person at your local Social Security office
If you’re receiving SSDI or retirement benefits, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
Was Your Medicare Enrollment Denied or Delayed?
Sometimes veterans face issues when applying for Medicare due to missed enrollment windows or misinformation about eligibility. If this has happened to you, our attorneys at Peña & Bromberg can help. Learn more about how we handle veteran disability claim denials.
Need Help Understanding Your Medicare Options?
Navigating both SSA and VA benefits can be overwhelming. At Peña & Bromberg, we help veterans understand how Medicare fits into their broader benefits picture. Whether you’re approaching age 65 or receiving disability benefits, we’ll make sure you get the medical coverage you deserve.
