Three programs serve veterans & families
| Program | Who it's for | The Medicare rule |
|---|---|---|
| VA Healthcare | Veterans who qualify by service | Creditable for Part D — not for Part B |
| TRICARE for Life | Military retirees & their spouses | Needs Parts A & B; pays after Medicare |
| CHAMPVA | Spouses/dependents of P&T-disabled veterans | Needs Parts A & B; pays after Medicare |
Remember these
VA Healthcare is NOT Medicare Part B coverage
Delaying Part B can cause a lifelong penalty — 10% for each full 12 months without it. VA care is creditable for Part D. The Part B decision
- You can keep VA Healthcare and a Medicare Advantage plan — they don't interfere with each other.
- TFL & CHAMPVA pay after Medicare, like a Supplement. Each has a $3,000 annual catastrophic cap per family, per calendar year.
- Creditable drug coverage SEP: with two forms of creditable drug coverage you may switch to an MA-only plan — not an MAPD.
What you might pay in 2026 (examples — confirm your amounts)
| Medicare Part B | $202.90/mo premium · $283 annual deductible |
| VA copays (Group 8 examples) | Primary $15 · Specialist $50 · Inpatient up to $1,736 |
| VA prescriptions (90-day) | $0 / $15 / $24 / $33 by tier · $700 annual cap |
Your next step
You have options: keep Original Medicare, add a Part D drug plan, or consider Medicare Advantage. There's no single right answer — the best fit depends on your health, budget, and how you like to get care.
Learn more: Medicare.gov · 1-800-MEDICARE | va.gov | tricare.mil/tfl | CHAMPVA 800-733-8387
Sources (2026): Medicare.gov · VA.gov (health care copay rates; CHAMPVA care) · TRICARE.mil (2026 TRICARE For Life cost matrix) · CMS.gov. Benefit amounts shown are examples and can change.