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Q708: I presently retired and do all of my doctoring and pharmacy with the VA. I am listed at 90% disability. Is it necessary that I also keep and pay for a supplemental health insurance and Medicare?
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A1: I am 90% with 100% unworkability do to my health. I was told by the VA that I have to have the extra insurance "in case something happens to me that isn't covered"..WHAT?? but I've been paying for Medicare for over 15 years and have never used it as all my medical is covered under the 100%... Doctor care..medicines,vitimans, dental and eye care. Good luck and I hope this helps you. (RB) 5/1/21
A2: If you are officially Retired from the military and on Medicare, you should have Tricare-For-Life (TFL). TFL is a government-provided Medicare supplement - you need No Other. Do Not purchase a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, either, use your VA pharmacy benefit. (DJ) 5/1/21
A3: I would and have. I don't trust any of them VA or private. Have so far made it to 76 yrs old. (AS) 5/1/21
A4: IF & when you collect your s.s., you will be paying for medicare, and your tri-care for life can be youssuppermental insurance. (LB) 5/1/21
A5: Do you have other family members that you insure? If so, do not drop your insurance, this includes your wife if she is not a Veteran and you do not have TriCare. If you drop your other insurance, you will never get the rate back again with your insurance Company. Best thing to do is call your insurance and talk to them on what would happen if you cancelled your policy and how much it would be to reinstate it at a later date. You may be grandfathered in at a cheaper rate if you got it through the company you use to work for. It could cost you more in the long run. (GS) 5/1/21
A6: I am 100% and I keep both only because there are some procedures that I do not want the V.A. to do. I want surgeons or specialist I don't have to worry. In some cases I can get the V.A. to pay for these but they usually still want to pick the Dr, and make your appointment for you. That is why I do supplement and medicare though it costs me about 300.00 month to do so. It is your choice and you do not have to have anything else. I would not want V.A. drs. for something major as Cancer etc. (AB) 5/3/21