Part B or VA health care

[Shawnpheneghan]

Thanks, I did a bit more looking and found out that Yes, your open enrollment period is 6 months after you enroll in part B. - not when I become eligible for part b.

My bad for posting inaccurate info above.

[Ariadne22]

Don't feel bad - Medicare rules are a continual learning experience for everyone. Lenora calls it "hide the ball."

[Indianapolis Jones]

Originally Posted by Shawnpheneghan

I will be 65 in a few months and eligible for Medicare. Should I sign up for Medicare Part B. or continue with VA health coverage?

I have been getting all of my care from the VA for 7 years now. I am eligible for the Choice Program but opted to continue getting my care at the VA - they do a better job than putting up with the rural hospital that is "convenient". Choice care is a temporary program that may not be continued. I also get free van rides to the hospital - while not convenient it is inexpensive.

Medicare Part A is free and is obviously a no-brainer.

As to part B. It costs money (est. 149/mo), and still has copays/deductibles etc. Regardless of Part B. I would have to see the VA doctors to get my prescriptions - or pay for Part D coverage in addition to Part B.

So, the choice would seem to be
A. a "convenient" rural hospital with costs of 149/mo (for part B) plus 30-50/mo (for part D) plus copays etc. or
B. VA coverage - that is inconvenient but better than the rural coverage, free/mo., and has copays that have never cost me more than 100/month and often are nothing.

How is this even a question? I don't know but everything I read says to sign up for Part B and let the VA take care of Part D. But if I have to see the VA docs anyways to get drugs why not see them for everything and save money?

And, yes I know that if I don't sign up for Part B. (or D.) that the cost will go up by 10% for every year that I am not enrolled. It would take a decade to pay back the gain - not including the deductible costs.

I would appreciate hearing from others that have faced this situation - their decision and satisfaction with the outcome.

I like the VA and am encouraging my father (who turns 65 in a few weeks) to go that direction.