Comparison of Medicare and VA Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a federally funded healthcare program for those who have served in the military or received an honorable discharge. Medicare is a federally funded program for those 65 years and older or with certain disabilities.

VA Benefits

• Those who have served in any of the armed services can receive health benefits from a VA health care facility. Health care is generally free for those with disabilities that are 50 percent service-related and POWs. All others pay co-pays of $10 to $15 and prescriptions cost $8 per 30 day supply.

VA Disability

• Those who served in the armed services and have a disability due to war receive VA disability compensation each month. The compensation amount is based on the percentage of the disability.

Medicare

• Medicare is available for those who are 65 or older or those with certain disabilities. Original Medicare is an 80/20 plan, meaning Medicare pays 80 percent, and the recipient pays 20 percent of any medial services.

Medicare Advantage

• Those receiving Medicare Part A and B have the option to enroll in the Medicare Advantage program, which is an HMO. Patients are then responsible for co-pays for medical services received.

Considerations

• It's possible for VA benefits to be denied if the person received a dishonorable discharge; each case receives an individual review.