Veterans and Medicare
Understanding VA Healthcare, CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and Medicare:
A Quick Guide
1. VA Healthcare
VA Healthcare provides medical services directly to eligible veterans through VA hospitals and clinics. Care must be received at VA facilities unless otherwise authorized. It is not considered a replacement for Medicare, and veterans are encouraged to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65 for coverage
outside the VA system.
2. CHAMPVA
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) offers health coverage to eligible spouses and dependent children of certain veterans. Dependents typically qualify if
the veteran has a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability or died from a service-connected condition. CHAMPVA is used in the civilian healthcare system and can act as secondary coverage to Medicare, helping pay deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
3. TRICARE
TRICARE is the Department of Defense health program for military retirees, active-duty families,
certain Guard and Reserve members, and survivors. At age 65, beneficiaries who enroll in Medicare
Parts A and B transition into TRICARE For Life (TFL). Medicare becomes the primary payer, while
TRICARE For Life serves as the secondary payer, covering most remaining out-of-pocket costs.
4. Medicare Coordination
When individuals become eligible for Medicare: Veterans with VA Healthcare should enroll in Medicare Parts A and B for coverage outside VA facilities. CHAMPVA beneficiaries must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B to maintain CHAMPVA eligibility. TRICARE beneficiaries transitioning to TRICARE For Life
must also enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. In each case, Medicare covers civilian healthcare, while VA, CHAMPVA, or TRICARE provide additional benefits based on eligibility.
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