Medicare for Veterans in Camden & Gloucester County: Coordinating VA Benefits

As a Retired Marine and Combat Veteran serving fellow veterans across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, one of the most common questions I receive is: 'I already have VA healthcare. Do I really need to enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?'

The short answer is yes — coordinating your VA health benefits with Medicare Part A, Part B, and specialized Veteran Medicare Advantage plans provides essential protection that VA benefits alone cannot guarantee.

VA Healthcare is Not Medicare — Understanding the Difference

VA healthcare is a benefit program managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, while Medicare is entitlement health insurance provided to Americans aged 65+ or with certain disabilities.

Important distinction: VA healthcare is not insurance. It is tied to federal budget appropriations and VA priority enrollment groups (based on service-connected disability, income, and service history).

Why South Jersey Veterans Need Medicare Part B

1. Protection Against VA Funding or Priority Changes: If you are in a lower VA priority group, changes in federal funding or personal income could affect your access to local VA clinics like the Camden VA Outpatient Clinic or Wilmington VA Medical Center.

2. Care Outside the VA System: VA healthcare only covers care received at VA facilities or through pre-approved VA Community Care. Having Medicare Part B allows you to visit non-VA civilian doctors and hospitals in Blackwood, Cherry Hill, and Philadelphia anytime.

3. Avoid Permanent Part B Penalties: If you drop or delay Part B because you rely solely on VA healthcare, and later decide you want civilian doctor coverage, you will face a 10% penalty for every 12-month period you delayed enrollment.

Specialized Medicare Advantage Plans for Veterans ('Giveback Plans')

Did you know there are Medicare Advantage plans specially designed for military veterans who use VA prescription and hospital care?

• ✓Part B Premium Rebate: Many veteran-focused plans credit a portion (or all) of your monthly Part B premium back directly onto your Social Security check.
• ✓Extra Civilian Benefits: Get dental coverage, vision care, hearing aid allowances, over-the-counter items, and gym memberships that standard VA benefits might not cover.
• ✓Keep Using VA Pharmacies: You can continue receiving your maintenance prescriptions through the VA mail order system while using your Medicare Advantage card for civilian care.

Schedule a Personal Veteran Medicare Review

Whether you live in Blackwood, Woodbury, Deptford, or Sicklerville, contact Charles Schaeffer or Alicia Kurz to review your veterans benefits alongside Medicare options at no cost to you.