Can VA Be Billed As Secondary?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can the VA be secondary insurance to Medicare?

VA benefits aren't secondary insurance to Medicare

, as they cover care at different types of facilities. Yet, if you are eligible for both, enrolling in both can round out your health care.

Can you have an HSA and VA benefits?


Yes, you can have an HSA and make contributions to it even if you have VA benefits

. Receiving preventive care services or treatment for a service-related disability from the VA does not disqualify an individual from participating in an HSA.

Do VA benefits count as health insurance?

The Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare or the ACA, requires most Americans to have coverage. Those without coverage must pay a penalty when they file their taxes. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,

VA health benefits count as medical coverage under the ACA

.

What veterans are not eligible for VA health care?

If you're a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty.

If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only

, you don't qualify for VA health care.

Who pays for VA treatment?


Those in Priority Groups 2 – 8 get treatment for any service-connected conditions for free

. All other medical treatment probably has a copay, this is usually based on your income. If you have private insurance, VA will bill your insurance company for the cost of drugs or treatment for non-service connected conditions.

Do Veterans get free healthcare for life?


We're committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for Veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%

, as well as for those who can't afford to pay for care. Learn more about how we'll determine if you'll need to pay for any part of your care.

Can I use VA health care and TRICARE?


If you retire and qualify for VA benefits, you can use your TRICARE and VA benefits together

. You will see the VA for service-connected conditions and use TRICARE for everything else.

Who Pays First TRICARE or VA?

Other federal insurance includes medicare, medicaid, VA healthcare, or Indian Health Service coverage. If you are covered by one of these plans they pay before Tricare first.

If you are treated for a non-covered condition, Tricare pays first

.

Do veterans have to pay for prescriptions?


Typically, VA drug coverage has no premiums and no or limited copayments for prescriptions

—but you must use VA pharmacies and facilities. You may want Part D coverage if you: Live far from a VA pharmacy or facility, or do not want to use a VA provider to get prescriptions.

Is VA health care the same as health insurance?

VA health care is

not considered a health insurance plan

.

Will the VA reimbursement for medical expenses?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in limited circumstances,

may provide reimbursement of Community Care medical expenses for Veterans for their service-connected conditions to include those who are recently granted service-connected awards

.

Can you have a savings account on VA disability?

Learn about getting your VA benefit payments through direct deposit. If you don't already have a bank account,

the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) can connect you with a bank that will work with you to set up an account

.

Can military open a HSA?


Yes. TRICARE, the federal program that covers active and retired military, doesn't offer an HSA qualified plan design

. If you retain TRICARE coverage, you're disqualified from funding an HSA.

How much can I contribute to my HSA in 2021?

For 2021,

if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $3,600

. If you have family HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $7,200. For 2022, if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $3,650. If you have family HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $7,300.

What VA benefits do I qualify for with a honorable discharge?

An honorable discharge is by far the most common with over 85 percent of veterans receiving this type of discharge. Veterans with an honorable discharge are entitled to all VA benefits (e.g.,

disability compensation, educational, healthcare, vocational

).

Can a veteran go to any VA hospital?


You may select any VA facility that is convenient for you

. If the facility you choose cannot provide the health care that you need, VA will make other arrangements for your care based on administrative eligibility and medical necessity.

What is the maximum income for VA benefits?

Based on Income Year 2020 Veteran with: VA National Income Threshold VA Pension with Aid and Attendance Threshold
0 dependents


$34,616 or less


$23,238
1 dependents $41,539 or less $27,549 2 dependents $43,921 or less $29,931

What are the income limits for VA health care 2020?

Veteran with: VA National Income Threshold VA Pension with Aid and Attendance Threshold
0 dependents


$34,171 or less


$22,939
1 dependents $41,005 or less $27,195 2 dependents $43,356 or less $29,546 3 dependents $45,707 or less $31,897

What Veterans are eligible for TRICARE?

  • Uniformed Service members and their families,
  • National Guard/Reserve members. Army National Guard. Army Reserve. Navy Reserve. Marine Corps Reserve. …
  • Survivors,
  • Former spouses,
  • Medal of Honor recipients and their families, and.
  • Others registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Are 100% disabled Veterans eligible for TRICARE?


Spouses and dependent children of veterans who are rated as “permanently and totally disabled” by the VA because of a service-connected condition are eligible for CHAMPVA

. Some survivors also are eligible for CHAMPVA.

What is the difference between VA health care and TRICARE?

TRICARE Benefits VA Benefits Your services may vary depending on your health plan. Your eligibility and copayment depend on: Discharge, Service-connection, or Income Your TRICARE health plan's rules and costs will apply.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.