Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Medicare

Good morning folks. I filed for social security retirement a few years ago. When I turned 65 I got a letter from Medicare that they would be taking 175 a month for Medicare, I've never received a card and I've never used Medicare. I don't need it I've got the VA. Well I got a letter yesterday about a social security raise, and also they are raising Medicare to 200 bucks a month!!
Guess they need more money for the Somalia's and Haitians. I paid into Medicare all the years I was working. 40 something years. I think it's involuntary stealing. I never wanted it and don't need it . Guess just another way to appease the ones that never worked..

I'm not a Veteran but did recently sign up for Part B. In my research I read some things about Veteran coverage.......You need to check with VA and SS about opting out of Medicare. I was researching my Medicare Part B options recently and read that if you're covered by the VA, you can opt out of Medicare. THE issue is that if you had an issue that the VA won't cover, you may have coverage with Medicare. AND if you opt out but want back in later, there is a penalty to rejoin. Good luck with your decision.

Politicians selling out payers for payees, all about getting votes and more politicians

Medicare will raise your blood pressure and stress levels. I consider myself lucky to have pharmacists at Publix that not only practice customer service but also advocate for me when Medicare wants to Medicare. It's not just one or two it's the whole department.

If you opt out of Medicare for VA coverage, does that mean you have to get your medical care exclusively at a VA facility? I can’t imagine any of my doctors that accept my Medicare accepting payment from the VA instead.

If you live a certain distance from a VA clinic they have a program called community care. This allows you to get care in your community versus a VA clinic as long as the Dr accepts VA payments. I use it all the time and rarely have to travel to B'ham for any treatment.

Thanks for the information.

Pretty much anytime there is a COLA for SS then cost of Medicare will go up. Caint have nuthin.

The issue is when the veteran has dependents, then the part B is needed to retain their coverage's through the normal insurance. As far as community care as a primary means of coverage, you'll possibly be up shit creek if an emergency arises. Often times depending on the issue, approval can take a while.

For emergencies the VA directs you right to the ER. They have a on call nurse 24/7. The only thing you need to do is call a certain number within 72 hrs to report your ER visit. I just went through it.

VA sends me to a specialist 75% of the time when they find something wrong. They give me a complete check up twice a year. If they send me to a specialist, they pay 100% of the cost. They also have hearing and eye doctors that see me when needed. I also have Medicare Insurance and use it for a private doctor I see twice a year and with anyone he may send me to. I do not have a deductible on my private doctor visits and if he sends me to a specialist my deductible is only $25.
I get all my medicine from the VA. Even if my private doctor subscribes medicine, I normally can take it to the VA and they will fill it also.

The VA is a great savings to me, but I like to double check them on some things, thus the private doctors also.

I have been pleased with the VA, but understand others have big problems.

I have had the same experience.