I’ll be turning 65 in April. I have full VA coverage and good hospital and doctor coverage through Eisenhower here in the desert. The VA doesn’t provide dental care. Do I still need to enroll in Medicare, and if so, which part makes sense for my situation?

Question

Nick Mangini · Accepted Answer

If you want dental coverage then just get a real dental insurance plan.  You don't have to have Medicare if you don't want if you have VA.

Sandra Bailey · Answer

If you’re a veteran & happy with your VA benefits, you could enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Part C.  Some are zero dollars plus will include dental coverage.

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

I always advise Veterans to pick up both A and B. Having Part B gives you options and choices outside the VA. I am a Vietnam Veterans widow and understand some of the challenges and limitations when using and dealing with the VA. I hear Vets complain about the Part B premium but there could be ways to minimize that cost depending on what is available in your area. If you delay your Part B, if you want to add it in the future you will have to pay a penalty so I never advise that because it could cost even more with the penalty.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on August 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CO & 5 other states

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Krystal Hampton · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/medicare-for-veterans-va-coverage-eisenhower-dental#krystal-hampton

Glenda Martin · Answer

Congratulations on approaching your 65th birthday! With VA coverage and additional hospital and doctor coverage through Eisenhower, you have a solid foundation for your healthcare needs. Since the VA doesn't provide dental care, you'll want to consider how Medicare can complement your existing coverage.

*Do you need to enroll in Medicare?*
While VA coverage is excellent, Medicare can help fill gaps, including potential out-of-pocket costs and additional benefits. Enrolling in Medicare can provide more comprehensive coverage and financial protection.

*Which part of Medicare makes sense for you?*
Consider the following:

- *Medicare Part A*: Covers hospital stays, which might overlap with your existing VA coverage. However, Part A typically has no premium if you've worked and paid Medicare taxes.
- *Medicare Part B*: Covers doctor services, outpatient care, and some preventive services. This might complement your existing coverage.
- *Medicare Part D*: Covers prescription medication. If you have medication costs not covered by the VA, Part D might be beneficial.
- *Medicare Advantage (Part C)*: Combines Part A and Part B coverage, often with additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing. Some plans might offer dental coverage, which could be valuable given the VA's limitations.

*Key considerations:*

- *VA coverage and Medicare coordination*: Understand how your VA coverage and Medicare will work together. In some cases, Medicare may be the primary payer, while the VA coverage supplements it.
- *Out-of-pocket costs*: Consider potential costs associated with Medicare, such as premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- *Dental coverage*: If dental care is a priority, explore Medicare Advantage plans that offer dental benefits or consider standalone dental insurance.

*Next steps:*

- *schedule a consultation with me

Rob Campbell · Answer

The VA provides coverage in eight different categories. Depending on if you have a service connected disability or meet certain means testing criteria, the VA may be a good option.

Soledad Ramirez · Answer

It depends if you have Tricare for Life.
If not, then yes you should enroll into Medicare, many supplemental plans will have some dental coverage.  You are free to contact me for more detailed information,  thank you, Soledad Ramirez

Gary Coleshill · Answer

Penalty avoidance – The Part B late-enrollment penalty is permanent, so even if you don’t think you’ll need it now, enrolling at 65 keeps the door open without extra cost later.

Freedom of choice – VA care is excellent for many, but it’s tied to VA facilities. Medicare gives you access to a much wider network, which can be crucial if you want to see a specialist outside the VA system or if you’re traveling.

Safety net – Life changes — you might move, your preferred VA clinic could get busier, or you might need urgent care while away from home. Medicare fills those gaps.

Smart coordination – You can strategically use VA for certain services (like prescriptions) and Medicare for others (like local specialists), often lowering your out-of-pocket costs.

Regarding Dental, Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental. You’d need a standalone dental plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits.

Jessica Yen Le · Answer

First, thank you so much for your service. Since you’re turning 65, here’s how Medicare works with your VA and Eisenhower coverage:

- Part A is free, so it makes sense to enroll. Part B is $185 a month in 2025, VA only covers you in the VA system, so Part B gives you access to doctors and hospitals outside . If you wait to enroll later, Medicare may add a lifetime penalty. You don’t need Part D because your VA drug coverage is already creditable. For dental, some part C plans (including part A+B+ additional benefits) offers really great additional benefits, and you can also get the separate dental coverage for bigger coverage and network.
So bottom line: take Part A, think carefully about Part B for flexibility outside the VA (secondary professional opinion consideration), skip Part D, and consider a dental plan if you’d like coverage there.
Please be careful when choosing your Medicare coverage, we both don't want you to get into any disadvantage situation or financial risk due to medical bill. Hope this answer helps.
Jessica Yen Le