VA
Medicare generally does not pay for care at a VA facility. VA coverage does not replace Part B for non-VA doctors and hospitals. Many veterans keep both: VA for VA care, Medicare for civilian providers. Skipping Part B because you use the VA can mean a penalty later if you need a community doctor.
TRICARE for Life
TRICARE for Life generally requires Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare pays first on covered services; TRICARE pays second. Do not drop Part B to “save the premium” without asking TRICARE. Active-duty TRICARE (or a family member on active duty) can work differently — TRICARE is often first. Confirm with TRICARE, not with a friend’s story.
FEHB while you are still working
If you or a spouse is a current federal employee and the employer is large enough, FEHB is often primary and Medicare is secondary. That is similar to other large-employer coverage. Get the coordination rule in writing from the benefits office before you delay Part B.
FEHB as a retiree
As a federal retiree, Medicare is usually primary and FEHB is secondary. Keeping Part B is the typical path unless the benefits office tells you otherwise in writing. Dropping Part B while keeping FEHB as a retiree is a decision to confirm, not guess.
Print the checklist
The VA / TRICARE / FEHB worksheet is a list to take to the benefits office or VA. This website does not decide who pays first.
Common questions
- If I have VA, do I still need Part B?
- VA care and Medicare are not the same. Many veterans keep Part B for non-VA doctors. Confirm with VA and Social Security before you skip it.
- Does TRICARE for Life work without Part B?
- Generally no. TRICARE for Life is built to pay after Medicare. Ask TRICARE before you drop Part B.
Worksheet
VA, TRICARE, or FEHB — who pays first?
A checklist, not a payment decision. Medicare, VA, TRICARE for Life, and FEHB stack differently.
Who pays first depends on the program and whether you are still working. This is a checklist — not a payment decision.
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