Question:
Hello. I am a Permanent 100% VA Service Connected Individual. I have been enrolled in the "VA Choice - Community Care Program" since 2019. It has been FANTASTIC to me. My Question for you is - Do you feel that I should keep my Medicare Part B and continue to pay the $1,800 annual deductible? Would you kindly provide me with your feelings one way or the other? Thank you.
Jim's Reply:
Whether or not we need additional insurance is a personal issue that must consider our tolerance for maybe needing it and not having it and being forced to pay some bills out of pocket.
I use my Medicare more often than I use VA care simply because it's more convenient for me. The VA Community Care Program has been a giant failure for most, myself included. You're the only person ever to tell me that you're actually using it successfully.
I can't depend on any VA specialty care as I am 2 to 3 hours away from a VA facility. My VA primary care doctor is about an hour away and he's a great guy but he's in a small clinic in a strip mall with limited resources. My Medicare Part B is a lifesaver for me.
If you're comfortable that you won't need your Part B, you can cancel it and save a few bucks. If you should change your mind, renewing it will come with penalties so think carefully.
Good luck!