When to get Medicare Part B

Meet Jim

Jim Strickland is a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits who is also editor and webmaster of the popular VA Watchdog website. Jim writes extensively about VA and Social Security disability benefits. Jim is kind enough to answer questions from visitors on StatesideLegal.org here in Jim's Mailbag.

About Jim's Mailbag

Jim's Mailbag is a regular column where veterans, servicemembers, and family members can find answers about their VA and Social Security disability benefits. Although we are not accepting new questions at this time, you can browse all of the previous Q&As here and search Jim's Mailbag for helpful answers to your specific VA issue.

June 3, 2020

Question:

I am a Navy retiree with Tricare coverage that is also VA 100% P&T disabled. Do I need Medicare Part B? Thank you.

Jim's Reply:

Probably not but this is a very individual decision based on convenience for you. I find Part B to be the best for me because I'm far away from VA locations. Others who live near VA may not ever use it. You have to assess the likelihood of using it and decide for yourself.