Reasons to sign up
- VA's own advice. VA says funding for VA health care could change in the future, and having Medicare means you're covered at a non-VA hospital or doctor.
- Care VA doesn't pay for. Generally, Medicare and VA can't pay for the same service. VA pays for VA care and authorized community care; Medicare pays when you choose a non-VA provider, including a local hospital in an emergency.
- Distance. In rural Oregon, the nearest VA medical center can be hours away; Part B lets you see a local doctor who takes Medicare.
- Medigap and Medicare Advantage. You need Part B to buy a Medigap policy or join a Medicare Advantage plan. VA says it may bill a Medicare supplement policy for covered services.
The cost of waiting
Medicare's enrollment booklet says the Part B Special Enrollment Period doesn't apply if you have Veterans Affairs coverage. If you skip Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period:
| Consequence | Detail |
|---|---|
| When you can enroll | General Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31; coverage starts the next month |
| Late penalty | 10% of the standard premium per full 12 months without Part B, for life |
| 2026 standard premium | $202.90 a month, higher with income above the IRMAA thresholds |
For example, waiting three full years adds 30% to your Part B premium for as long as you have Part B.
When some veterans skip it
Part B is optional. A veteran who expects to get all care through VA can decline it and save the premium. That choice depends on VA meeting all your needs, and the penalty grows the longer you wait if you change your mind. Part A, which most people get without a premium, covers hospital care outside VA and is separate from this decision.
Next steps
Sign up at SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213 during your Initial Enrollment Period. For VA benefits questions, contact VA or the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs. To see how Medicare options fit with VA care, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. More in our guide for veterans with Medicare in Oregon.
Related questions
Can I have Medicare and VA benefits at the same time?
How the two work together.
Do I need Part B if I have TRICARE For Life?
The rule for military retirees.
What happens if I miss Medicare enrollment?
Penalties and next windows.
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program?
Help with the premium.
Sources
- VA — VA health care and other health insurance
- Medicare.gov — Enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B (publication 11036)
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Medicare.gov — Which insurance pays first
- Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
More questions in this guide
- Can I have Medicare and VA benefits at the same time in Oregon?
- Do I need Medicare Part B if I have TRICARE For Life?
Part of the guide: Veterans and Medicare in Oregon · All questions
Frequently asked questions
What if I can't afford the Part B premium?
If your income and savings are limited, a Medicare Savings Program through ONE Oregon can pay your Part B premium. That removes the main cost of keeping Part B alongside VA care.
Can I drop Part B later if I don't use it?
You can, but VA warns that if you cancel Part B you can't get it back until January of the following year, and a late penalty may apply.
I'm a military retiree. Is the answer different?
Yes. TRICARE For Life requires Part B, so military retirees and their families generally must have it to keep TRICARE.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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