Union, VA, Federal & State Employee Coverage

Many people have other coverage besides Medicare — through a union, a former employer (retiree coverage), the VA, TRICARE, a federal job (FEHB), or a state or government job. This coverage can change how Medicare works for you.

Why this matters:

• Some of this coverage is "creditable," which can protect you from late enrollment penalties.
• Some coverage works WITH Medicare; some may change or end once you take Medicare.
• Dropping good coverage by mistake can be hard or impossible to get back.

Common situations to review:

• Union or retiree coverage: ask the plan how it works once you have Medicare, and whether you need to enroll in Part B.
• VA benefits: you can generally have both VA and Medicare; each is used in different settings. Many people still enroll in Part B to keep more options.
• TRICARE: usually requires Medicare Part B to keep TRICARE For Life.
• Federal employee (FEHB): can often work alongside Medicare; whether to add Part B is a personal decision.
• State or government employee/retiree coverage: rules vary by employer and plan.

Note: Do NOT drop or change union, retiree, VA, TRICARE, federal, or state coverage without careful review. This is general education, not advice for your specific situation. Confirm with your benefits administrator, Medicare, the VA, or a licensed advisor first.