I am a veteran, and use the VA Medical Center for my care (in the Women's Clinic). Where can I find answers that compare VA to Medicare?

Because insurance is so confusing and changes all the time, I highly recommend finding an insurance broker that specializes in Medicare.

I used one for my dad and it helped me pick the best plans for him and his future needs.

All combined his premiums are lower then the deductibles through Medicare advantage plans. So he knows what his monthly costs will be and that he can go to any doctor. No networks necessary.

I tried to sort it out myself and I was so confused, I would have never been able to do what the broker accomplished.

My aunt said she would never let her CHAMPVA lapse, it is the best thing that her husband left her.

I don't get free meds from the VA. They will charge me x amount for a 3 month supply if the VA Pharmacy fills the script. If CHAMPVA Meds by Mail fills the script, then I get them free. Go figure - they are both government. So when I see my PCP at the VA for refills, she writes a hard copy for me to send to CHAMPVA. I will talk to the VA also. Thanks!

You might want to start by checking with Social Security. (They answer the questions about Medicare) As far as I know you can not sign up for any part of Medicare until you are 65. (certain medical conditions do allow for early sign up)

My is a disabled veteran and the VA pays 100% of his medical costs and for all his prescriptions but he still has to have Medicare. I don’t know how to explain why unfortunately. I was surprised to find out he was paying for Medicare when he doesn’t use it. As I understand it, part D is really only necessary if say, you are out of town and need to get yours meds & there’s no VA pharmacy or no time to wait for them to be shipped in the mail. Or if you want the ability to fill prescriptions at your local pharmacy if need be. But I don’t know if part D is actually required?

I'm not sure I'm understanding why, and especially who told you, that you need to have Part D when the VA is providing free meds? 

"having heard" doesn't mean the information is realistic.   

If you haven't raised this issue with the VA, contact your VA social worker.  I've found them to be very helpful.   But get information directly from the VA.   They're the best source for this kind of issue.