Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits offer creditable drug coverage. This means that if you are enrolled in VA drug coverage, you can delay Medicare Part D enrollment without incurring a late enrollment penalty (LEP). Be sure to compare the costs and benefits of Part D and your VA drug coverage to decide which best suits your needs. Typically, VA drug coverage has no premiums and no or limited copayments for prescriptions—but you must use VA pharmacies and facilities. You may want Part D coverage if you:

• Live far from a VA pharmacy or facility, or do not want to use a VA provider to get prescriptions
• Want the flexibility of filling prescriptions at retail pharmacies, or find the VA formulary too restrictive
• Reside in a non-VA nursing home and want to get prescriptions from the long-term care pharmacy that works with your nursing home
• Qualify for full Extra Help, which has lower copays than VA coverage

If you are considering enrolling in VA drug coverage and Part D, remember that the two do not work together. Your VA benefits will only pay at VA pharmacies and facilities, and Part D will only pay at pharmacies in your plan’s network.

If you have questions about VA benefits and coverage, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website.