From the Expert: Having access to VA health care provides additional flexibility for retirees who qualify for both programs. First, you must understand that these programs don’t mix! If you use TRICARE or Medicare/TRICARE for Life, the VA won’t pick up any copays.

If you use VA health care, TRICARE or Medicare/TFL won’t pick up any residual deductibles or copays.

To access VA health care services, you must be enrolled (VA Form 10-10EZ; PDF download) in the program. The VA will then determine your Priority Group, which is based upon your VA disability rating.

The VA will always provide free health care services to treat service-connected disabilities. Veterans with a disability rating of 50% or higher are in Priority Group 1 and can generally receive all their health care needs from the VA at no cost.

Veterans with lower priority group levels may still get treatment for non-service-connected health care needs, but they may incur some copays.

Veterans with no disability rating have very limited access to VA health care.