Healthcare Benefits Quick Reference — VUB Financial Readiness Course

Coverage Comparison

	VA Healthcare	Medicare	TRICARE for Life
Where	VA facilities only	Any Medicare-accepting provider	Any TRICARE-accepting provider
Cost	Copays vary by priority group	Part B premium ~$185/mo	No premium (requires Medicare Parts A & B)
Prescriptions	VA pharmacy (low-cost)	Part D plan (separate premium)	TRICARE pharmacy network
Best For	Service-connected care	Broadest provider access	Wraps around Medicare gaps

CHAMPVA — Dependent Coverage

For spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled (or who died from service-connected conditions).

Covers 75% of allowable charges
$50/person annual deductible
$3,000 annual catastrophic cap
No enrollment fee or monthly premium

Aid & Attendance — 2026 Rates

Two Veterans Married	$3,845/mo
Married Veteran	$2,874/mo
Single Veteran	$2,424/mo
Surviving Spouse	$1,558/mo

Net worth limit: $163,699 | 3-year look-back period applies

Aid & Attendance Eligibility Requirements

Service Requirements

90+ days active duty service
At least 1 day during a wartime period
Discharge other than dishonorable
Age 65+ or permanently disabled

5 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Bathing — washing & grooming
Mobility — transferring & walking
Dressing — putting on clothing
Toileting — using the restroom
Eating — feeding oneself

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Medicaid Warning: If you receive Medicaid-funded nursing home care, Aid & Attendance benefits are reduced to approximately $90/month. Plan accordingly and consult a VA-accredited claims agent before applying.

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Key Deadline

Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B at age 65. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period results in permanently higher premiums for the rest of your life.