If I married a veteran in 2010, am I eligible for VA health benefits?
A fellow caregiver asked...
I married a veteran in 2010. He is currently receiving Medicare instead of VA Health Benefits as he is over 65. I will be 62 in 2013 and plan to retire, but will have a three year gap before I can receive Medicare. As a spouse, will I be eligible for VA Health Benefits even though he is not receiving.
Expert Answer
Barbara Steinberg is the CEO and founder of BLS Eldercare Financial Solutions, which specializes in helping families pay for long-term care for their loved ones. A registered financial gerontologist, she speaks regularly on the topic of paying for long-term care and is a financial expert for Caring.com.
There are special circumstances for the spouse of a Veteran to be eligible for health care benefits from the VA. One program, CHAMPVA, covers spouses of Veterans who were totally and permanently disabled while in service. Tricare for Life covers military retirees and their families when they turn 65 and are eligible for Medicare. This is only for career military personnel.