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San Antonio · A little preparation

Using VA care and Medicare together

Know which coverage you are using before each visit.

In short

If you are a veteran in San Antonio with both VA health care and Medicare, you choose which to use each time you get care. VA care generally means a VA location, such as Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, or care VA authorizes in advance. VA does not bill Medicare. At a non-VA doctor or hospital, Medicare may pay. Ask before each visit which coverage applies.

A useful next step

  1. Before a visit, decide whether you are using VA care or Medicare, and tell the office.
  2. For VA care, confirm it is at a VA location or authorized by VA in advance. The South Texas Veterans Health Care System’s main number is 210-617-5300.
  3. For non-VA care, check your Medicare plan’s rules for that clinician or hospital. A Bexar Area Agency on Aging counselor at 210-477-3275 can help you sort out the Medicare side.

A question to keep

Ask what type of visit is scheduled and whether other services could lead to charges.

Questions people in San Antonio ask

Does VA bill Medicare for my care in San Antonio?
No. VA says it does not bill Medicare or Medicaid, though it may bill Medicare supplemental insurance for covered care of conditions not related to your military service. Medicare may pay when you get care from non-VA doctors or hospitals.
What does VA say about signing up for Medicare Part B?
VA encourages veterans with VA health care to sign up for Medicare as soon as they can, so they are covered at non-VA hospitals and doctors. VA also notes that delaying Part B can mean a late enrollment penalty for life. Ask Medicare or a benefits counselor how the rules apply to you.
Can I use a local pharmacy instead of VA mail order?
VA explains that Medicare Part D lets you fill prescriptions from non-VA doctors at a local pharmacy. VA says there is no Part D penalty if you enroll when first eligible or within 63 days of losing VA health care or other creditable drug coverage. Ask Medicare to confirm your dates.

Official starting point

Read the official resource ↗

Preparation guidance checked October 10, 2026. Ask the responsible service to confirm what applies to you.

Sources checked October 10, 2026.