The short answer
Turning 65 doesn't end CHAMPVA, but if you're entitled to Medicare Part A, you generally need Part B too to keep it. Medicare Advantage counts. Part D isn't required. Start the Medicare process 3 months before your birthday, then send VA your Medicare card and Form 10-7959c. If you're not entitled to Part A, you need Social Security's proof.
What's the rule?
Under 38 CFR 17.271, if you turn 65 on or after June 5, 2001, and are entitled to Medicare Part A, you must have Part B to keep CHAMPVA.
VA's CHAMPVA page says a Medicare Advantage plan meets the requirement, and Part D isn't required.
When should you sign up?
The CHAMPVA Guidebook says to enroll 90 days before your 65th birthday.
Medicare's sign-up rules give you a 7-month window: the 3 months before your birthday month, the month itself, and the 3 months after. Per Medicare's start-date rules, signing up before your birthday month means Part B starts the month you turn 65. Waiting can leave a gap.
Having job-based insurance doesn't remove CHAMPVA's Part B requirement.
What do you send VA?
When your Medicare card arrives:
- Check the Part A and B start dates.
- Send VA a copy of the front and back of the card.
- Send VA Form 10-7959c.
- Include your Part D card if you have one.
More here: How to report other insurance.
How do claims work after 65?
Medicare pays first, CHAMPVA second. Medicare usually forwards claims to CHAMPVA automatically. If you have Medigap, it goes between them. With Medicare Advantage, follow that plan's network and referral rules, since it pays first. More here: CHAMPVA and Medicare.
What if you're not entitled to Part A?
You can keep CHAMPVA without Part B. VA needs proof:
| Your Medicare status | What to send |
|---|---|
| Not eligible for Part A | Social Security Notice of Disallowance |
| Part B only, no Part A | Your Medicare card or other official proof |
| Part A bought with a premium (Premium-HI) | Your Medicare card or other official proof |
VA's CHAMPVA page says the Notice of Disallowance confirms you don't qualify for Medicare under anyone's Social Security number, including a spouse's. The Guidebook says if you were never eligible for premium-free Part A, you don't need Part B. Social Security's disallowance notice policy explains what the notice is.
This isn't a way to opt out. If you're entitled to Part A, declining Medicare doesn't create the exception. The rule is about entitlement, not choice.
The June 5, 2001 grandfather rule
Only for people already 65 before June 5, 2001:
- If you had Part A and no Part B then, you can keep CHAMPVA without Part B.
- If you had Part B then, you must keep it.
It won't apply to anyone turning 65 now. If you think it applies to you, confirm with VA before dropping Part B.
Checklist
About 3 months before 65:
- Find out whether you'll be enrolled automatically.
- Know your Part A entitlement.
- Sign up for Part B so it starts on time.
When the card arrives:
- Check the dates and send VA the card and Form 10-7959c.
After Medicare starts:
- Tell providers Medicare is primary.
- Watch your first few EOBs to make sure claims cross over.