Keeping that Medicare coverage may be the best decision you have.  There are lots of possible reasons why you should do so.  Most people keep their Medicare coverage to have additional coverage beyond their VA benefits like consulting non-VA specialists, going to health care providers other than the VA hospital.  They tend to do this since it is more convenient for them to obtain their needed services due to travel consideration.  Some do it because of dissatisfaction of the services provided by the VA coverage. Another good reason why you should keep your Medicare coverage is that it may become hard for you to get it back when you need it.  You may have to pay a considerable amount for penalty and possibly wait for about 6 months or more for it to be reinstated. You may want to apply your Medicare coverage for a Health Savings Account option.  In this way, you'll be able save your monthly contribution for emergency and still keep the Medicare coverage. - June 3, 2009 @ 4:50 pm