California • Medicare for veterans

Turning 65 as a Veteran in California

Your situation is unique. As a veteran approaching 65, or already past it, the goal is simple: make sure you're not overpaying, not carrying coverage you don't need, and not left underinsured. A licensed agent at Veteran Savings Network can help.

★ Over 1,500 five-star reviews from veterans just like you

California veterans at a glance

California is home to a large veteran community, and every year thousands of veterans reach the age when Medicare enters the picture. If you're one of them, you don't have to sort it out by yourself.

1,305,453veterans living in California
93County Veterans Service Office locations across California
12VA medical centers in California, plus VA clinics statewide

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (American Community Survey 2020 to 2024 Five-Year Estimates), California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Local veteran resources in California

These are independent community and government resources. They are listed for your convenience only. Veteran Savings Network is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)

Statewide veteran benefits and services

(800) 952-5626

calvet.ca.gov

County Veterans Service Offices

County Veterans Service Offices across California help veterans and families with VA and state benefit claims. Some offices serve more than one county.

Find your office: calvet.ca.gov

VA Facility Locator

Nearest VA Medical Center, clinic or Vet Center

va.gov/find-locations

DAV, Department of California

Find your local DAV chapter

(562) 404-1266

davwebsites.dav.org/CA

The American Legion, Dept. of California

Find a local post

(559) 875-8387

calegion.org

VFW, Department of California

Find a local VFW post

(916) 509-8712

vfwca.org

California HICAP

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, California Department of Aging, unbiased Medicare counseling

1-800-434-0222

aging.ca.gov

How Veteran Savings Network helps California veterans turning 65

You've earned your benefits. When you turn 65, the question isn't whether you deserve good coverage, it's making sure the pieces fit together the right way, without paying for things you don't need. Here's what a review with a licensed agent typically covers:

  • Make sure you're not overpaying for Medicare.
  • Make sure you're not paying for coverage you don't need, since some may overlap with benefits you already have.
  • Make sure you're not underinsured. Gaps can be as costly as overlaps.
  • Already over 65 and on Medicare? We help you transition and review your existing coverage.

We can help just about anyone navigate Medicare. If you're the spouse of a veteran, or a surviving spouse who may qualify for CHAMPVA, we have guidance for you too.

"Helping you make your best Medicare decision today so you can have a better tomorrow."

California veteran Medicare questions

If I have VA health care, do I still need Medicare when I turn 65?

Many veterans keep their VA health care and add Medicare as well. According to the Social Security Administration, signing up for Medicare Part B may provide you with additional service and location options. A licensed agent can walk you through how the two may work together for your situation.

Will I pay a penalty if I delay Medicare Part B?

The Social Security Administration notes that if you don't sign up when first eligible, you may have to wait to sign up, which delays your coverage, and you may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare Part B.

I'm already over 65 and on Medicare. Can Veteran Savings Network still help?

Yes. Whether you're just turning 65 or you've been on Medicare for years, a licensed agent can review your current coverage to help you understand whether you may be overpaying, carrying coverage you may not need, or underinsured.

Does it cost anything to talk with a licensed agent?

You can book a call above or call (866) 380-0965. Veteran Savings Network is a licensed insurance agency and is not affiliated with the VA, Medicare, CMS, or any government agency.

Book a call with a licensed agent

Pick a time that works for you. No pressure, just a clear look at your options.

★ Over 1,500 five-star reviews from veterans just like you

Veteran Savings Network. For Veterans. By Veterans.

Prefer to call? Reach a licensed agent at (866) 380-0965.

Important: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.