🎖️ This Mission Is Personal

My family has served in nearly every branch of the U.S. military — across generations, across continents, across conflicts. This isn't just my job. It's my legacy.

Today, my parents are even serving a 2-year volunteer mission supporting Marines at Camp Pendleton. Service is woven into our family's DNA — and that's exactly why helping veterans navigate Medicare isn't just a job for me. It's an honor.

Laura Wakefield — U.S. Army Captain & the face of Army equal opportunity recruitment for women (circa 1979, Germany)
Laura Wakefield — U.S. Army Captain & the face of Army equal opportunity recruitment for women (circa 1979, Germany)
Jerry Wakefield — Merchant Marines, 1941
Jerry Wakefield — Merchant Marines
Craig Wakefield — U.S. Air Force, Korea, 1977
Craig Wakefield — U.S. Air Force, Korea, 1977
Wayne Kelly — U.S. Navy, 1940s
Wayne Kelly — U.S. Navy, 1940s
Bill Wallis — U.S. Navy
Bill Wallis — U.S. Navy
Harry McGinley Jr. — U.S. Navy Air Machinist Mate, Pacific Theater, WWII
Harry McGinley Jr. — U.S. Navy, Pacific Theater, WWII
James McGinley — American Field Service, drove an ambulance in combat in Italy, WWII
James McGinley — American Field Service, Italy, WWII
Laura Wallis — U.S. Army, 2LT to Captain, 1977–1981, served in Germany
Laura Wallis — U.S. Army, 2LT to Captain, 1977–1981, Germany
Turner Wallis — U.S. Army
Turner Wallis — U.S. Army

"I've seen too many veterans leave benefits on the table because they didn't know what was available. That's why I make it a priority to help every veteran understand how Medicare can complement their VA coverage."

— Kate Spilsbury, RSSA®, CMIP®

Do Veterans Need Medicare?

The short answer: yes, in most cases. Here are 4 key reasons why:

  • Access to more providers: VA care is limited to VA facilities. Medicare opens access to any Medicare-accepting doctor, hospital, or specialist.
  • Shorter wait times: VA appointments can take weeks. Medicare gives you the flexibility to see private providers immediately.
  • Coverage when traveling: VA care outside your region can be limited. Original Medicare covers you anywhere in the U.S.
  • Avoiding penalties: Delaying Part B enrollment without qualifying coverage can result in permanent late enrollment penalties.

What Mere Benefits Helps Veterans With

  • Understanding how VA benefits, TRICARE, and Medicare work together
  • Determining the right time to enroll in Part B
  • Comparing Medicare Advantage plans designed for veterans
  • Coordinating prescription drug coverage between VA and Part D
  • Connecting veterans with additional benefit programs

How It Works — 3 Simple Steps

1

Free Consultation

We review your VA benefits, TRICARE status, and current healthcare situation.

2

Custom Plan

We build a personalized Medicare plan that complements your existing VA coverage.

3

Ongoing Support

We're here year-round for questions, plan changes, and annual reviews.

ℹ️ Important: VA/TRICARE & ACA Marketplace

If you're a veteran under 65, TRICARE and VA coverage both count as minimum essential coverage under the ACA — you don't need to buy a Marketplace plan. However, if you have family members who aren't eligible for VA or TRICARE, they may still need ACA coverage. Learn about ACA options →

🎖️ Free Webinar: Medicare & Veterans — What You Need to Know

Recorded live. Watch anytime. Learn exactly how VA benefits, TRICARE, and Medicare work together.

In this free recorded session, we walk through how Medicare coordinates with VA and TRICARE, the most common mistakes veterans make with enrollment, and how to avoid costly late-enrollment penalties.

Watch the Free Webinar →

Frequently Asked Questions

No. VA healthcare is a benefit earned through military service. Medicare is a federal insurance program based on age or disability. They are separate programs and can be used together.

It depends. VA coverage does not count as creditable coverage for Medicare Part B purposes, so delaying Part B could result in penalties. Most veterans benefit from having both. We'll help you evaluate your specific situation.

Not exactly. You choose which to use for each visit — VA facilities use VA coverage, private providers use Medicare. Having both gives you maximum flexibility in where you receive care.

Yes. TRICARE For Life acts as a supplement to Medicare for military retirees. You must enroll in Medicare Parts A & B to keep TRICARE For Life active. It then covers most costs that Medicare doesn't.

Absolutely free. We're compensated by insurance carriers, so you pay the same premium whether you enroll through us or directly. There's never a fee for our guidance.