Direct answer: Yes, VA encourages it. Medicare covers care at non-VA hospitals and doctors, and VA says that if you delay Part B and sign up later, you'll pay a penalty every year for the rest of your life.
Short answer
Yes, VA encourages it. Medicare covers care at non-VA hospitals and doctors, and VA says that if you delay Part B and sign up later, you'll pay a penalty every year for the rest of your life.
About Lakeland VA Clinic
The Lakeland VA Clinic is at 2080 Meadowland Park Blvd. in Lakeland. It is part of VA Tampa Health Care and provides primary care services for veterans in Polk County.
Lakeland VA Clinic, 2080 Meadowland Park Blvd, Lakeland 33803; part of VA Tampa Health Care; primary care services for veterans in Polk County.
FOX 13 (July 2024) reported the new Lakeland VA Clinic opened as Polk's veteran population grows.
How coverage works
VA: no Part D penalty if you enroll when first eligible or within 63 days of losing VA health care or other creditable drug coverage; Part D lets you fill prescriptions from non-VA doctors at a local pharmacy.
What to verify before you enroll
- Search Lakeland VA Clinic and each doctor by name and location in the plan directory
- Confirm the exact plan ID and year with the billing office
- Check prescriptions and pharmacy separately from the facility listing
- Read urgent-care versus emergency-room cost sharing in the Summary of Benefits
Additional verified details
VA encourages veterans to sign up for Medicare at 65 even with VA benefits; delaying Part B and enrolling later can mean a lifelong late penalty. VA doesn't bill Medicare.
If you cancel Medicare Part B, you can't get it back until January of the following year and may pay a penalty (VA page).
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 (plan must get the request by December 7). The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Related coverage questions
- turning 65 Medicare checklist
- Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
- Polk County AEP checklist
- how to keep your doctor when you change plans
Common questions
Should Polk County veterans with VA care still sign up for Medicare?
Yes, VA encourages it. Medicare covers care at non-VA hospitals and doctors, and VA says that if you delay Part B and sign up later, you'll pay a penalty every year for the rest of your life.
Does the VA bill Medicare?
No. VA says it doesn't bill Medicare or Medicaid, though it may bill Medicare supplemental insurance for covered services. VA and Medicare are separate programs, so each covers care in its own system.
Where is the Lakeland VA Clinic?
The Lakeland VA Clinic is at 2080 Meadowland Park Blvd. in Lakeland. It is part of VA Tampa Health Care and provides primary care services for veterans in Polk County.
When can I switch Medicare plans?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31.
What to do next
David Huff, a licensed Florida health agent, can review Polk County doctors, facilities, and prescriptions against a specific Marketplace or Florida Medicare plan ID. He does not decide facility billing. Signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B is done through Social Security, and a plan review is not an enrollment. Call (863) 640-3102 or use Get Help.
Want a second set of eyes before you pick a plan?
Send your ZIP, the doctors and facilities you use, and your prescriptions. Please don't send Social Security or Medicare numbers or medical records. A review is not enrollment.
Start a provider check Request a plan review Call (863) 640-3102Not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or the U.S. government.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 organizations which offer 102 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Sources
This page is educational. It does not say whether a facility or doctor participates with a specific plan. Confirm the plan directory and the billing office before you enroll or switch.
Lakeland Health Insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 organizations which offer 102 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Company inventory note: The counts above reflect the plans available for the 2027 plan year in the Lakeland/Polk County service area as of September 30, 2026. They are not CMS counts or statewide Florida totals. Counts and available products vary by ZIP code, service area, plan year, and current company authorization. Confirm the ZIP code and current approved platform inventory before relying on these figures. Plan availability, benefits, networks, formularies, pharmacies, and costs are subject to the applicable plan documents and service area.