Turning 65? Learn more about VA healthcare, Medicare, and TRICARE For Life and how they work together
What you need to know as you approach 65
Timing matters. Your Medicare enrollment window runs from 3 months
before to 3 months after the month you turn 65. Missing it can mean a
lifelong penalty on your Part B premium. If you have missed yours, ask
Social Security about a Special or General Enrollment Period.
VA is its own system. There is no enrollment fee for all Veterans, and no
bill to Medicare or TRICARE For Life for care you receive at VA.
TRICARE For Life fills the gaps. Once active, TRICARE For Life covers deductibles,
copays, and extras that Medicare alone does not, such as routine eye
exams.
Access can change over time. Your VA priority, local wait times, and
health needs may shift. Medicare keeps that door open.
VA and TRICARE For Life work together. Enrolling in one does not cancel the other
For more information, check out the Turning 65 informational sheet and checklist.
Park a Prescription
Veterans, you now can now "Park a Prescription"
A "parked prescription" is a prescription that is on file at your VA Pharmacy. It is a prescription that has been ordered by your VA providers, but it will not be sent to you until you request it. You might need to park a prescription, if you have extra supply at home or are exploring more affordable options, such as buying a similar over-the-counter product.
You can let your VA provider know what medications you would like parked on your file.
To request a parked prescription:
1- log in to VA.gov and navigate to My HealtheVet use the medication section to park a selected prescription.
2- use the VA Health App and use the prescription feature on the app to park a prescription.
3- Call the VA Pharmacy Automatic Refill line at 1-800-470-8262 and select a prescription that you would like to park.
Flu Shots are now available at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
Flu shot are now available during scheduled clinic appointments in Primary Care clinics, specialty clinics, and the hemodialysis unit.
Walk-in flu vaccinations are available at the Immunization Clinic located in Building 80 South at the Tucson VA Medical Center located at 3601 South 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85723 Monday through Friday, (except for Federal Holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) will provide flu vaccines during scheduled
clinic appointments and will accommodate walk-ins during regular business hours. Flu vaccination appointments may also be scheduled separately.
For a list of CBOC locations, visit https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/locations/ or call the main number at 520-792-1450.
Please remember, do not come to get your flu shot if you are sick, have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have had recent contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19.
We ask that you wear a shirt that allows nurses easy access to your upper arm close to your shoulder.
October is National Apple Month!
Apples are a tasty fall fruit and a good source of fiber. Fiber can help keep your gut healthy and help you feel full. For the most fiber, try eating the apple with the skin on.
Cinnamon Apple Slices
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:.
1 medium apple
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: 1 tbsp peanut butter or ¼ cup vanilla Greek yogurt for dipping
Directions:
1. Wash the apple under running water
2. Cut the apple into thin slices.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon over the slices.
4. Eat them cold, or warm them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds.
5. Add peanut butter or vanilla greek yogurt for an easy snack.
Tip: Apples are not the only food with fiber. Beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are also great choices.
The Healthy Teaching Kitchen Program
The Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) program provides Veterans with nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, to build confidence in cooking at home with healthy, minimally processed foods.
Get inspired with a new healthy recipe every other month! Watch a live cooking demonstration from start to finish while learning practical nutrition tips you can use at home.
Schedule:
New Recipe Odd months – Second Tuesday 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Repeat Class (Same Recipe) Even months – Second Wednesday 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Each new class is repeated the following month with the same recipe, giving Veterans another opportunity to attend if the original class is full or doesn’t fit their schedule.
Next open class is October 14th 11am
To Schedule call (520) 792-1450 extension 1-3485.
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Virtual Veteran Healthcare Update
Join us for our Virtual Veteran Health Care Update on Wednesday, October 14, from
1:00 p.m. –2:00 p.m. where we will share important healthcare updates, helpful resources, and information about how VA is supporting Veterans, their families, and caregivers.
To register, click on the following link Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Virtual Veteran Health Care Update registration link.
Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System will be hosting a drive-through flu shot clinic on the following date and time.
Drive-Up Flu Shot Clinic on Saturday, October 17 from from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Tucson VA Medical Center located at 3601 South 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85723
Please enter through the Ajo Gate entrance and follow the signage to the drive-through flu shot clinic.
Please remember, do not come to get your flu shot if you are sick, have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have had recent contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19.
We ask that you wear a shirt that allows nurses easy access to your upper arm close to your shoulder.
Join us for a Veterans Health Fair
Join us on Wednesday, November 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Rose Garden Courtyard at the Tucson VA Medical Center located at 3601 South 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85723 to learn about the health care services that the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System provides to Veterans.
VHA benefits staff at the Tucson VA Medical Center
VHA benefits staff will be available on Wednesday, October 14 on a first-come, first-served basis
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staff will be available to meet one-on-one with Veterans to help with questions, disability compensation, pensions, and filing claims on Wednesday, October 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-827-1000.
All services are provided on a first-come, first served basis
Location:
Tucson VA Medical Center
3601 S. 6th Ave., Quarters 13
Tucson, AZ 85723
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Additional date: December 9, 2026
VBA Appointment Scheduler
Need to speak with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)? Check out the Veteran Engagement Reporting Application to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.
VA Resource Navigator
Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA?
Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.
VA is here for you
1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number.
DISCLAIMER: THE SHARING OF ANY NON-VA INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ON THE PART OF THE VA.
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