An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | April 7, 2022

Do You Need All 4 Parts of Medicare for TRICARE For Life?

By TRICARE Communications

Do you have Medicare, or will you soon be eligible to enroll? Medicare has four parts: A, B, C, and D. It’s important that you understand how each part differs and which parts you’ll need for TRICARE For Life (TFL).
 
TFL provides secondary coverage to Medicare, which is known as Medicare-wraparound coverage. TFL is an individual entitlement. This means it’s only available to military retirees and their eligible family members who qualify for Medicare. TRICARE enrollments for family members who aren’t eligible for Medicare remain the same.
 
Here’s what you need to know about the four parts of Medicare.
 
Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance
You need Medicare Part A to have TFL coverage. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance funded through payroll taxes. It helps provide coverage for:
  • Inpatient care in hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Some home health care
  • Hospice care
 
Most people become eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A at age 65 if they worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. If you aren’t eligible for Medicare Part A based on your own work history, you may be eligible based on your spouse’s work history. What if you aren’t eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A based on your own or your spouse’s work history? Check out the TRICARE and Medicare: Turning Age 65 Brochure for instructions on how to remain TRICARE eligible after you turn age 65.
 
Some people become eligible for Medicare before age 65 based on a disability or a health condition. Some qualifying conditions include end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Check out the TRICARE and Medicare Under Age 65 Brochure for instructions on how to remain TRICARE eligible when you become eligible for Medicare before age 65.
 
Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance
You also need Medicare Part B to have TFL coverage. Medicare Part B is medical insurance funded through monthly premiums. It helps cover:
  • Services from doctors and other health care providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds)
  • Preventive services (screening, vaccines, and yearly wellness visits)
 
As outlined in the TRICARE and Medicare: Turning Age 65 Brochure, the Medicare Part B premium is based on your income and is taken from your monthly Social Security retirement or disability payment. If you aren’t receiving either of these payments, you’ll receive a bill every three months for your premiums.
 
Both Medicare Parts A and B make up Original Medicare. If you’re eligible for Medicare Part A, you must have Part B to have TFL coverage. This requirement doesn’t apply to active duty family members or to individuals who’ve been enrolled in the US Family Health Plan continuously since Oct. 1, 2012.
 
“You should sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B when you’re first eligible, to avoid a break in your TRICARE coverage, or having to pay a penalty,” said Anne Breslin, TRICARE For Life program manager at the Defense Health Agency. “If you sign up for Medicare Part B after your Initial Enrollment Period, you may have to pay a late enrollment premium penalty for as long as you have Part B.”
 
The only way you won’t have to pay the late enrollment penalty when you delay your enrollment in Medicare Part B is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
 
The other two Medicare Parts (C, D) are optional. You don’t need them to have TFL.
 
Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage plans. This is optional coverage offered by private companies that contract with Medicare. A Medicare Advantage plan must cover Medicare Part A and Part B services. These plans may offer you additional benefits not covered by Medicare or TRICARE. And about half of the Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D drug coverage.
 
Considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan? You should be aware of the following: You may pay a monthly plan premium, plus your Medicare Part B premium. You’ll also have to pay copayments at the time of service. This means you’ll have to file a claim with TFL to be reimbursed for any copayments. TRICARE can reimburse you for copayments for TRICARE covered services. You must also get health care services from the Medicare Advantage plan’s network of providers, with the exception of emergency services.
 
Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. However, you don’t need Medicare Part D. TFL beneficiaries remain eligible for the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. This means you still have the same pharmacy options to fill your covered prescriptions.
 
If you sign up for Medicare Part D, it’s important to remember that Part D has a monthly premium which varies depending on which plan you choose. Medicare Part D coverage and costs can change each year, so it’s important to review your options annually. If you get Medicare Part D, it would be the primary payer for your prescription medication. And the TRICARE Pharmacy Program would be the last payer for all TRICARE covered prescription drugs.
 
You have different options for your Medicare coverage. But remember, you only need Medicare Part A and Part B to have TFL coverage. You can learn more about TFL eligibility and the four parts of Medicare by checking out Becoming Medicare-Eligible on the TRICARE website.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Father and son hold hands while walking down a street

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE ...

News
Aug. 26, 2025

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care...
Read More
Image of woman sitting on sofa on laptop. Text reads: "Participants needed for virtual tricare.mil usability study. Learn if you qualify." TRICARE logo

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming U...

News
Aug. 22, 2025

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is...
Read More
Smiling woman holds a baby.

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Se...

News
Aug. 21, 2025

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and...
Read More
Medical professional looks at dental x-rays

TRICARE Medical vs. Dental Coverage: Understandi...

News
Aug. 19, 2025

When you need care for your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you may have questions about whether you should use your...
Read More
Man in grey shirt speaks to a doctor

Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Finding Providers

News
Aug. 14, 2025

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. Here’s what you need to know...
Read More
A hand places white flowers on a stone grave

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICAR...

News
Aug. 12, 2025

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional...
Read More
Female teacher leads a group of young students into school

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A ...

News
Aug. 07, 2025

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus...
Read More
Service member pours pills into a pill counter machine

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: Wha...

News
Aug. 05, 2025

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling...
Read More

Aug. 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE Prime Referral Process

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care manager. But sometimes, you may need specialty care that your PCM can’t provide. This is when your PCM will give you a referral. In this article, you’ll learn about the TRICARE Prime referral process. We’ll highlight what’s new—and easier—for you and your family members if you’re moving this year.

Aug. 22, 2025

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming Usability Study

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is looking for participants for a tricare.mil usability study. The DHA Usability Lab will hold several studies to get feedback on the website.

Aug. 21, 2025

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Services

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and breastfeeding counseling at no cost for new mothers.

Aug. 19, 2025

TRICARE Medical vs. Dental Coverage: Understanding Key Differences

When you need care for your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you may have questions about whether you should use your TRICARE medical or dental plan. Knowing when to use your medical or dental coverage helps avoid unnecessary costs or delays in care.

Aug. 14, 2025

Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Finding Providers

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. Here’s what you need to know about finding different types of Medicare providers.

Aug. 12, 2025

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICARE Coverage

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional burden. This article provides a few steps you should take in the weeks following your family member’s death. Taking these steps can help ensure your coverage continues without interruption.

Aug. 7, 2025

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A TRICARE Parent’s Guide

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus on learning. TRICARE covers the essential services that parents need to check off their back-to-school list.

Aug. 5, 2025

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: What To Know

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling your prescription. There are different rules about how TRICARE covers these drugs based on your plan.

July 31, 2025

TRICARE Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Members: Know Your Options

Are you or your sponsor in the National Guard or Reserve? Your health coverage changes when activating or deactivating. Here’s what you need to know.

July 29, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Check Your TRICARE Information in DEERS Today

When was the last time you looked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is up to date? If it’s been a while, it’s extremely important to take time and log in to DEERS to review or update your information.