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 | Dec. 14, 2023

Q&A: How Does TRICARE For Life Work With Medicare?

By TRICARE Communications

Will you be eligible for Medicare soon? You may have questions about the different parts of Medicare and how they interact with TRICARE For Life (TFL).
 
“TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage. This means Medicare and TRICARE work together to coordinate your benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket medical costs,” said Anne E. Breslin, TRICARE For Life Program Manager. “You’ll pay nothing out of pocket when the services you receive are a benefit of both Medicare and TRICARE.”
 
TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. But what do these terms mean? And how does TFL work with about Medicare Part C and Part D? Read on to learn more.
 
Q: Who is eligible for Medicare and TFL?
A: Most people become eligible for Medicare the month they turn age 65, as described in the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure. You may be eligible earlier if you receive Social Security disability benefits or have certain other health conditions. To learn more about the impact of Medicare eligibility before age 65 on TRICARE eligibility, see the TRICARE and Medicare Under Age 65 Brochure.
 
TFL is available to military retirees and their eligible dependents who are eligible for TRICARE and have Medicare Part A and Part B. This is regardless of your age or where you live. TFL is an individual entitlement. This means family members who aren’t eligible for Medicare stay eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.
 
Q: How do I get TFL coverage?
A: Your TFL coverage automatically begins the first day that you have both Medicare Parts A and B. There are no TFL enrollment forms or enrollment fees.
 
To avoid a gap in your TRICARE coverage, make sure you’re enrolled Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B at least two months before you turn age 65. You can sign up for Medicare on the Social Security website or by contacting the Social Security Administration to set up an appointment.
 
Check out the TRICARE For Life Handbook to learn more about signing up for Medicare.
 
Q: What are the different parts of Medicare? Which ones do I need to have TFL?
A: You need to have Medicare Part A and Part B to have TFL.
 
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers inpatient costs for hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
 
Note: Most people are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. If you aren’t eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, based on your own record, you may be eligible for Medicare on a current or former spouse’s record.
 
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. Coverage includes outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services. Medicare Part B has a monthly premium based on your income.
 
You don’t need Medicare Part C or Part D to have TFL.
 
Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage plans. Private companies contract with Medicare to offer these plans. Coverage includes Medicare Part A and Part B. Some plans also include vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
 
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Private companies contract with Medicare to offer these plans.
 
Q: What should I know about the optional parts of Medicare (Part C and Part D)?
A: With Medicare Part C, you may pay a monthly premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. If you choose to enroll in Part C:
  • You must get all nonemergency health services from that plan’s network of providers.
  • You may pay copayments at the time of service.
  • You may need to file paper claims for TRICARE to reimburse you for TRICARE-covered services you receive.
 
If you need dental and vision coverage, you may qualify to purchase this coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
 
You don’t need to enroll in Medicare Part D to have drug coverage. With TFL beneficiaries remain eligible for the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.
 
If you enroll in Medicare Part D, you’ll pay a monthly premium. You’ll also need to follow your Medicare Part D plan’s rules for where to get prescriptions. Learn more about using Medicare Part D with TRICARE.
 
Q: Does Medicare or TRICARE pay first?
A: If both Medicare and TRICARE cover the service, TRICARE pays last. However, Medicare doesn’t cover all services that TRICARE covers. Be sure to check whether your health care services are covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or both, so you aren’t surprised by any out-of-pocket costs.
 
Q: What if I have other health insurance?
A: TFL pays after Medicare and other health insurance (OHI), such as insurance based on your or your spouse’s current employment. Find more information about how Medicare and TFL interact with OHI in the TRICARE for Life Handbook.
 
Be sure to explore all your options and enroll in Medicare at least two months before you turn 65 to avoid any gaps in TRICARE coverage. Keep your contact information up to date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to ensure timely delivery of your TRICARE benefits.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, 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.