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.

There are emergency procedures in place in multiple states due to extreme weather. Learn More

Live in the West Region? There is now a referral approval waiver in place through March 31, 2025. Learn More. Also, you have until March 31 to set up  your payment info if you pay by EFT, credit card, or debit card. This is for TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TYA, TRS, and TRR plans. If you miss this deadline, you will be disenrolled back to Jan. 1. Visit www.tricare.mil/west today.

News | Jan. 23, 2024

4 Reminders About Getting Care With TRICARE For Life

By TRICARE Communications

Whether you’re new to TRICARE For Life (TFL) or you’ve had it for years, you may have questions about getting care with TFL.
 
TFL is Medicare-wraparound coverage for military retirees and their family members who are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare is your primary health coverage when you have TFL.
 
“This means that Medicare pays first on a health care claim,” said Anne Breslin, TRICARE For Life program manager. “TRICARE pays second, or last if you have other health insurance.”
 
Knowing how Medicare coverage works can help you avoid unexpected costs. Read on to learn tips for getting care with Medicare.

1. Know where you can use Medicare

Medicare provides coverage in the U.S. and U.S. territories. It also covers health care services you get on ships in U.S. territorial waters.
 
Medicare doesn’t cover care in all other overseas locations. TFL is your primary health coverage in these locations, unless you have other health insurance (OHI). Remember, if you’re eligible for Medicare, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B to have TFL. This is regardless of your age or if you live overseas.
 
Are you eligible for both TFL and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits? If you need health care unrelated to your military service, you should see a civilian Medicare provider. That’s because VA providers can’t bill Medicare. If you see a VA provider to get care not related to a service-connected injury or illness:
  • You may have significant out-of-pocket costs.
  • By law, TRICARE can only pay up to 20% of the TRICARE-allowable amount.

2. Know your provider options and their costs

Most TFL beneficiaries get care from civilian Medicare providers. The TRICARE For Life Handbook describes the three types of civilian providers you can see in the U.S. and U.S. territories:
  • Medicare participating providers agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full.
  • Medicare non-participating providers don’t accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. These providers may charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. TRICARE covers this extra cost.
  • Opt-out providers don’t participate with Medicare and can’t bill Medicare. Medicare won’t pay for care you get from these providers. TFL will pay up to 20% of the TRICARE-allowable charge for TRICARE covered services. You’re responsible for the rest of the TRICARE-allowable charge.
The Medicare Provider Directory can help you find providers and hospitals that take Medicare. Before you get care, call your provider to confirm they take Medicare.
 
You can also get care at a military hospital or clinic, if space is available.
 
Overseas, you can use any TRICARE-authorized civilian provider. In the Philippines, you must see a certified provider.

3. Know what Medicare and TRICARE cover

Medicare and TRICARE cover many of the same health care services. However, some services may be covered only by Medicare, only by TRICARE, or by neither.
 
Before you get care, see what Medicare covers and what TRICARE covers. Generally, you’ll have lower out-of-pocket costs when you follow Medicare’s rules for getting care.
 
See the TRICARE For Life Cost Matrix to learn how Medicare and TRICARE coordinate benefits to limit your out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Know how Medicare Advantage Plans work

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.
 
You don’t need Medicare Part C to have TFL coverage. But if you choose to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan, keep the following in mind:
  • You must get all nonemergency health care from that plan’s provider network.
  • Your plan may require pre-authorization for health care services.
  • You may pay a monthly premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.
  • You may have copayments at the time of service. You may need to file paper claims with the TFL contractor, Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS), to be reimbursed for these copayments.
 
What if you sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan and later decide you’d rather use Original Medicare? Because you have TFL, you may disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan at any time. You can call Medicare or your Medicare Advantage Plan or to request disenrollment. You’ll automatically be back in Original Medicare.
 
Do you still have questions about your TFL coverage? For care in the U.S. and U.S. territories, call WPS at 866-773-0404. You can also call WPS to request a copy of the TRICARE For Life Handbook. If you’re traveling or living overseas, call your TRICARE Overseas regional call center.

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.
 
Dentist holds dental equipment.

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program T...

News
Mar. 19, 2025

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on...
Read More
Woman in medical scrubs holds up model teeth.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

News
Mar. 18, 2025

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the...
Read More
Man signs papers.

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other...

News
Mar. 18, 2025

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a...
Read More
Doctor talking with a patient.

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

News
Mar. 13, 2025

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you...
Read More
Military doctor conducts a vitals check.

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

News
Mar. 11, 2025

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you...
Read More
Patient Safety Awareness DHA graphic.

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hosp...

News
Mar. 06, 2025

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a...
Read More
Woman looks at papers.

Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE...

News
Mar. 04, 2025

Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a...
Read More
Man gets his blood drawn.

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and...

News
Feb. 26, 2025

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help...
Read More

March 19, 2025

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program Terms You Should Know

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on essential terms relating to your dental coverage. Understanding your TDP plan can help you make the most of your benefits.

March 18, 2025

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the dentist often leads people to feel hesitant. If you’re feeling unsure at the dentist, then you may not ask any questions or express your discomfort with a procedure. However, taking charge of your oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing daily; it's about actively participating in your dental care journey.

March 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other Health Insurance Work Together

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or a private insurer, it’s considered other health insurance, which can affect how TRICARE processes your claim. TRICARE and OHI work together to help cover your health care and services.

March 13, 2025

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you can see. The type of provider you see can determine how much you pay for care and the process for filing claims.

March 11, 2025

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you feeling your best. Getting routine preventive care can help you stay well and catch problems early. With preventive health services, TRICARE has you covered.

March 6, 2025

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hospitals and Clinics

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a concern. You deserve to know how well your military hospital or clinic protects you and your family from preventable harm.

March 4, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE Explanation of Benefits

Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a statement from your health plan that details what action TRICARE has taken on your claims. Take a moment to understand your EOB, what it means, and what may be required on your part.

Feb. 26, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and Diagnostic Imaging

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help you and your provider catch potential issues early, before they become serious problems. TRICARE covers many of these services, including some as part of your preventive health care benefit.

Feb. 25, 2025

Retiring in 2025? Take Action To Keep Your TRICARE Coverage

If you’re getting ready to retire from active duty or the National Guard or Reserve, your goal is likely to make a smooth transition to civilian life. Part of this transition includes your health coverage, and TRICARE is here to help.

Feb. 24, 2025

Act Now! Payment Deadline Extended for West Region Beneficiaries

The Defense Health Agency has extended the payment deadline for West Region beneficiaries who pay for TRICARE coverage via bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card. You now have until Monday, March 31 to provide your payment information to TriWest.