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 | Oct. 1, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Understanding How TRICARE For Life Works With Medicare

By TRICARE Communications

Are you approaching Medicare eligibility? Unlock your health by understanding how TRICARE For Life works with Medicare and plan your coverage effectively, while avoiding out-of-pocket costs.

“TRICARE For Life works with Medicare to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses for TRICARE-covered healthcare services you receive,” said Anne E. Breslin, TRICARE For Life Program Manager at the Defense Health Agency. “If Medicare and TRICARE both cover a healthcare service you receive, you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.”

Here are some answers to common questions about TRICARE For Life and Medicare coverage.

Q: Who’s eligible for Medicare and TRICARE For Life?

A: Most people become eligible for Medicare the month they turn 65, but some may qualify earlier. If you receive Social Security disability benefits, or have certain health conditions, and are under 65, you may be eligible for Medicare.

It’s important to understand how entitlement to Medicare affects your TRICARE eligibility. Learn more in the TRICARE and Medicare Under Age 65 Brochure or the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure.

TFL is for military retirees and eligible family members who qualify for TRICARE and have both Medicare Part A and Part B, regardless of where you live. TFL is an individual benefit, meaning family members who aren’t eligible for Medicare can still be covered under TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.

Q: How do I get TRICARE For Life coverage?

A: TFL coverage begins the first day you have both Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. There are no forms or fees to enroll in TFL.

It’s important to avoid gaps in your TRICARE coverage by enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B at least two months before turning 65. You can enroll on the Social Security website or by contacting the Social Security Administration.

Check out the TRICARE For Life Handbook for more about signing up for Medicare.

Q: What are the different parts of Medicare and which ones do I need for TFL?

A: You need Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to qualify for TFL.

  • Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.
  • Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and certain preventive services. There’s a monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which is based on your income.

You don’t need Medicare Part C or Part D to have TFL coverage, but there are some key details to know about these options.

Q: What should I know about Medicare Part C and Part D?

A: Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an optional plan provided by private companies that bundle Medicare Parts A and B. If you choose Medicare Part C, you may need to:

  • Pay a monthly premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.
  • Get healthcare services from the Medicare Advantage plan network of providers.
  • Pay copayments at the time of service.
  • File claims with TRICARE for any TRICARE-covered services.

Medicare Part D provides prescription coverage. It’s also optional. You don’t need Part D to be eligible for TRICARE Pharmacy benefits. If you have TFL, you remain eligible for the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. If you do choose to enroll in Part D, you may pay a monthly premium, and you must follow the plan’s rules for filling prescriptions.

Learn more about using Medicare Part D with TRICARE pharmacy benefits.

Remember: You won’t lose your TFL benefits if you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, but you may need to file your own claims with the TFL contractor, Wisconsin Physicians Service.

For dental and vision coverage, check to see if you qualify through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.

Q: Does Medicare or TRICARE pay first?

A: When Medicare and TRICARE both cover a service, Medicare pays first, and TRICARE pays second. However, TRICARE covers some services that Medicare doesn’t. Check whether your care is covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or both, to avoid unexpected costs. Visit TRICARE’s covered services for details.

Q: What if I live overseas?

A: There are some differences to know. Medicare only covers care in the U.S. and U.S. territories, so if you live or travel overseas, TRICARE will become your primary payer. You’ll be responsible for paying TRICARE’s annual deductible and cost shares for overseas care. Use the TRICARE Compare Costs Tool to see your TFL costs.

Even though Medicare doesn’t provide coverage overseas, you must still have Medicare Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE.

Here’s what to keep in mind if you have TFL and live or travel overseas:

  • You may visit any TRICARE-authorized provider for care.
  • If you’re in the Philippines, you must see a Philippine Preferred Provider Network or certified providers.
  • Be prepared to pay for services up front. You’ll need to file a claim later.
  • You have up to three years to file your claim for overseas care.

Q: What if I have other health insurance?

A: If you have other health insurance, such as coverage through employment, TRICARE will pay after Medicare and your OHI, as described in the TRICARE For Life Handbook.

Make sure you’re fully prepared for Medicare by enrolling at least two months before turning 65. Also, keep your contact information current in DEERS to ensure you get important information regarding your TRICARE benefits.

Unlock your health—and longevity—by taking steps to understand how Medicare and TFL work together. To learn more about what happens when you become eligible, check out Becoming Medicare-Eligible.

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.
 
Doctor checks a patient's vitals

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different ...

News
Jul. 01, 2025

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident...
Read More
Older man and woman smile at each other

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Elig...

News
Jun. 26, 2025

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible...
Read More
Uniformed service member holds thermometer in a patient's mouth.

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Sta...

News
Jun. 24, 2025

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or...
Read More
Young girl wrapped in blue and white towel stands on a beach.

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide f...

News
Jun. 17, 2025

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world...
Read More
Man in white shirt reads papers while smiling.

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dent...

News
Jun. 16, 2025

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you...
Read More
Woman in dental chair, gums being examined by dentist wearing pink gloves

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier...

News
Jun. 13, 2025

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the...
Read More
Older woman sits at desk looking at monitor with a doctor. TRICARE logo. Text reads, "Patients Needed on June 27 for a Focus Group Discussion about Osteoarthritis. Sign-up deadline is June 26. Learn if you qualify."

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guideline...

News
Jun. 12, 2025

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re...
Read More
Man in white shirt smiling

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effec...

News
Jun. 11, 2025

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently...
Read More

July 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

June 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Eligibility

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

June 24, 2025

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Stay Healthy This Summer

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or take a vacation. But don’t take a vacation from your health this summer. Here are four suggested ways you can use your TRICARE benefits this summer.

June 17, 2025

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide for the U.S. and Overseas

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world. Whether you’re heading out for business or taking a family vacation, understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might arise.

June 16, 2025

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dental Program Dental Explanation of Benefits

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you track your coverage. This allows you to avoid any unexpected costs.

June 13, 2025

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier You — What You Should Know

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the body? From heart disease to diabetes, the state of your gums can significantly impact your long-term health. This article explores the surprising links between oral hygiene and whole-body wellness, offering simple, practical steps you can take today to protect both your smile and your future health.

June 12, 2025

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Osteoarthritis on June 27

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re invited to join virtual focus groups! The next focus group will discuss osteoarthritis care on June 27 at 2 p.m. ET.

June 11, 2025

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effects on Oral Health?

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently gained popularity as a potential solution for mouth breathing and its related health issues. But is it supported by science or is it just another viral trend?

June 10, 2025

Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health With TRICARE

About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction, according to the CDC. Do you know if you’re one of them? Getting routine eye exams to monitor your eyesight can help detect and prevent eye diseases early.

June 5, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How to Report Fraud and Abuse With TRICARE

Health care fraud and abuse harms everyone. TRICARE is committed to protecting the health information of service members, retirees, and their family members. You can help by knowing how to spot fraud or abuse—and by reporting it when you see it.