Medicare and TRICARE For Life: What Military Retirees Need to Know
If you’re a
military retiree or a spouse with
TRICARE For Life (TFL) and you're turning 65, you’re probably asking:
“Do I need to enroll in Medicare?”
“Which insurance pays first — Medicare or TRICARE?”
Here’s a complete breakdown of how
TRICARE For Life and Medicare work together, what’s covered, and what you
must do to keep your benefits intact.
What Is TRICARE For Life?
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is the
secondary insurance program available to:
- Military retirees and their spouses/surviving spouses
- Who are eligible for TRICARE and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
TFL is managed by the Department of Defense and administered through the
TRICARE contractor (currently WPS Military and Veteran Health).
To Be Eligible for TRICARE For Life, You Must:
- Be eligible for Medicare (generally by turning 65)
- Enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B
- Continue paying the Part B premium
If you
don’t enroll in Medicare Part B, you will
lose TRICARE For Life — even if you’re retired military.
How Medicare and TRICARE For Life Work Together
Type of ServiceWho Pays First?What You Pay
| Inpatient / Outpatient care |
Medicare pays first |
TFL covers the rest (you pay $0) |
| Doctor visits |
Medicare pays first |
TFL pays the balance |
| Skilled nursing, hospice, preventive care |
Medicare first |
TFL picks up Medicare’s leftover costs |
| Prescriptions (retail or mail) |
TFL via Express Scripts |
Minimal copay or none |
| Non-covered by Medicare |
TFL may cover (if TRICARE allows it) |
You may owe copay or cost share |
Result: Little to no out-of-pocket costs for covered services when using Medicare + TFL properly.
What About Prescription Drug Coverage?
- You do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D
- TRICARE Pharmacy Program covers prescription drugs (retail, military pharmacy, and home delivery via Express Scripts)
- Lower copays than most Part D plans
But you must use TRICARE-approved pharmacies or mail-order services.
Can I Use TRICARE For Life Overseas?
Yes — if you live or travel overseas:
- TFL becomes your primary payer (since Medicare usually doesn’t cover care abroad)
- You must pay out of pocket and file a claim with TRICARE to get reimbursed
TFL provides worldwide coverage, unlike standard Medicare.
FAQs: Medicare and TRICARE For Life
1. Do I need Medicare if I already have TRICARE For Life?
Yes. You
must have both Medicare Part A and B to keep TFL active.
2. Do I need a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan?
No. In most cases,
you do not need MAPD or Part D — TFL is your secondary payer and includes prescription drug coverage.
3. What if I use the VA for care?
You can still use the VA, but
TFL doesn’t coordinate with the VA — they are separate systems. Use
Medicare + TFL outside the VA.
4. Can I see civilian doctors?
Yes — you can see any
Medicare-participating doctor, and TFL will cover your share after Medicare pays.
Military Retirees: Let’s Keep Your Coverage Running Smoothly
At
Peace & Grace Insurance Services, we help:
- Veterans and military spouses turning 65
- Confirm the proper enrollment steps to keep TRICARE For Life active
- Avoid penalties for delaying Medicare
- Explain how to coordinate care and billing between Medicare and TRICARE
Call/Text:
209-812-4026
Email:
CSinsurepng@icloud.com
Proudly serving all counties in California
