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:

1. Be eligible for Medicare (generally by turning 65)
2. Enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B
3. 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