TRICARE Fit with Medicare

At age 65, TRICARE health care plans morph into the TRICARE For Life Medicare supplement plan, also known as TFL. For TFL to function, you must have Medicare Parts A and B. Health care providers bill Medicare as the primary payer and TRICARE as the secondary payer.

If you’re entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A, you must also have Medicare Part B to keep TRICARE, regardless of your age or place of residence (exceptions to this rule are discussed in the Delaying Medicare Part B Enrollment section).

Once you have both Medicare Part A and Part B, you automatically receive TRICARE benefts under TRICARE For Life (TFL). TFL is the health plan for TRICARE benefciaries who have Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) aren’t required for you to have TFL coverage.

Regardless of your age or the age of your spouse, you will not lose TRICARE medical coverage if you do not signup for Medicare. Simply enroll in Medicare and TRICARE For Life. Your window to apply starts three months before the month you turn 65. It lasts seven months.

But don’t wait. Two or three months before your birthday, visit Medicare.gov and enroll. Early enrollment ensures you receive your Medicare card in the mail. Your TFL coverage begins the first day you have both Medicare Parts A and B; there is no separate enrollment paperwork for TRICARE For Life.

Medicare Part A has no premium. Part B has a monthly premium based on your income level. The Part B premium is per person, per month. Medicare uses the last reported tax filing, two years ago, from the IRS to determine your income level. Search “Part B Cost” at Medicare.gov to find your current cost.

If you travel overseas, your TFL converts to TRICARE Select Overseas. You’ll be covered at TRICARE Select rates. You will pay for services overseas out of your own pocket and be reimbursed by TRICARE after you file a claim.

Understanding all the nuances of health care can be tricky. MOAA has subject-matter experts on hand to assist Premium and Life Members. Call (800) 234-6622 or email msc@moaa.org and we can properly direct you to assistance.

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