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TRICARE

Q&A: How Does TRICARE For Life Work

With Medicare?

By TRICARE Communications
FALLS CHURCH, Va.—Will you be eligible for Medicare
soon? You may have questions about the different parts of
Medicare and how they interact with TRICARE For Life
(TFL).

“TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage.
This means Medicare and TRICARE work together to
coordinate your benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket Q: How do I get TFL coverage?
medical costs,” said Anne E. Breslin, TRICARE For Life A: Your TFL coverage automatically begins the first day
Program Manager. “You’ll pay nothing out of pocket when that you have both Medicare Parts A and B. There are no
the services you receive are a benefit of both Medicare and TFL enrollment forms or enrollment fees.
TRICARE.”
To avoid a gap in your TRICARE coverage, make sure
TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A you’re enrolled Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B at least
and Part B. But what do these terms mean? And how does two months before you turn age 65. You can sign up for
TFL work with about Medicare Part C and Part D? Read Medicare on the Social Security website or by contacting
on to learn more. the Social Security Administration
to set up an appointment.
Q: Who is eligible for
Medicare and TFL? Check out the TRICARE For Life

A: Most people become eligi- TRICARE For Life Handbook to learn more about
®
ble for Medicare the month they signing up for Medicare.
turn age 65, as described in the HANDBOOK
TRICARE and Medicare Turning Q: What are the different
Age 65 Brochure. You may be eli- parts of Medicare? Which
gible earlier if you receive Social ones do I need to have TFL?
Security disability benefits or have A: You need to have Medicare Part
certain other health conditions. A and Part B to have TFL.
To learn more about the impact of
Medicare eligibility before age 65 Medicare Part A is hospital insur-
on TRICARE eligibility, see the ance. It covers inpatient costs for
TRICARE and Medicare Under Age hospital care, skilled nursing facility
65 Brochure. Learn how TRICARE and Medicare work together care, hospice care, and some home
health care.
TFL is available to military retirees https://tricare.mil/Publications/Handbooks/
and their eligible dependents who tricare_for_life Note: Most people are eligible for
are eligible for TRICARE and have premium-free Medicare Part A if
Medicare Part A and Part B. This is regardless of your age they or their spouse worked and paid Social Security taxes
or where you live. TFL is an individual entitlement. This for at least 10 years. If you aren’t eligible for premium-free
means family members who aren’t eligible for Medicare Medicare Part A, based on your own record, you may be
stay eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. eligible for Medicare on a current or former spouse’s record.

14 The Mariner • 2023/2024 WINTER Edition • Volume 66 • Issue 3