How do TRICARE and Medicare work together?

When you have both TRICARE and Medicare:

TRICARE For Life (TFL)

• Available at age 65 if TRICARE-eligible
• Requires Medicare Part A AND Part B
• No enrollment fees for TFL
• Must pay Medicare Part B premium

How It Works:

1. Medicare pays first (primary payer) 2. TRICARE For Life pays second 3. You have minimal out-of-pocket costs

Cost Example:

• Doctor visit with $200 charge:
• Medicare pays: 80% = $160
• TFL pays: 20% = $40
• Your cost: $0 (after Medicare deductible)

Before Age 65

• TRICARE is primary insurance
• Medicare is secondary (if you have it)

At Age 65

• Must enroll in Medicare Part B
• TRICARE becomes secondary (TFL)
• Medicare becomes primary

Important Requirements

• Must have Medicare Part A AND Part B
• Keep Medicare Part B premium current
• Register in DEERS
• Live in U.S. or territories

If You Don't Get Part B

• Lose TRICARE coverage
• No TFL benefits
• Only Medicare Part A coverage

Medicare Advantage

• Cannot use with TRICARE
• Must disenroll from Advantage to use TFL
• Keep Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Prescription Coverage

• Use TRICARE pharmacy program
• Don't need Medicare Part D
• TRICARE covers prescriptions

Enroll in Medicare 3 months before turning 65 to avoid gaps in coverage.