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What are the costs for TRICARE For Life?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
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Quick Answer
TRICARE For Life has no enrollment fee. You pay Medicare premiums plus any Medicare cost shares. TFL pays most remaining costs after Medicare.
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Key Takeaways
- No TFL enrollment fee
- Must pay Medicare Part B premium
- TFL pays after Medicare
- Very low out-of-pocket costs
Detailed Answer
TRICARE For Life is Medicare wraparound coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
What You Pay
- Medicare Part B premium (required)
- Medicare cost shares first
- TFL pays most of remainder
- Some pharmacy copays
No Enrollment Fee
- TFL has no separate fee
- Automatic with Medicare A & B
- Must stay enrolled in Medicare
Medicare Part B Premium (2024)
- Standard: $174.70/month
- Income-based adjustments
- Deducted from Social Security
- Required for TFL eligibility
After Medicare Pays
- TFL pays most remaining costs
- Very low out-of-pocket
- No deductible for TFL portion
- Pharmacy copays still apply
Pharmacy
- Military pharmacy: $0
- Home delivery: Standard copays
- Retail: Standard copays
- Medicare Part D NOT recommended
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What do most military families add to their TRICARE coverage?
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Supplemental health insurance is the most common addition — it covers dental, vision, and out-of-pocket costs that TRICARE leaves uncovered. Life insurance and a legal will are also highly recommended.
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