TRICARE For Life
TFL
Medicare wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65+.
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is Medicare wraparound coverage that supplements Medicare for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65 and older. TFL pays after Medicare, covering most out-of-pocket costs and providing comprehensive healthcare coverage with minimal expenses.
Who qualifies for TFL: • Age 65 or older • TRICARE-eligible (retiree, family member, survivor) • Enrolled in Medicare Part A AND Part B • Live in the United States or U.S. territories • Registered in DEERS
How TFL works: 1. Medicare pays first as primary insurance 2. TRICARE For Life pays second, covering Medicare gaps 3. You have minimal out-of-pocket costs 4. No enrollment fees for TFL (but must pay Medicare Part B premium)
What TFL covers: • All Medicare-covered services • Many services not covered by Medicare • Prescription drugs through TRICARE Pharmacy Program • Care overseas (TRICARE pays primary) • Medical supplies and equipment
Cost example Doctor visit with $200 allowable charge: • Medicare pays 80% = $160 • TFL pays remaining 20% = $40 • Your cost = $0 (after Medicare deductible)
Important: You MUST maintain Medicare Part B to keep TFL. If Part B lapses, you lose TFL coverage and revert to paying Medicare cost-shares out-of-pocket.
TFL provides excellent coverage at minimal cost—your only regular expense is the Medicare Part B premium ($174.70/month in 2024 for most beneficiaries). No TRICARE enrollment fees, no catastrophic cap to worry about, and comprehensive coverage with almost no out-of-pocket expenses.
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