If you’re a military retiree or the family member of one, turning 65 marks an important
milestone—not just for birthday celebrations, but for securing your health coverage.
TRICARE For Life (TFL) works in coordination with Medicare, and understanding how
the two programs work together can help you avoid coverage gaps, late enrollment
penalties, and unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.
Why Medicare Enrollment Matters
TRICARE For Life is available to military retirees and their eligible family members who
are entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B. Even if you're still working and
have employer-sponsored insurance, delaying Medicare enrollment can cause you to lose TRICARE eligibility.
“Signing up for Medicare three or four months before your 65th birthday is important to
ensure a seamless transition to TRICARE For Life,”
— Anne Breslin, TFL Program Manager, Defense Health Agency
What You Need to Enroll
To maintain your TRICARE eligibility through TFL, you must be enrolled in:
- Medicare Part A – inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some
home health (usually premium-free) - Medicare Part B – outpatient services, preventive care, and durable medical
equipment (monthly premium required)
Medicare pays first, and TRICARE picks up many of the remaining costs. You also
have the option to add a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan to assist with value-add benefits as well as a Part B reduction if available in your market.
When Medicare covers a service, Medicare pays first, and TRICARE covers most of the rest.
Enrollment Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
- Start early: Enroll in Medicare 3–4 months before your 65th birthday.
- Automatic TFL: No separate form or fee—TFL begins automatically once both Part A and B are active.
- Update DEERS: Ensure your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
(DEERS) record is current to prevent disruptions.
Already Have Other Health Insurance (OHI)?
If you or your spouse have additional insurance, here’s how payments work:
1. Medicare pays first
2. OHI pays second (if based on current employment)
3. TRICARE pays last
Understanding this coordination is key to minimizing surprise costs and maximizing
benefits.
Peace of Mind Through Preparation
Navigating Medicare and TRICARE For Life doesn’t have to be confusing. With early
action and proper guidance, you can ensure smooth, uninterrupted coverage and
protect your financial well-being in retirement.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
At Integrity Health Advisors, we specialize in helping veterans, military retirees, and
their families understand and enroll in Medicare. Based in Denver, Colorado, we proudly serve clients nationwide.
Schedule a free consultation today
www.integrityhealthadvisors.com
Recent Comments