If you're a military retiree approaching age 65, you're about to face a critical decision that could affect your healthcare coverage for the rest of your life. Unlike civilians who have a choice about Medicare enrollment, military retirees must enroll in Medicare Part B to keep their TRICARE benefits.
This guide explains everything you need to know about transitioning from TRICARE to Medicare, including how TRICARE For Life works, what it costs, and the exact steps you need to take to avoid losing coverage.
★ Key Takeaway
Military retirees MUST enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65 to keep TRICARE coverage. If you don't enroll in Part B, you'll lose TRICARE benefits entirely.
What Happens to TRICARE When You Turn 65?
When you turn 65, your TRICARE coverage doesn't simply continue as before. Here's what changes:
- TRICARE Prime and Select end on the last day of the month before you turn 65
- TRICARE For Life (TFL) begins automatically once you're enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B
- You must have Medicare Part B to qualify for TRICARE For Life
This transition is mandatory, not optional. If you don't enroll in Medicare Part B, you won't have TRICARE coverage at all once you turn 65.
Critical Warning
If you fail to enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible, you'll lose all TRICARE coverage. There's no grace period. You could be left without any health insurance until you can enroll in Part B during the next General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31).
Understanding TRICARE For Life
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is a Medicare wraparound coverage available to military retirees, their spouses, and certain dependents. It works alongside Medicare to provide comprehensive coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
How TRICARE For Life Works
TRICARE For Life acts as a secondary payer to Medicare:
- Medicare pays first - Medicare covers its portion of approved charges (typically 80% after your Part B deductible)
- TRICARE For Life pays second - TFL covers most or all of Medicare's remaining costs
- You pay little to nothing - In most cases, your out-of-pocket cost is $0 for Medicare-covered services
| Coverage Type | Who Pays | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare-covered services | Medicare (80%) + TFL (20%) | Usually $0 |
| Services covered by TFL only | TRICARE For Life | TFL cost-shares apply |
| Prescriptions (Part D) | TFL pharmacy benefit | TFL copays apply |
| Services abroad | TRICARE For Life | Standard TFL cost-shares |
TRICARE For Life Benefits
- No enrollment fee - TFL is automatic once you have Medicare Parts A and B
- No annual deductible for TFL (though Medicare deductibles apply)
- No network restrictions - You can see any Medicare-accepting provider
- Worldwide coverage - Unlike most Medicare supplements, TFL covers you overseas
- Prescription coverage - Use the TRICARE pharmacy benefit (no need for Medicare Part D)
Do You Need Medicare Part D?
No. The TRICARE pharmacy benefit is considered "creditable coverage" (as good as or better than Part D). You can skip Part D without penalty because TRICARE pharmacy coverage counts as equivalent coverage.
What Does It Cost?
Here's the cost breakdown for military retirees with TRICARE For Life:
What You'll Pay
| Cost | 2025 Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A | $0 | Free if you or spouse worked 40+ quarters |
| Medicare Part B premium | $185/month* | Standard premium; may be higher based on income |
| TRICARE For Life enrollment | $0 | No additional premium |
| Part B deductible | $257/year | Annual deductible before Medicare pays |
| Typical out-of-pocket costs | $0 | TFL covers Medicare's 20% coinsurance |
*The Part B premium is higher if your income exceeds certain thresholds (IRMAA).
What You Won't Pay
- TRICARE Prime or Select enrollment fees
- TFL enrollment fees (there are none)
- Coinsurance for Medicare-covered services (TFL pays it)
- Medicare Part D premiums (TRICARE pharmacy is better)
How to Enroll: Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition from TRICARE to Medicare with TRICARE For Life:
Step 1: Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B
You should receive a Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday if you're already receiving Social Security benefits. If not, you'll need to actively enroll.
Enrollment options:
- Online at SSA.gov
- By phone: 1-800-772-1213 (Social Security)
- In person at your local Social Security office
Step 2: Verify DEERS Information
Your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) must be current for TRICARE For Life to activate.
- Update your Medicare information in DEERS
- Verify your address and contact information
- Update online at milConnect or call 1-800-538-9552
Step 3: TRICARE For Life Activates Automatically
Once DEERS shows you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, TRICARE For Life activates automatically. You don't need to submit a separate enrollment form.
📅 Timeline for Action
Start the Medicare enrollment process 3 months before your 65th birthday. Your Initial Enrollment Period runs from 3 months before to 3 months after your birthday month. Don't wait until the last minute.
Common Questions
What if I'm still working at 65?
If you're still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without penalty through a Special Enrollment Period. However, you'll lose TRICARE coverage while you delay Medicare enrollment. Most military retirees choose to enroll in Medicare and TFL rather than rely solely on employer coverage.
Does my spouse need to enroll separately?
Yes. Each eligible family member must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when they turn 65 to qualify for their own TRICARE For Life coverage.
Can I keep TRICARE Prime or Select instead?
No. TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select end when you turn 65 and become Medicare-eligible. TRICARE For Life is the only TRICARE option for Medicare-eligible retirees.
What if I travel overseas?
TRICARE For Life provides coverage outside the U.S., which is a significant advantage over civilian Medigap plans. Medicare doesn't cover foreign healthcare, but TFL does.
Do I need a Medigap policy?
No. TRICARE For Life provides wraparound coverage similar to (and often better than) a Medigap policy. There's no need to purchase additional coverage.
TRICARE For Life vs. Medigap
Here's how TRICARE For Life compares to civilian Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage:
| Feature | TRICARE For Life | Medigap (Plan G) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $0 (Part B premium only) | $150-$300+/month |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel coverage | Yes (worldwide) | Limited (80%, $50k lifetime) |
| Prescription coverage | TRICARE pharmacy | None (need Part D) |
| Network restrictions | None | None |
| Mental health coverage | Full coverage | Medicare's 20% |
For military retirees, TRICARE For Life is clearly the better option. It provides more comprehensive coverage at no additional premium cost beyond Part B.
Your Next Steps
If you're approaching 65 or helping a family member transition to Medicare, here's what to do:
- Mark your calendar - Note your 65th birthday and the start of your Initial Enrollment Period (3 months before)
- Verify DEERS - Log into milConnect and confirm your information is current
- Enroll in Medicare - Sign up for Parts A and B through Social Security
- Update DEERS with Medicare info - Add your Medicare number once you receive your card
- Start using TRICARE For Life - It activates automatically after Medicare enrollment
Need Personalized Help?
Every situation is unique. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, such as working past 65, coordinating with a spouse's coverage, or understanding how income affects premiums, consider speaking with a Medicare advisor who can review your situation.