TRICARE

TRICARE is the health care program for service members (active duty, national guard and reserves), retirees and their families worldwide. It provides comprehensive coverage, health plans, special programs, prescriptions and dental plans.

TRICARE allows veterans and their family members to use their private doctors that takes TRICARE and are located close to them.

The cost of TRICARE is very low.  This is a great resource that veterans should take advantage of.

TRICARE cost far less than coverage from any other source.  Cost ranges from zero to a few hundred dollars annually depending on the plan and whether it’s for a single member or a family.  It offers a tremendous amount of savings to veterans. 

See cost comparison for the different plans.

These are the different plans that you can enroll in for you and your family.
Different Plans

TRICARE for Life (TLF):
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is Medicare-wraparound coverage for military retirees and their eligible family members who have both Medicare Part A and Part B, providing comprehensive health care coverage. 

Medicare is the primary payer, and TRICARE pays second, meaning that Medicare-covered services are paid first, and then TRICARE covers the remaining costs. 

There are no enrollment fees or monthly premiums for TFL, but you must pay the Medicare Part B monthly premium. 

You must be eligible in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to qualify for TRICARE For Life.

TRICARE FOR LIFE HANDBOOK

MEDICARE:
Generally, you should sign up for Medicare when you first become eligible, typically around your 65th birthday. This Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65. It’s crucial to sign up during this period to avoid potential late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage. 

Initial Enrollment Period:
This 7-month window is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. 

Why sign up during this period?
To avoid a late enrollment penalty for Part B, which is a monthly fee that increases the longer you delay signing up. 

How to sign up:
You can apply for Medicare by visiting the Social Security Administration website or contacting them directly. 

What if you’re already receiving Social Security?
If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65. 

Exceptions to the rule:
If you’re still employed and covered by your employer’s group health plan, you might be able to delay enrolling in Medicare Part B, but you’ll still need to enroll in Part A. 

SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE