TRICARE For Life and Medicare
Keep Part B, or lose TRICARE.
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is TRICARE coverage for military retirees and eligible family members who have Medicare. It pays after Medicare, and it requires you to have both Part A and Part B.
Reviewed by Joshua H. Pannell, Licensed Insurance Agent (SC license #400481) ·
How they work together
For services both cover, Medicare pays first and TRICARE For Life pays most or all of what's left. For services Medicare doesn't cover but TRICARE does, TRICARE pays as the primary payer, with its own cost sharing.
You must keep Part B
If you're eligible for premium-free Part A, you need Part B to keep TRICARE coverage. There's a Special Enrollment Period for people who lose TRICARE coverage because they didn't have Part B.
Drugs and other choices
TRICARE's pharmacy coverage is creditable, so most TFL beneficiaries don't need a Part D plan to avoid the penalty. Medigap usually isn't needed either, because TFL covers most Medicare cost sharing.
Common questions
Usually not. TFL covers most of Medicare's deductibles and coinsurance for services both cover.
Active-duty family members have different rules. Ask TRICARE before you decide.
Want help comparing your options?
Currently we represent 41 organizations which offer 397 products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.
Sources
- How Medicare Works with Other Insurance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
- When does Medicare coverage start?, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Currently we represent 41 organizations which offer 397 products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.