How much does TRICARE For Life cost?
Enrollment fee: None, but you must pay the Medicare Part B monthly premium.
Cost-shares: Most of the time, you won’t have cost-shares because both Medicare and TRICARE cover most services. You’ll pay out of pocket when Medicare doesn't cover a service, when TRICARE doesn't cover a service, or when Medicare and TRICARE don't cover a service.
| Is the Service Covered? | Medicare Pays | TRICARE Pays | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by Medicare and TRICARE | Medicare-approved amount | Remaining amount | $0 |
| Covered by only Medicare | Medicare-approved amount | $0 | Medicare deductibles and cost-shares |
| Covered by only TRICARE | $0 | TRICARE-allowable chargeThe maximum amount TRICARE pays for each procedure or service. This is tied by law to Medicare's allowable charges. | TRICARE deductible and cost-shares |
| Not covered by Medicare or TRICARE | $0 | $0 | 100% of the billed charges |
Check out the TRICARE For Life Cost Matrix to see your costs for certain Medicare and TRICARE covered services.
Last Updated 12/22/2025