I got Social Security disability benefits based on an appeal. I now have Medicare Part A and Part B but the start dates don’t match. Does this affect my TRICARE eligibility?

If you’re an active duty service member, the different start dates don't affect your TRICARE eligibility. To learn more, visit the Active Duty Service Members and Medicare page.

If you’re an active duty family member, the different Medicare start dates don't affect your TRICARE eligibility. To learn more, visit the Active Duty Family Members and Medicare page.

If you’re a retiree or a family member of a retiree, the different Medicare start dates may affect your TRICARE eligibility. You don't have to buy back Part B to match your Part A start date if your Part B starts on or after October 2009. You must keep Part A and Part B from their original start dates (see example below). TRICARE won't take back payments made for claims when you only had Part A. If you drop Part B, you lose your TRICARE benefits. 

Example: