Beneficiaries Who Don't Qualify for Medicare Part A

If you applied for Medicare and you get a Notice of AwardAn official letter that states you’re either: eligible for free Part A and enrolled in Part B, eligible for free Part A and not enrolled in Part B, or only enrolled in Part B. or a Disapproved ClaimAn official letter that states you’re not eligible for Medicare Part A. that says you're not eligible for Medicare Part A, you're still eligible for Part B.

• Find the scenario below that fits you, and follow the steps listed to keep your TRICARE coverage.
• Remember, if you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a Medicare Part B Late Enrollment PenaltyYour monthly premium for Part B may go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B, but didn't sign up for it. when you sign up later.

Single, Never Married

• Take your Notice of Award, Disapproved Claim, or both to your local Uniformed Services ID card office to update your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System record and get a new ID card.
• You continue to be eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select past your 65th birthday.

Widow or Widower

Apply for Medicare Part A under your deceased spouse’s Social Security number.

• If you're eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A:
  • You'll get a Notice of Award from the Social Security Administration.
  • Sign up for Medicare Part B. Your record in DEERS automatically updates to show your Part A and Part B coverage.
  • Your TRICARE For Life coverage begins on the date you have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
• If you're not eligible for premium-free Part A:
  • You'll get a Notice of Award, Disapproved Claim, or both from the SSA, based on your deceased sponsor's SSN.
  • Take the Notice of Award, Disapproved Claim, or both to your local ID card office to update your DEERS record and get a new ID card.
  • You continue to be eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select past your 65th birthday.

Married/Divorced: Spouse Age 62 or Older

Apply for Medicare under your spouse’s (or divorced spouse's) SSN.

• If you're eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A:
  • You'll get a Notice of Award from the SSA. 
  • Sign up for Medicare Part B. Your record in DEERS automatically updates to show your Part A and Part B coverage.
  • Your TRICARE For Life coverage begins on the date you have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
• If you're not eligible for premium-free Part A under your spouse's (or divorced spouse's) SSN:
  • You’ll get a Notice of Award, Disapproved Claim, or both from the SSA.
  • Take the Notice of Award, Disapproved Claim, or both to your local ID card office to update your DEERS record and receive a new ID card.  
  • You continue to be eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select past your 65th birthday.

Married or Divorced: Spouse Younger than Age 62

Sign up for Medicare Part B.

• Take your Notice of Award, Disapproved Claim, or both to your local ID card office to update your DEERS record and receive a new ID card.
• You continue to be eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select past your 65th birthday.
• Three months before your spouse (or divorced spouse) turns 62, apply for Medicare Part A under their SSN.