Active Duty Family Members

If you’re eligible for Medicare Part A, you aren’t required to have Medicare Part B to keep your TRICARE benefits. However, you must have Part B to keep TRICARE once your sponsorThe term sponsor specifically refers to the active duty, retired or deceased service member whose military status entitles their dependents (spouse, children, etc.) to receive TRICARE health benefits. retires.

Special Enrollment Period

A Medicare Special Enrollment Period is available while your sponsor is on active duty and within the first eight months of their retirement.

• If you enroll in Part B after your sponsor retires, you’ll have a break in TRICARE coverage.
• To avoid this break, enroll in Part B before your sponsor retires.

Do you have end-stage renal disease? If you’re eligible for Medicare Part A because you have ESRD, you’re encouraged to keep Part B when you’re first eligible because you won’t be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you decline or terminate Part B coverage, you may enroll in Medicare Part B during the Medicare General Enrollment Period. The Medicare Part B late-enrollment penalty will apply.

General Enrollment Period

If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B during the special enrollment period, your next opportunity to enroll in Part B is during the Medicare General Enrollment Period. The General Enrollment Period is Jan. 1–March 31 each year.

Your Part B coverage and TRICARE coverage will start the first day of the month after you sign up. You may also be required to pay the Medicare Part B late-enrollment penalty.