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 aren't 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 penalty if you sign up later.

Single, Never Married

• Take your Notice of Award, Disapproved Claim or both to your local ID card office to update your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) A database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE. 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 free Part A:
  • You'll get a Notice of Award from the Social Security Administration.
  • Sign up for 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 Part A and Part B.
• If you're not eligible for 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 or Divorced: Spouse Age 62 or Older

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

• If you're eligible for free 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 TFL coverage begins on the date you have both Part A and Part B.
• If you're not eligible for 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 his or her SSN.