TRICARE For Life

TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage if you’re TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and Part B, regardless of age or place of residence. Coverage is only for those with Medicare and who are TRICARE eligible. Coverage doesn’t extend to family members.

  • You aren’t required to enroll in TFL.
    • TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B.
    • Coverage starts the first day Medicare Part A and Part B are in effect.
    • You must pay Medicare Part B premiums.
  • Coverage is available worldwide.

Learn more about TRICARE and Medicare eligibility requirements. 

TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure

This brochure has information on how to remain TRICARE-eligible after you become eligible for Medicare at age 65. See the brochure.

How does TRICARE For Life work?

There isn’t an enrollment card for TFL. All you need for proof of coverage is your Medicare card and Uniformed Services ID card.

You may visit any authorized provider. Learn how to find a Medicare provider.

  • In most cases, your provider files your claims with Medicare.
  • Medicare pays its portion first and sends the claim to the TFL claims processor.
  • TRICARE then pays the provider directly for TRICARE-covered services.
    • Generally, you’ll have no out-of-pocket costs for services that both Medicare and TRICARE cover.
    • You’ll have out-of-pocket costs for care that isn’t covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or both.

You can only get care at military hospitals and clinics if space is available.

Does TRICARE For Life work overseas?

Medicare provides coverage in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Medicare doesn’t provide coverage in any other overseas locations.

When you use TFL in all other overseas locations, whether you live or travel overseas:

  • TRICARE is the primary payer.
  • You’re responsible for paying TRICARE’s annual deductible and cost-shares. View TFL costs.

Important: If you live overseas, you must have Medicare Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE even though Medicare doesn’t provide coverage overseas.

Do I have to pay an enrollment fee?

No. You don't pay any enrollment fees for TFL, but you must pay Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B monthly premiums. Medicare Part A is paid from payroll taxes while you or your spouse are working. Your Part B premium is based on your income.

For more information about Medicare Part B premiums:

  • Visit the Medicare website.
  • Call Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

Will I have any out-of-pocket costs?

Type of Service Medicare Pays TRICARE Pays You Pay
Covered by Medicare and TRICARE Medicare-authorized amount Remaining amount Nothing
Covered by Medicare only Medicare-authorized amount Nothing Medicare deductible and cost-share
Covered by TRICARE only Nothing TRICARE-allowable amount TRICARE deductible and cost-share
Not Covered by Medicare or TRICARE Nothing Nothing Billed charges (which may exceed the Medicare or TRICARE-allowable amount)

See What Medicare Covers See What TRICARE Covers File a Claim or Check Claim Status

Can I use TRICARE For Life with other health insurance?

If you have other health insurance, such as a Medicare supplement or an employer-sponsored health plan, you can use TFL as long as you have both Medicare Part A and Part B.

If you have other types of insurance: 

Type of Insurance Payment Order Filing a Claim
Employer-sponsored insurance with current employer
  1. The OHI pays first. 
  2. Medicare pays second.
  3. TRICARE pays last.
 In this case, your employer will file your health claims. 
Other health insurance that isn’t based on your or a family member’s current employment
  1. Medicare pays first. 
  2. The OHI pays second.
  3. TRICARE pays last.

In this care, you must file a claim with the TFL contractor. Submit a paper claim to WPS along with a copy of: 

  • Your provider’s itemized bill, 
  • The Medicare Summary Notice, and
  • The explanations of benefits from all other health insurances

Your claim must be filed within one year from the date of care. For more information, visit the WPS Military and Veterans Health website.

Can I suspend my Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage to use TRICARE For Life?

Yes, you can suspend your FEHB coverage. Call the Office of Personnel Management’s Retirement Information line at 888-767-6738 to get a suspension form.

Who do I contact if I need help?

The TFL contractors provide customer service and can help you with claims.

Want to learn more about TRICARE For Life?

Check out the TRICARE For Life 101 podcast series. This series helps retired service members or their eligible family members who will turn age 65 soon understand their TFL benefits. The series covers many topics, from an overview of basics, to how Medicare and TFL interact, and more!

Are you looking to see what tests, items, or services Medicare covers? >>Learn more.

Want to order a hard copy of the TRICARE For Life Handbook?

Call WPS Military and Veterans Health at 866-773-0404.

Last Updated 4/11/2025