To keep your TRICARE medical and prescription drug coverage at age 65 (or under age 65 due to disability),
you must either:
- Be entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A and have Medicare Part B, or
• Have an active duty sponsor
If you aren’t entitled to Medicare Part A on your own work record, you must file for Medicare on your spouse’s
record. You must file no later than two months before they turn age 62.
If you aren’t eligible for Medicare Part A on your or your spouse’s work record, you’ll receive two “Notices of
Disallowance”. You must present these two notices at a Uniformed Services ID card-issuing facility. To find an
office near you, go to: https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/.
The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) will update your record to show your
continued eligibility for TRICARE. You can enroll in TRICARE Prime if you live in a TRICARE Prime
Service Area.
When you have both Medicare Part A and Part B, you’re eligible for TRICARE For Life (TFL). TFL is
Medicare wraparound coverage. TFL coverage begins the first date both your Medicare Part A and Part B
benefits are effective. Keep in mind, services covered by:
- Medicare and TRICARE, you’ll have no out-of-pocket expenses.
- Medicare and TRICARE, Medicare pays first, and TRICARE pays last.
- TRICARE but not Medicare, such as care received overseas, TFL pays first, and Medicare pays nothing. You’re responsible for the TRICARE deductible and cost-shares.
- Medicare but not TRICARE, such as chiropractic services, Medicare pays first and TRICARE pays
nothing. You’re responsible for the Medicare deductible and cost-shares.
- Neither Medicare or TRICARE, such as cosmetic surgery, Medicare and TRICARE pay nothing.
You’re responsible for the entire bill.
Once you have TRICARE coverage again, you can participate in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision
Insurance Program (FEDVIP). FEDVIP offers a choice between several dental and vision carriers. To take
advantage of this coverage, you must enroll in FEDVIP during the Federal Benefits Open Season. Once you
enroll, your coverage will begin the following January 1. Go to www.tricare.benefeds.com for more information. You can also sign up for FEDVIP notifications.
If you have questions, contact the TFL contractor, Wisconsin Physicians Service, at 1-866-773-0404
(1-866-773-0405 TTY/TDD). For more information about TFL, go to www.tricare.mil/tfl.
For information about Medicare Part A and Part B, call 1-800-633-4227 (1-877-486-2048 TTY/TDD). You can
also go to www.medicare.gov.