Is there a difference between TRICARE and TRICARE for Life?
Asked by: Mr. Alexandre Homenick Sr. | Last update: November 12, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (39 votes)
Is TRICARE for Life the same as TRICARE?
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is Medicare-wraparound coverage if you are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and 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.
Does TRICARE automatically switch to TRICARE for Life?
Once you have both Medicare Part A and Part B, you're automatically eligible for TRICARE For Life, which is Medicare-wraparound coverage. You can visit the TRICARE Plan Finder to learn more about which plans you're eligible for and best fit your needs.
Do all military retirees get TRICARE for Life?
You need to be eligible for TRICARE
Since Medicare eligibility typically starts at 65, that generally means you are either retired military or the spouse of a retired TRICARE sponsor; other separated personnel and family members are not typically eligible for TRICARE health plans, and so don't qualify for TFL.
What are the three types of TRICARE?
This fact sheet provides an overview of TRICARE health plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE For Life, and TRICARE Plus.
Do You Need Medicare if You Get Care at VA or TriCare for Life?
What is not covered by TRICARE for Life?
In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that aren't medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.
Is Medicare and TRICARE for Life enough coverage?
Is Medicare and TRICARE for Life Enough Coverage? Many people who receive Medicare and TRICARE for Life find that they don't need additional medical coverage. However, you do have the option of picking up a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan.
Do military retirees get free healthcare for life?
When you retire from active duty, you are eligible to purchase Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, or, in certain areas, the US Family Health Plan. Once you reach age 65, you are no longer eligible for those programs. You can then purchase Medicare and Tricare for Life.
What qualifies you for TRICARE for Life?
When TRICARE beneficiaries become entitled to Medicare Part A and B (1) on the basis of age (65), (2) disability, or (3) end-stage renal disease, they are eligible for TFL. Note: In order to be covered under TFL, beneficiaries must be enrolled in Medicare Part B and have a current military ID card.
Does TRICARE for Life cover dental?
Yes, but it's not a part of your medical coverage. If you're an active duty service member, you have active duty dental benefits. For all others, if you want dental coverage you must enroll in a plan.
Do I lose TRICARE at age 65?
TRICARE benefits include covering Medicare's coinsurance and deductible for services covered by Medicare and TRICARE. When retired service members or eligible family members reach age 65 and are eligible for Medicare, they become eligible for TRICARE For Life and are no longer able to enroll in other TRICARE plans.
Does TRICARE for Life pay for prescriptions?
And if you have TFL, the TRICARE Pharmacy Program provides your prescription drug coverage. This is creditable drug coverage that pays at least as much as Medicare's standard prescription drug coverage.
Will TRICARE for Life pay if Medicare denies?
TRICARE pays after Medicare. In most cases, you'll pay nothing for covered services. If the care is covered by TRICARE but not Medicare, you'll pay the TRICARE For Life deductible and cost-shares.
Do military retirees have to pay for Medicare?
Do military retirees have to pay for Medicare? For most people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years, Medicare Part A costs nothing. However, Part B comes with a standard monthly premium ($174.70 for most people in 2024).
Does TRICARE for Life cover er visits?
TRICARE covers emergency care to include professional and institutional charges and services and supplies that are ordered or administered in an emergency room The hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention..
Does TRICARE for Life pay for physical therapy?
TRICARE covers physical therapy when: Provided by: A licensed physical therapist. A physical therapist assistant performing under the supervision of a TRICARE-authorized PT.
Is TRICARE for Life different than TRICARE?
TRICARE is a health insurance program provided by the federal government to active duty and retired military personnel and their family members. There are many different TRICARE programs. TRICARE for Life (TFL), a program for Medicare-eligible military retirees and their dependents, acts as a supplement to Medicare.
Do spouses of retired military get TRICARE for life?
Surviving spouses remain eligible for TRICARE unless they remarry. Children remain eligible until they age out or lose eligibility for TRICARE for other reasons.
Do I automatically get TRICARE for Life?
TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries (doesn't' include active duty service members and active duty family members) who have Medicare Part A and Part B. You don't need to enroll; coverage is automatic once you have Medicare Part A and Part B.
Are all Veterans eligible for TRICARE for Life?
Not all veterans are eligible for TRICARE. Your Service decides if you and your family members are eligible. They report the information in DEERS. To learn more, visit the TRICARE Eligibility page.
Do all military veterans get free healthcare?
Some Veterans are eligible for free care for non-service-connected conditions based on their VA disability rating, pension payments, or other factors (like receiving the Medal of Honor). If you're not eligible for free care based on these factors, you may be eligible based on your income.
Which is better, TRICARE Prime or Select for retirees?
If you're comfortable with a managed care system and don't mind sticking to a network of doctors, then Tricare Prime may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer the flexibility of being able to see any doctor that accepts Tricare, then Tricare Select may be a better option.
Can you ever lose TRICARE for life?
If You're Eligible for Medicare Part A
You must have Medicare Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage, even if you live overseas. You will lose your TRICARE coverage if you don't have Part B, if you drop Part B, or you fail to pay your Part B premiums.
Does TRICARE for Life cover eye exams and glasses?
If you have TRICARE Select, TRICARE Young Adult Select, or TRICARE For Life, routine eye exams are not covered.
Can you have both TRICARE for Life and Medicare Advantage?
Will I lose my TRICARE For Life benefits if I sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan? No. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. Private companies approved by Medicare offer these plans.