TRICARE For Life (TFL) is a premium MedicareSupplement (Medigap) plan for military retirees, their families, and survivors who are also enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. TFL acts as a secondary payer to Medicare, covering most outofpocket costs that Medicare does not. It is part of the larger TRICARE healthcare program administered by the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
Eligibility
To qualify for TFL you must meet all of the following:
Be a sponsor, retiree, or family member of a sponsor who is a member of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserves.
Be enrolled in both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
Live in the United States, its territories, or a U.S. military treatment facility abroad.
If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you are not eligible for TFL.
Benefits Covered by TFL
When you use a healthcare provider who accepts TRICARE, TFL pays after Medicare has processed the claim. Key benefits include:
Medicare Part A & B costsharing (deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments).
Hospital stays including intensivecare, skillednursing facilities, and hospice.
Outpatient services such as doctor visits, lab tests, and preventive care.
Prescription drugs (covered through the Military Pharmacy Program).
Emergency care while traveling abroad (subject to certain limits).
Dental, vision, and hearing services (partnered through civilian networks).
Because TFL is a secondary payer, you are still responsible for any Medicareapproved deductibles that have not been met.
Costs & Enrollment
There is no monthly premium for TFL. However, you must continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium, which is deducted from your military retirement pay or paid directly to Medicare.
Typical OutofPocket Costs
Service
Medicare CostShare
TFL Coverage
Hospital inpatient stay
Deductible $1,600 (2024)
Covered after deductible
Skillednursing facility
Deductible $0, 20% coinsurance
Covered after Medicare pays
Doctor visit
20% coinsurance
Covered after Medicare pays
Prescription drugs (Part D)
Varies by plan
Covered under Military Pharmacy benefits
How to Enroll
Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B (if not already done).
Complete the TFL enrollment form online at TRICARE.mil or call the TFL Help Desk at 18778742273.
Submit a copy of your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) and your DD214 or other proof of military service.
Once approved, you will receive a TFL ID card that can be used with any TRICAREaccepting provider.
How TFL Works With Medicare
When you receive care, the provider follows this billing sequence:
The provider submits the claim to Medicare.
Medicare processes the claim, pays its share, and forwards the remaining balance to TFL.
TFL processes the secondary claim and pays the balance, up to the limits of the plan.
If a provider does not accept TRICARE, you can still use TFL, but you will be responsible for the full cost up front and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
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