JUNE 28, 2025 – Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.
“Signing up for Medicare three or four months before your 65th birthday is important to ensure a seamless transition to TRICARE For Life,” said Anne Breslin, TFL program manager, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Medicare and TRICARE will then work together to help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.”
Understanding eligibility
Most people become eligible for Medicare the first day of the month they turn 65. Those with a birthday on the first of a month become eligible the first of the month before they turn 65.
Some become eligible for Medicare before age 65 after receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months or when diagnosed with certain medical conditions.
TFL is available to military retirees and their family members who qualify for TRICARE, are entitled to Medicare Part A, and have Medicare Part B, regardless of age or place of residence. You can sign up on the Social Security Administration website or by calling SSA to schedule an appointment.
Learn more by reading the TRICARE and Medicare Under Age 65 Brochure.
If you (or your spouse) are still working and have employer-sponsored health coverage when you turn 65, Medicare allows you to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B. But if you do delay enrollment, you won’t have TRICARE coverage. Answer a few questions on the Medicare webpage to find out what’s right for you.
If one family member becomes eligible for Medicare and is now covered by TFL, other family members not yet eligible for Medicare can still use TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.
Avoid penalties
It’s important to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is seven months long. This is when you’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. It starts three or four months before you turn 65. Learn more about late enrollment penalties and how to avoid them.
To avoid coverage gaps, keep your information current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System. This ensures you receive timely updates and benefits information.
Sign up for Medicare no later than two months before the month you turn 65 to avoid a break in your TRICARE coverage. There are no enrollment forms or fees required for TFL —it begins automatically the first date Medicare Part A and Part B are effective.
To learn more, check out the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure.
What parts of Medicare do you need?
To be eligible for TFL, you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
Part A typically covers:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospice
- Some home health care
Most people get Part A premium-free if they, or their spouse, worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.
Medicare Part B covers:
- Outpatient care
- Certain preventive services
- Durable medical equipment
Part B has a monthly premium based on your income.
You don’t need to enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) or prescription drug coverage (Part D) to have TFL coverage. Read the TRICARE Newsroom article “Q&A: How Does TRICARE For Life Work With Medicare?” to learn more.
For dental and vision coverage, check to see if you qualify through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
Coverage overseas
Medicare only provides coverage in the U.S. and U.S. territories. If you live or travel overseas, TRICARE becomes your primary payer. That means you’ll pay TRICARE’s annual deductible and cost for care abroad. You must still have Medicare Part B to remain eligible for TFL, even though it doesn’t pay for care.
Here’s what else to keep in mind if you have TFL and live or travel overseas:
- You may visit any TRICARE-authorized provider for care.
- If you’re in the Philippines, you must see a Philippine Preferred Provider Network or certified providers.
- Be prepared to pay for services up front. You’ll need to file a claim later.
- You have up to three years to file claims for overseas care.
Which pays first: Medicare or TRICARE?
When both Medicare and TRICARE cover a health care service, Medicare pays first and TRICARE pays second. TRICARE may also cover services that Medicare doesn’t. That’s why it’s important to confirm you’re covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or both—to help avoid costs.
You’ll also need to use Medicare providers. Check out TRICARE’s covered services to learn more.
Coordination with other health insurance
Other health insurance, or OHI, is coverage in addition to Medicare and TFL. This might be offered by an employer, based on current employment or retirement for you or your spouse.
How Medicare coordinates with OHI depends on whether the OHI is based on current employment. In either case, TRICARE pays last.
Unlock your health—and peace of mind—by understanding how TFL and Medicare work together, as described in the Medicare publication How Medicare Works With Other Insurance. You can view or print the booklet or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to find out if a copy can be mailed to you.
For more information, check out the TRICARE For Life Handbook and Becoming Medicare-Eligible.
Courtesy Story
Defense Health Agency