Finding satisfactory healthcare coverage can be easier said than done. Thankfully, United States veterans and their dependents have options. At Cross Insurance Services, we want to help you find the coverage that will help you continue to reach your health and financial goals. Medicare and Tricare for Life may be able to work together to expand your healthcare coverage while saving your wallet.
What is Tricare for Life?
You may have heard of Tricare prior to becoming eligible for Medicare. Tricare is a healthcare program managed by the Department of Defense that provides healthcare coverage for uniformed service members, retirees, dependents, and survivors. After turning 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare, you may find that you’re no longer eligible for your standard Tricare coverage.
Once you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, you become eligible for Tricare for Life (TFL). Tricare for Life offers healthcare coverage that works with your Medicare plan. Also known as Medicare-wraparound coverage, this program acts as secondary coverage to Medicare.
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Who is Eligible?
You are not required to enroll in Medicare Part B when you become eligible for Medicare, but you may need to if you plan on using Medicare and Tricare for Life together. Often, Tricare for Life eligibility depends on your Part B enrollment. Medicare Part B is required for:
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Retired service members
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Families of retired service members
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Medal of honor recipients or family members
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Survivors of a deceased spouse
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Eligible former spouses
Medicare Part B is not required if you are an active-duty service member or active-duty family member.
If you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and Tricare eligible, you may be automatically enrolled in Tricare for Life. This coverage starts the day you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Original Medicare and Tricare for Life
Medicare Advantage and Tricare for Life
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Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare will act as your primary insurance. Tricare for Life will act as your secondary and supplemental coverage. For example, your doctor will file a claim with Medicare, then Tricare for Life may help cover a portion of the remaining bill. There may be services that are not covered by Medicare or Tricare for Life.
Enrollment Eligibility
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs each year from October 15 to December 7. What is the Annual Enrollment Period vs. Open Enrollment Period?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally surrounds your 65th birthday but may occur if you otherwise become eligible for Medicare for the first time.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You may be eligible if you experience a qualifying life event such as moving to a new zip code, losing employer coverage, or change in Medicaid status.
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