Medicare and TRICARE
This page is intended for individuals who are turning 65, retiring, or already retired and have access to TRICARE benefits.
Note: HTA does not represent or service TRICARE plans. This information is for general reference only. Please visit the official TRICARE website for details.
What You Need to Know at Age 65
This short video explains:
- Why Medicare Part A and Part B matter
- How TRICARE For Life works with Medicare
- Whether you need a Medicare Part D drug plan
- What to consider if you are still working
- What steps to take when turning 65
Medicare and TRICARE
How Medicare Works With TRICARE
When you have Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and TRICARE For Life:
- Medicare is your primary insurance
- TRICARE For Life is secondary
- TRICARE helps cover Medicare deductibles and co-pays
TRICARE For Life is designed to work with Medicare as secondary coverage, and includes prescription drug coverage.
Do You Need Additional Medicare Coverage?
When you have Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and TRICARE For Life, you do not need to enroll in a separate:
-
- Medicare Supplement plan
- Medicare Advantage plan
- Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
See how TRICARE covers Medicare costs:
Visit: https://tricare.mil/Costs/Compare
What If You Are Still Working?
If you are still working and covered by an employer group health plan, you may have a few options:
Option 1:
Stay on your employer plan for now
Delay Medicare Part B and continue your employer coverage.
- TRICARE generally pauses after age 65 until Medicare Part A and Part B are active.
- When you retire, you can enroll in Medicare and reactivate TRICARE For Life.
Option 2:
Enroll in Medicare and use TRICARE For Life
Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B and end your employer coverage.
- Medicare generally pays first.
- TRICARE For Life generally pays second.
- Provide your Medicare card to your local military ID office.
Option 3:
Keep employer coverage, Medicare, and TRICARE
Keep all three types of coverage.
- Employer plan generally pays first.
- Medicare generally pays second.
- TRICARE generally pays third.
- This may offer extra coordination, but is often the most expensive option.
Enrolling in Medicare
To use TRICARE For Life, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
If you need to enroll in Medicare:
- Visit our How to Enroll in Medicare page.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions provided there.
- Contact Social Security if you need help with the Medicare enrollment process.
- Once you receive your Medicare card, provide it to your local military ID office so your TRICARE records can be updated
Medicare Part B Premiums
Before enrolling in Medicare Part B, it is important to understand:
- Medicare Part B requires a monthly premium.
- Premium amounts are based on your modified adjusted gross income from two years prior.
- Higher-income individuals may pay an additional premium amount.
- Review the current Income Levels and Premiums chart for the latest Part B premium information.
Need More Information?
Because HTA Insurance does not represent TRICARE plans, we recommend contacting TRICARE directly for plan-specific questions and coverage details.
For official information, visit:
https://tricare.mil/