Oct. 15, 2026 | By TRICARE Communications
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Turning 65 brings important changes to your healthcare coverage. If you’re eligible for TRICARE when approaching your 65th birthday, you may wonder what steps to take next. Be sure to read the notice that’s sent to you five months before your 65th birthday.
Remember, you don’t need to wait for TRICARE Open Season to enroll in TRICARE For Life. Coverage is automatic once you meet eligibility requirements.
Understanding TRICARE For Life
TRICARE For Life provides Medicare-wraparound coverage. Retirees and their eligible family members automatically get TFL coverage on the date their Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B is effective. At age 65, if you’re eligible for Medicare Part A, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage, as described in the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure. TFL has no enrollment forms or enrollment fees.
Medicare is your primary payer. Providers file claims with Medicare. Once Medicare processes and pays their portion of the claim, it’s automatically forwarded to the TFL contractor for processing and payment of TRICARE’s portion of the claim. TRICARE pays your remaining financial responsibility when the care you receive is covered by Medicare and TRICARE.
If you have other health insurance, TRICARE becomes the last payer. Medicare is either first or second payer. For additional information on how Medicare coordinates benefits with your other health insurance, visit the Medicare website.
When Medicare is your primary coverage, you must get healthcare services from Medicare-participating or Medicare non-participating providers. Medicare non-participating providers may be paid 15% above the Medicare-allowable amount. TRICARE pays this additional amount, so there’s no difference in cost to you. Medicare doesn’t require a referral to see specialists.
Remember that eligibility for TFL depends on your eligibility for Medicare. When you turn 65 and move to TFL, your family members remain eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.
Medicare Parts A, B, and D
Medicare Part A covers hospital services. Medicare Part B pays for outpatient care. Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
Note: Beginning July 1, 2026, Medicare Part D covers certain weight loss drugs under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. If you don’t currently have Part D, go to Medicare to learn when you can choose to enroll.
When to enroll
Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B at least two months before the month you turn 65 to avoid a break in your TRICARE coverage.
You can sign up for Medicare online. You can also call the Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment.
Active duty families
Families with an active duty sponsor have different rules. You can sign up for Medicare Part A only while you’re active duty or have an active duty sponsor.
Active duty family members don’t need to sign up for Medicare Part B at age 65. You should sign up for Medicare Part B the month before your sponsor retires to avoid a break in TRICARE coverage. Part B will begin the first of the month after you sign up.
Key takeaways
- Learn how and when to sign up for Medicare before turning age 65.
- Pay your Part B premiums on time.
- Present your Medicare card and Uniformed Services ID card when getting healthcare services.
- Become familiar with the TFL contractor, WPS Government Services. Act today to avoid a break in TRICARE coverage. Visit TRICARE For Life and Medicare to learn more.
