TRICARE For Life (TFL)
Free secondary insurance. Best deal in healthcare.
What is TFL?
- For military retirees + spouses age 65+.
- Pays SECONDARY to Medicare.
- Medicare pays 80%, TFL pays remaining 20%.
- Almost zero out-of-pocket.
- NO premium for TFL itself.
- Must enroll in Medicare Part A + B.
- Better than most Medigap plans.
Eligibility
- Military retiree (20+ years service or medical retirement).
- Surviving spouse of military retiree.
- Adult child with disability before age 21.
- Age 65 OR younger if disabled (with Medicare).
- Must have Medicare Part A + B.
- Drop Tricare Prime/Select at 65 — TFL replaces.
Coverage
- All Medicare-covered services.
- Plus things Medicare doesn't cover (TRICARE benefits).
- Prescriptions through TRICARE Pharmacy ($16-58 copay).
- Worldwide coverage (Medicare doesn't cover overseas).
- Senior travel benefit.
- NO networks — see any Medicare provider.
Costs
- $0 premium for TFL.
- $185/mo Medicare Part B premium (2026).
- Generic Rx: $16 copay (90-day supply).
- Brand name: $48-58 copay.
- Use Express Scripts mail-order = 90 days for 1 copay.
- Cheaper than most senior insurance.
Skip Medicare Advantage
- TFL works ONLY with Original Medicare.
- If you join Medicare Advantage — TFL doesn't pay.
- Original Medicare + TFL = much better than Advantage for vets.
- Don't fall for Medicare Advantage marketing — you have something better.
Enroll
- Auto-enrolled if you have TRICARE + Medicare A+B.
- Update DEERS — myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil.
- Sign up for Medicare 3 months before 65th birthday.
- TFL handbook online at tricare.mil.
- Customer service 1-866-773-0404.
Beneficiary card
Get military ID card showing TFL eligibility. Bring to medical appointments. Most providers know how to bill TFL secondary. If they don't — provide TFL claim form. Customer service helps with denials. Excellent benefit — use it fully.