Military Health, Tricare programs - Army Times

Tricare for Life

Medicare and Tricare both play a role in health coverage for older retirees. Most military retirees become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Medicare Part A covers hospitalization and sometimes nursing home and at-home care. Medicare Part B is an enrollment program for people ages 65 and up and for the disabled.

Coverage, to include physician fees, lab fees and other costs, requires paying monthly premiums.

Seniors who have Medicare Part B and live in the U.S. can use Tricare as a secondary insurer under the Tricare for Life program. Those who are eligible for Medicare Part A but who do not enroll in Part B cannot get Tricare for Life coverage.

Tricare for Life works as a supplement to Medicare only in the U.S. because Medicare does not cover health care abroad. Overseas, seniors use Tricare, with the same cost shares as for younger retirees. They still must have Medicare Part B insurance to use Tricare.

People who did not work long enough under Social Security to become eligible for Medicare after age 65 should take steps to ensure they keep their Tricare coverage.