If you're eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare, it's important to know how the two programs work together. In this video, we explain what you need to know about your coverage options.

Original Medicare consists of a few different Parts – A through D. But, how does each part work with TRICARE?

When TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B, they automatically enroll in TRICARE For Life. In this case, Medicare works as primary insurance, and TRICARE For Life is secondary.

TRICARE For Life helps cover costs Medicare doesn't. These include:
• Part A hospital deductible
• Part B coinsurance

Some TRICARE For Life beneficiaries may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan to access benefits such as gym memberships, dental, vision, and hearing. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) do not cover these costs.

If you choose to enroll in an Advantage plan, it will be primary and TRICARE for Life will be secondary. When receiving care outside of your Advantage network, TRICARE For Life will cover the costs that your plan doesn't pay for.

When you have TRICARE For Life, there's generally no need to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan. TRICARE For Life includes a prescription drug program and there is no additional cost to you.

If you have TRICARE For Life and later enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, don't worry about penalties. Tricare For Life is considered creditable coverage.

It's possible to also enroll in a Medigap plan when you have Original Medicare and TRICARE For Life. But, it's not necessary. In this case, Original Medicare will be primary, your Medicare Supplement plan will be secondary, and TRICARE For Life will pay last.

As for how TRICARE Prime works with Medicare, when you're under the age of 65 and you have Medicare with TRICARE Prime, you don't need to disenroll. TRICARE For Life isn't mandatory. Those with disabilities on Medicare can remain on TRICARE Prime as long as they're eligible. When you do qualify, you'll get a waiver of Prime enrollment fees or a refund for the past enrollment fee.

In another scenario, TRICARE Plus offers the same primary care access as TRICARE Prime. It works the same as regular TRICARE in regards to Medicare because it's still primary coverage. The military clinic or hospital doesn't cover costs or beneficiaries who receive care from non-military health facilities. Before scheduling an appointment, beneficiaries should contact their local military hospitals to make sure they accept TRICARE Plus because each facility decides whether they accept it.

Thanks so much for watching! We hope you found this video helpful.

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