If you are eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare, they can work together to help cover your health care. TRICARE is a health insurance plan for active-duty service members, retired service members and their eligible family members.
Most retired service members need to enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B when they first become eligible. This usually happens when you are turning age 65. Signing up helps you keep your TRICARE benefit.
If you are on active duty, you must enroll in Medicare Part A at age 65, but you do not need to enroll in Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage.
To learn more about your TRICARE eligibility and how Medicare fits in, call WPS Military and Veterans Health at 866-773-0404.
TRICARE for Life (TFL) is extra health coverage for military retirees and their eligible family members who are also enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Once you sign up for both parts of Medicare, you are automatically enrolled in TFL.
TFL helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare, such as copayments and deductibles. It also pays for TRICARE-covered services.
If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, TFL will coordinate with that plan to manage your claims. You are still responsible for your monthly Medicare Part B premiums.
You can download the TRICARE for Life Handbook to learn more.
Some eligible family members of disabled or deceased veterans may not qualify for TRICARE but may qualify for CHAMPVA, a health insurance program run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
If you are age 65 or older and have CHAMPVA, you may be required to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B to keep your CHAMPVA coverage. CHAMPVA then works with Medicare to lower your health care costs.
For help, visit the VA CHAMPVA page or call the VA directly at 800-733-8387.
Whether you are active duty, retired or supporting an eligible family member, Banner Health is here to help.
Have questions or need help enrolling?
Call 833-516-1007, TTY 711, to speak with a licensed sales agent.
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