How TRICARE For Life Eligibility, Enrollment Works

1/28/2020

Are yous wondering what the TRICARE For Life (TFL) program is and whether y'all're eligible? TFL is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and Part B. This is regardless of your age or where yous live. Information technology provides comprehensive health care coverage. With TFL, you lot also get prescription coverage under the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.

Am I eligible for TFL?

To be eligible for TFL, yous must starting time bear witness that you lot're eligible for TRICARE in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting Arrangement (DEERS). That'southward why it's important to keep your DEERS information current.

"Accurate data in DEERS is key," said Anne Breslin, TRICARE For Life plan director at the Defence force Health Agency. "Information technology'll help y'all become constructive and timely delivery of your TFL benefits."

Medicare eligibility is the 2nd slice of being eligible for TFL. Medicare is a federal entitlement health insurance programme that provides hospital insurance (Medicare Part A) and medical insurance (Medicare Function B) for people:

  • Age 65 or older
  • Nether age 65 with certain disabilities
  • Whatever age with stop-phase renal illness

Your nativity date determines when you become eligible for Medicare based on reaching age 65. It also determines when you should sign up for both Medicare Function A and Part B. Signing upwards on time will help you avoid a break in TRICARE coverage and go your TFL coverage. If your birthday falls on the get-go day of the calendar month, you become eligible for Medicare on the first day of the month before you turn age 65. If your birthday falls subsequently the offset solar day of the calendar month, you lot become eligible for Medicare on the first day of the month you turn age 65. Five months before you turn age 65, you lot'll go a notification from the Defence force Manpower Information Center reminding you to sign upwards for Medicare. Your detect will be sent to your email address on your DEERS record, if you've opted for electronic communication.

To learn more than virtually eligibility and signing upwards for Medicare, bank check out the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Historic period 65 Brochure or TRICARE and Medicare Under Age 65 Brochure.

How do I enroll in TFL?

There are no enrollment forms for you to submit or paperwork to consummate. If you already show as eligible for TRICARE in DEERS, are entitled to Medicare Part A, and have Medicare Role B, you're covered under TFL. Your TFL coverage starts the first twenty-four hour period you accept both Medicare Part A and Part B.

There are also no TFL enrollment fees. But y'all must continue to be eligible for TRICARE and pay Medicare Function B premiums to remain eligible for TFL benefits. Once you have TFL, you're no longer eligible for TRICARE Prime, unless you're under the age of 65.

Now that y'all understand TFL eligibility including Medicare enrollment, yous may be wondering if other members of your family tin can have TFL coverage. Each individual must exist eligible for Medicare in order to have TFL coverage. This is regardless of whether you're the sponsor or family unit member.

"TRICARE For Life is an individual entitlement," said Breslin. "That means coverage is only for the Medicare and TRICARE eligible casher, and not for family unit members who aren't eligible for Medicare."

Visit TRICARE For Life or download the TRICARE For Life Handbook to learn more nigh TFL eligibility, enrollment, and central features. Doing so will aid you brand informed choices and take command of your health.

Last Updated 9/1/2020