The Part B rule
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is TRICARE's coverage for Medicare-eligible uniformed services retirees and family members. It isn't something you sign up for: once you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you're covered by TFL automatically. TRICARE is clear that Part A alone isn't enough. If you lack Part B, drop it, or stop paying its premiums, you lose TRICARE coverage.
The rule applies whether you get Medicare at 65 or earlier through Social Security disability. Even retirees living overseas, where Medicare doesn't pay, must keep Part B to stay TRICARE-eligible.
Exceptions
- Active-duty sponsors. If you or your sponsor is on active duty, you don't need Part B until the sponsor retires. A Medicare Special Enrollment Period lets you sign up while the sponsor is on active duty or within eight months after retirement. TRICARE advises enrolling before the sponsor retires to avoid a break in coverage.
- Turned 65 before April 1, 2001. TRICARE lists this as an exception to the Part B requirement.
- End-stage renal disease. The active-duty Special Enrollment Period doesn't apply when Medicare eligibility is based on ESRD.
How TFL pays with Medicare
| Service | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Covered by Medicare and TRICARE | Medicare first, TFL second; generally nothing out of pocket |
| Covered by Medicare only | Medicare; you pay the Medicare deductible and coinsurance |
| Covered by TRICARE only | TFL; you pay the TRICARE deductible and cost share |
| Care at a military hospital or clinic | TRICARE |
If you're still working with employer coverage, the employer plan pays first, then Medicare, then TRICARE.
What Part B costs
The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month, higher with income above the IRMAA thresholds. If you sign up late, you face the Part B late penalty and, TRICARE warns, a break in TRICARE coverage until Part B starts. When you see a civilian doctor in Oregon who takes Medicare, the doctor bills Medicare, and Medicare sends the claim on to TFL.
Apply for Part B at SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213. Questions about TFL claims go to TRICARE For Life. To compare your Medicare options you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. More in our guide for veterans and military retirees.
Related questions
Can I have Medicare and VA benefits at the same time?
How VA care fits with Medicare.
Should veterans in Oregon enroll in Part B?
For veterans without TRICARE.
What is IRMAA and will I pay it?
Income-based Part B premiums.
Sources
- TRICARE — Medicare and TRICARE
- TRICARE — TRICARE For Life
- TRICARE — Retired service members and their family members
- TRICARE — Active duty family members and Medicare
- Medicare.gov — Which insurance pays first
More questions in this guide
- Can I have Medicare and VA benefits at the same time in Oregon?
- Should veterans in Oregon sign up for Medicare Part B?
Part of the guide: Veterans and Medicare in Oregon · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Medicare Part D with TRICARE For Life?
No. TRICARE For Life includes the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, which counts as creditable coverage, so you don't need Part D and won't owe a Part D penalty.
Do I need a Medigap policy with TRICARE For Life?
Usually not. TRICARE says you'll generally have no out-of-pocket costs for services both Medicare and TRICARE cover, which is the gap a Medigap policy would fill.
Is there an enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life?
No. There's no TFL enrollment fee or card, but you pay Medicare Part B premiums, which are based on income.
When should I sign up for Part B?
TRICARE advises signing up during your Initial Enrollment Period, no later than two months before you turn 65, to avoid a gap in TRICARE coverage.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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