TRICARE For Life
TRICARE For Life offers secondary coverage to Medicare for all beneficiaries who have both Medicare Parts A and B.
Eligible Beneficiaries
All TRICARE beneficiaries who have both Medicare Parts A and B.
Availability
TRICARE For Life is available worldwide. Medicare provides coverage in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. In all other overseas locations, TRICARE is the primary payer.
Getting Care
You may visit any authorized provider. Your provider will file your claims with Medicare. Medicare pays its portion and electronically forwards the claim to the TRICARE For Life claims processor. TRICARE For Life then pays the provider directly for TRICARE-covered services.
- For services covered by both Medicare and TRICARE, Medicare pays first and TRICARE For Life pays your remaining coinsurance for TRICARE-covered services.
- For services covered by TRICARE but not by Medicare, TRICARE For Life pays first and Medicare pays nothing. You must pay the TRICARE fiscal year deductible and cost shares.
- For services covered by Medicare but not by TRICARE, Medicare pays first and TRICARE For Life pays nothing. You must pay the Medicare deductible and coinsurance.
- For services not covered by Medicare or TRICARE, Medicare and TRICARE pay nothing and you must pay the entire bill.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
You do not pay any enrollment fees, but you must pay Medicare Part B monthly premiums. Your Part B premium is based on your income. For more information about Part B premiums visit www.medicare.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
As described above, you'll pay nothing out of pocket for services covered by both Medicare and TRICARE. >>Learn More
TRICARE For Life Contractor
In the U.S. and U.S. Territories, Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS) is the TRICARE For Life contractor. WPS-TRICARE For Life will provide customer service and claims processing services.
Using TRICARE For Life Overseas
Medicare provides coverage in the United States and U.S. Territories. When using TRICARE For Life in all other overseas locations, TRICARE is the primary payer and you are responsible for paying TRICARE's annual deductible and cost shares (same costs as TRICARE Standard Overseas).TRICARE beneficiaries who live overseas and who are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A must have Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE even though Medicare does not provide coverage overseas.
International SOS is the TRICARE Overseas Program contractor and will provide the assistance you need for claims, finding a provider, medical information and assistance and authorization for care. Click here for country-specific contact information.
Is TRICARE For Life Right for You?
If you have both Medicare Part A and Part B, then TRICARE For Life is the plan for you. Coverage is available worldwide and you can see any provider you want. However, you will have greater out of pocket expenses if you get care from Veteran's Administration providers or providers who opt-out of Medicare, because they are not permitted to bill Medicare.
>>Learn More about TRICARE and Medicare Eligibility Requirements
Can I suspend FEHBP coverage to use TFL?
Yes, you can apply to suspend your Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) coverage by calling the Office of Personnel Management's Retirement Information line at 1-888-767-6738 to get a suspension form.
Do you have other health insurance (OHI)?
If you have OHI, such as an employer-sponsored plan, then your OHI pays first, then Medicare and TRICARE pays last. >>Learn More
Last Modified:May 30, 2012
PrintContact
U.S. & U.S. Territories
WPS TRICARE For Life
P.O. Box 7889
Madison, WI 53707-7889
1-866-773-0404
TDD 1-866-773-0405
All Other Overseas Areas
International SOS
Click here for country-specific toll-free numbers
