TRICARE for Life — the basics, and how it pairs with Medicare
TRICARE for Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage for military retirees and their spouses: once you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, TFL kicks in automatically — no enrollment, no extra premium — paying after Medicare much like a Supplement, with prescription drug coverage through Express Scripts built in.
What TRICARE for Life is
TFL isn't a plan you sign up for. It's what TRICARE becomes when a military retiree (or retiree's spouse, or other TRICARE-eligible beneficiary) enrolls in Medicare Parts A and B: Medicare pays first, TFL pays second, and for services both programs cover, you typically pay nothing. There's no TFL premium, no card to request, and no application — eligibility runs through DEERS, so keeping your record current is the entire enrollment process.
Retirees and spouses must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B once eligible. Decline Part B and you don't just lose Medicare — you lose TRICARE coverage too. The Part B premium ($202.90/month standard in 2026, more at higher incomes) is effectively your TFL premium. The enrollment checklist walks through the timing.
The four facts that matter most
Enrolling in Medicare
Parts A & B are mandatory once eligible. Your Part B effective date is the day TFL begins working for you.
How it pays
Medicare pays first, then TFL fills in the gaps — deductibles, coinsurance — much like a Medicare Supplement, at no added premium.
Drug coverage
Prescriptions run through Express Scripts — creditable for Part D, with no donut hole and 90-day home delivery.
Your providers
Use any provider who accepts Medicare. No networks, no referrals — and no copay for services covered by both programs.
2026 numbers worth knowing
Explore the TRICARE for Life guides
TFL + Original Medicare
The default pairing — how the wraparound works and why it often means $0 bills.
TFL + Medicare Advantage
What changes if you join an MA plan: networks, WPS claims, and your pharmacy.
The Express Scripts benefit
2026 copays, home delivery, and why there's no coverage gap.
What TFL actually costs
The payment matrix: when you owe $0, and when deductibles apply.
TFL vs. Medigap
Why most TFL households never need a Supplement — and the rare exceptions.
Claims & contacts
WPS, DD2642 reimbursement, Express Scripts, and every number you'll need.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to enroll in TRICARE for Life?
Does TRICARE for Life have a premium?
Can I use any doctor with TFL?
Does TFL cover my spouse?
Is TFL creditable drug coverage?
You earned these benefits. Make them work together.
Whether you keep exactly what you have or add Medicare coverage alongside it, the right answer depends on your health, budget, and how you like to get care.
No cost, no obligation. You can also get help from Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), or your local SHIP office.