Other Coverage
TRICARE For Life
Quick answer
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is the health coverage for Medicare-eligible military retirees and their families. TFL pays after Medicare and covers most out-of-pocket costs on Medicare-covered services.
Plain-English definition
TFL includes prescription drug coverage that's considered creditable, so you don't need Part D.
Why it matters
TFL wraps around Medicare like a top-tier Medigap policy — no need for MA or Medigap.
A simple example
You see any Medicare-accepting provider; Medicare pays first, TFL pays the rest.
Common mistakes & misconceptions
Related terms
VA Benefits
Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits are separate from Medicare but can work alongside it. VA coverage is considered creditable for Part D, so you can delay Part D without a penalty while enrolled.
Medigap
Medigap — also called Medicare Supplement insurance — is a private policy that pays some of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind, like the Part B 20% coinsurance and Part A hospital deductible.
Creditable Coverage
Creditable coverage is drug coverage — usually from an employer, union, VA, or TRICARE — that Medicare considers at least as good as Part D. Having it lets you delay Part D without a penalty.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage sold by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You get it either as a stand-alone drug plan (PDP) with Original Medicare or bundled inside most Medicare Advantage plans.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Part B for TFL?+
Yes — Part B is required to keep TFL.
Sources & references
📚 Where this information comes from
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. government site for people with Medicare ↗Primary source for benefits, enrollment periods, and plan comparison.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ↗Federal rulemaking, program updates, and official guidance.
- Social Security Administration — Medicare enrollment & premiums ↗Enrollment, premium withholding, and IRMAA determinations.
When you're ready, compare plans on your own terms
See Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, or walk the course with a licensed agent whenever you'd like a second set of eyes.
We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.
Medicare Caddies is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.