Step A
Are you eligible for Tricare for Life?
Tricare for Life (TFL) is the wraparound coverage that begins when retired military and qualifying family members reach age 65 and enroll in Medicare.
Key facts at a glance
- Who qualifies for Tricare for Life: retired uniformed service members, their spouses, and qualifying survivors who are age 65 or older and enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Medicare and Tricare for Life work together automatically. Medicare is primary, Tricare for Life is secondary — there is no separate TFL enrollment and no TFL premium.
- Part B is required. Retired military who do not enroll in Medicare Part B at 65 lose their Tricare coverage entirely. Tricare for Life cannot activate without Part B.
- Spouses qualify on their own timeline. A spouse's Tricare for Life begins when they turn 65 and enroll in Medicare A & B, regardless of the retiree's age.
- DEERS must be current. Eligibility for Medicare and Tricare for Life depends on accurate Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System records.
Who qualifies
You are typically eligible for Tricare for Life if you check all of the following boxes:
Retired uniformed service member
You retired from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, or activated Reserve/Guard with a qualifying retirement.
Age 65 or older
TFL begins the first day of the month you turn 65 (or earlier if you qualify for Medicare due to disability).
Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
You must have BOTH Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). Without Part B, your TFL coverage will not be active.
Listed in DEERS
Your information must be current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.
Spouses and family beneficiaries
Your spouse is also eligible for Tricare for Life when they turn 65, provided they are listed as a beneficiary in DEERS and enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Eligibility for a spouse is independent of yours, your spouse's TFL begins when they turn 65, not when you do. Qualifying survivors and certain former spouses may also be eligible.
Cornerstone guide
Making the Transition to Medicare with TRICARE For Life
The eight areas retirees most often want to understand before 65 — Part B timing, MTF access, TRICARE Plus, IRMAA, VA vs. Medicare, and more.
Confirmed you're eligible? Continue to Step B.
Medicare Parts A & BContinue your Medicare journey
What to explore next
A curated next step, chosen to follow the logical order most military retirees experience the Medicare transition in.
No-cost insurance specialist service
Speak with a licensed insurance specialist for veterans
Uncle Sam's Healthcare helps retired military find $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans. There is never a fee for this service, and scheduling never obligates you to enroll.