Common Mistakes

• What are the biggest mistakes retired military make at 65?Declining Part B, missing the IEP, ignoring DEERS, enrolling in Part D unnecessarily, and assuming MTF access continues. Each can cost thousands or end TFL.
• Can I drop Part B later to save money?Technically yes, but the day Part B ends, TFL ends. Re-enrolling requires waiting for the next General Enrollment Period and triggers a permanent late penalty.
• Why doesn't my TRICARE Prime work anymore?TRICARE Prime ends automatically at 65. You're on TRICARE For Life now — even if your old card still lists Prime. Bring your Medicare and uniformed services ID cards to every visit.
• I have VA healthcare. Can I just skip Medicare entirely?Risky. VA doesn't count as creditable coverage for Part B, and skipping Part B ends TFL and triggers a permanent late penalty if you ever enroll later.
• What's the cost of ignoring DEERS updates?WPS rejects claims if DEERS doesn't match your Medicare status. You'll get surprise bills for services TFL would have covered — until DEERS is fixed.
• I accidentally enrolled in a Part D plan. What now?Disenroll during AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7) for the next year, or use an SEP if you qualify. TRICARE Pharmacy still works — but stop paying the duplicate Part D premium.
• Should I trust the Medicare mailers I keep getting?Be skeptical. Many are insurance carrier ads dressed up as official notices. Real Medicare communication comes from CMS, SSA, or your existing plan.

Educational only — not insurance, legal, or tax advice. Verify with Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE), WPS (1-866-773-0404), SSA, or a licensed advisor before making enrollment decisions.