Turning 65 & Getting Started

• I'm turning 65. What should I do first?About 3 months before your 65th birthday, sign up for Medicare Parts A and B at SSA.gov. TRICARE For Life activates automatically once both are effective and DEERS is current.
• Will my TRICARE end the day I turn 65?Your TRICARE Prime or Select ends, but TRICARE For Life replaces it automatically the same day — as long as you have Medicare Parts A and B in effect.
• How far in advance of 65 should I enroll in Medicare?Apply about 3 months before your birthday month so coverage starts the first day of that month and TFL begins without a gap.
• What actually changes the day I turn 65?Your TRICARE Prime/Select ends, Medicare A and B become primary, TRICARE For Life turns on as your secondary, and your MTF access drops to space-available.
• Do I need to cancel TRICARE Prime or Select when I turn 65?No. Prime and Select end automatically when you become Medicare-eligible. You don't have to take any action — and your Prime enrollment fee withholding stops.
• Do I get a new TRICARE For Life card?No. There's no separate TFL card. Your uniformed services ID card and your red-white-and-blue Medicare card are your proof of coverage.
• What should be on my 90-day checklist before turning 65?Apply for Medicare A and B, verify DEERS, build a civilian care team, transfer prescriptions if leaving an MTF pharmacy, and review FEDVIP for dental/vision.
• How do I know if Medicare auto-enrolled me?If you're already drawing Social Security, SSA mails your Medicare card about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you're not drawing SS yet, you must apply manually.
• Can I still walk into the MTF after I'm on TFL?Yes, but only on a space-available basis for medical care. The base pharmacy is usually still available to TFL beneficiaries.
• What if my 65th birthday is on the 1st of the month?Your Medicare effective date is the first day of the month before your birthday — and TFL starts the same day.

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.