Frequently Asked
Will I be automatically enrolled in Medicare?
Only if you're already collecting Social Security or RRB benefits at 65. Otherwise you must actively apply through SSA during your IEP.
It depends:
Automatic enrollment: If you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, you'll be auto-enrolled in both Part A and Part B. Your Medicare card arrives in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Active enrollment required: If you're not yet collecting Social Security (many retirees delay until 67 or 70 for higher benefits), you must actively apply during your IEP at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.
Either way:
- Don't decline Part B. That ends TFL.
- Verify DEERS shows both Parts A and B within 30–60 days.
- Save your Medicare card — providers will ask for it.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- What is Medicare? A complete overview for retired militaryA plain-English, handbook-grounded overview of the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, written specifically for retired service members and their families.
- What is TRICARE For Life? The complete guide for retired militaryThe Medicare-wraparound benefit you earned through service — what it covers, who qualifies, what it costs, and how it activates.
- Enrolling in Medicare: timing, methods, and the military-specific rulesWhen and how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B — and the timing that protects your TRICARE For Life activation.
- Medicare Part AThe hospital insurance side of Original Medicare — covers inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health.
- Medicare Part BThe medical insurance side of Original Medicare — covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
- TRICARE For Life (TFL)The wraparound secondary health coverage for Medicare-eligible military retirees, spouses, and survivors — no premium, no enrollment fee.
- DEERSThe DoD's master database that determines who is eligible for TRICARE — including TRICARE For Life.
- MedicareThe federal health insurance program for people 65+, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with ESRD or ALS.
- I'm turning 65. What should I do first?About 90 days before your 65th birthday, enroll in Medicare Parts A and B through SSA. TRICARE For Life activates automatically once both are effective and DEERS is current.
- Can I change my mind later?Yes. AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7) and OEP (Jan 1 – Mar 31) are the two main windows to switch or drop an MA plan and return to Original Medicare.
- Can I delay Part B if I'm still working?Only if you (or your spouse) have employer group health coverage based on current employment. TRICARE does not qualify.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.