Frequently Asked
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.
Yes — but only if you have qualifying employer coverage.
You can delay Part B without penalty when:
- You (or your working spouse) are covered by a group health plan based on current employment.
- The employer has 20+ employees.
- Coverage is creditable.
Once that employment-based coverage ends, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Part B without penalty.
TRICARE does NOT count for SEP purposes. Neither does VA, retiree-only employer coverage, or COBRA. If your only coverage is TFL, you must enroll in Part B during your IEP or face permanent late-enrollment penalties — and you'll have no TFL during the gap.
If you're working past 65 with employer coverage:
- Confirm with HR that the coverage is creditable for Medicare purposes.
- Enroll in Part A at 65 (it's premium-free for most — no downside).
- Delay Part B until employment ends; enroll within the 8-month SEP.
- Keep documentation — you'll need to prove creditable coverage to avoid the penalty.
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.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)The 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you first sign up for Medicare Parts A and B without penalty.
- Creditable CoverageNon-Medicare coverage that CMS deems at least as good as a standard Medicare Part D plan — TRICARE Pharmacy qualifies, so TFL beneficiaries don't need Part D.
- 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.
- Do I really need Medicare Part B?Yes. Without Part B, you lose TRICARE For Life. There is no workaround.
- Will TRICARE pay my Medicare deductible?Yes. For services covered by both Medicare and TRICARE at participating providers, TFL typically covers the Medicare deductible and coinsurance — leaving you with $0.
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.