Frequently Asked
Do I still pay TRICARE fees once I have TFL?
No. TRICARE For Life has zero enrollment fees and no premium. You only pay the Medicare Part B premium (to Medicare, not TRICARE).
No. TFL has:
- No enrollment fee.
- No annual premium.
- No annual deductible (beyond what Medicare already collects on the primary side).
Your only real cost on Original Medicare + TFL is the Medicare Part B premium, which goes to Medicare — not TRICARE.
What you might still pay:
- TRICARE Pharmacy copays (small, depending on tier and channel).
- Services not covered by either Medicare or TRICARE (rare).
- Anything from a provider who has opted out of Medicare entirely.
For most TFL beneficiaries, total annual out-of-pocket on covered medical care is near zero beyond the Part B premium and a few prescription copays.
Related glossary terms
Official sources
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.
