Licensed specialist for veterans: (202) 552-1418

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

Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.