Frequently Asked
My doctor said they don't take Medicare. What now?
If a provider has opted out of Medicare entirely, TFL won't pay either. Find a Medicare-participating provider via Care Compare.
A few possibilities here:
1. They've opted out of Medicare entirely. This is rare but increasing, especially for concierge medicine. Neither Medicare nor TFL pays — you'd owe the full bill out of pocket. Find a different provider.
2. They're "non-participating" (accept Medicare but can charge up to 15% above the approved amount). Medicare still pays its portion, and TFL will pay the cost-share. You may owe a small balance.
3. They simply mean they don't accept new Medicare patients. Common in busy practices. Look elsewhere on Care Compare.
The key question to ask any office: "Do you accept Medicare assignment?" If yes, you're set — TFL flows automatically.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- 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.
- Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for veteransExactly what Part A and Part B cover, what they cost in 2026, and why both are required to keep TRICARE For Life.
- How Medicare and TRICARE For Life work togetherThe exact mechanics of who pays first, who pays second, and what you owe — for every common care scenario.
- TRICARE For Life (TFL)The wraparound secondary health coverage for Medicare-eligible military retirees, spouses, and survivors — no premium, no enrollment fee.
- MedicareThe federal health insurance program for people 65+, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with ESRD or ALS.
- Medicare-Participating ProviderA provider who has signed an agreement to always accept Medicare assignment for every covered service.
- Can I keep seeing military doctors?At many MTFs, routine primary care after 65 becomes space-available; some MTFs also offer TRICARE Plus based on local capacity.
- How do I find a doctor who takes Medicare?Use Medicare Care Compare at medicare.gov/care-compare. Look for providers who 'accept Medicare assignment.' If they accept Medicare, they accept TFL as secondary.
- What happens to my coverage if I travel or live abroad?TFL becomes your primary payer overseas because Medicare generally doesn't pay outside the U.S. Keep Part B active and use the TRICARE Overseas Program.
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.