Frequently Asked
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.
Three months before your 65th birthday, sign up for Medicare Parts A and B at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up. Enrolling in the first 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) makes coverage start the month you turn 65 — preventing any gap in your TRICARE coverage.
Here's the order of operations:
- Apply for Medicare with SSA (3 months before your birthday month).
- Verify DEERS at milConnect — both Part A and Part B dates should appear there within 30–60 days.
- Find civilian providers who accept Medicare assignment (Care Compare). You will lose priority access to military treatment facilities at 65.
- Do nothing for TFL — it activates automatically once Medicare A and B are both active. There's no application and no fee.
- Do NOT enroll in Medicare Part D. TRICARE Pharmacy is already creditable coverage.
That's it. The biggest mistake to avoid: declining Part B because you "have TRICARE." TRICARE For Life requires Part B. Skip it, and you lose TFL.
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.
- 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.
- Medicare Part DMedicare's optional prescription drug coverage — almost always unnecessary if you have TRICARE For Life.
- TRICARE For Life (TFL)The wraparound secondary health coverage for Medicare-eligible military retirees, spouses, and survivors — no premium, no enrollment fee.
- milConnectThe DoD self-service web portal where retirees verify and update DEERS, view TRICARE coverage, and request ID cards.
- 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.
- Can I go back to Original Medicare if I try Medicare Advantage?Yes. During AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or MA OEP (Jan 1 – Mar 31), you can drop your MA plan and return to Original Medicare. TFL stays in place either way.
Related lessons
Related glossary terms
Related questions
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.