Frequently Asked
What doesn't TFL cover?
Anything Medicare doesn't cover that TRICARE also doesn't cover — including routine dental, vision, hearing aids, custodial nursing home care, and most cosmetic procedures.
TFL is generous, but not infinite. Gaps include:
- Routine dental, vision, and hearing — neither Medicare nor TFL covers these. See dental/vision options.
- Hearing aids — not covered (some VA and MA plan exceptions).
- Custodial long-term care in nursing homes or assisted living.
- Cosmetic surgery (with rare medical exceptions).
- Most acupuncture, naturopathy, and alternative medicine.
- Care from a provider who's opted out of Medicare entirely.
For most retirees, the practical out-of-pocket exposure is tiny — these gaps tend to come up only in specific life events. Plan ahead for dental/vision (FEDVIP or MA) and hearing (VA, MA, or private).
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph Lessons
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Encyclopedia
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)An optional, all-in-one alternative way to get your Medicare benefits — delivered through a private plan instead of through Original Medicare.
- FEDVIPOptional dental and vision insurance retired military can buy through BENEFEDS — fills the dental/vision gap in Medicare and TFL.
- MedicareThe federal health insurance program for people 65+, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with ESRD or ALS.
- TRICAREThe Department of Defense's worldwide health-care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.
FAQs
- 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.
- 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.
- Can my spouse stay on TRICARE?Yes. Spouses retain TRICARE eligibility for life — but the program they're on changes based on their own age and Medicare status.
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.