Frequently Asked
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.
Yes, in most situations. That's the whole point of TFL being a wraparound.
Here's how it works for a typical doctor visit:
- You see a Medicare-participating provider.
- Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after your annual Part B deductible is met.
- The claim crosses over electronically to WPS (the TFL contractor).
- TFL pays the Part B deductible (if not yet met) and the 20% coinsurance.
- You owe $0.
Same idea for inpatient hospital care under Part A — TFL covers the deductible and coinsurance.
The exceptions:
- Services Medicare covers but TRICARE doesn't (rare). Medicare pays its portion; you owe the rest.
- Services TRICARE covers but Medicare doesn't (e.g., overseas care). TFL pays first.
- Out-of-pocket caps don't apply — Original Medicare has no MOOP, but with TFL acting as your secondary, you typically don't need one.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph Lessons
- 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.
Encyclopedia
- 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.
- WPS (TFL Claims Contractor)Wisconsin Physicians Service — the Defense Health Agency contractor that processes TRICARE For Life secondary claims.
- MedicareThe federal health insurance program for people 65+, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with ESRD or ALS.
- Original MedicareMedicare Parts A and B together — the fee-for-service version of Medicare run directly by the federal government.
FAQs
- 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).
- Do I really need Medicare Part B?Yes. Without Part B, you lose TRICARE For Life. There is no workaround.
- 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.
Related lessons
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.