Glossary
TRICARE Select
TRICARE's PPO-style fee-for-service plan — ends at age 65 for retirees and is replaced by TFL.
Also known as: Select, TRICARE Select PPO
Quick answer
TRICARE Select is a self-managed, PPO-style TRICARE plan. You see any TRICARE-authorized provider (in or out of network), no referrals required for most services, and pay cost shares per visit. Retirees pay an annual enrollment fee.
Why it matters
Many retirees prefer Select over Prime because it allows more provider flexibility. At 65, Select also ends and TFL replaces it.
Why this matters at age 65
Like Prime, retiree TRICARE Select coverage ends the day before Medicare eligibility begins. TFL automatically replaces it — but only if both Medicare A and B are in DEERS.
When you'll encounter it
Every Select visit, every referral, and the transition window 6–12 months before age 65.
Impact on Medicare
None directly. Select ends when Medicare-eligibility begins for retirees.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
Select ends; TFL begins automatically.
Military-specific context
Select also uses regional contractors (Humana Military, Health Net) — none of which administer TFL.
Common misconceptions
- "Select continues after 65 because it's PPO." — No. Retiree Select coverage ends at Medicare eligibility regardless of plan type.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting Select has an annual enrollment fee that should not be paid past Medicare eligibility.
- Not setting up civilian Medicare providers because 'Select gives me freedom anyway.' TFL works similarly, but the provider must accept Medicare, not just be TRICARE-authorized.
Real-world scenario: A retired Navy E-8 on TRICARE Select sees a specialist twice a year for blood pressure.
When she turns 65, Select ends and TFL begins. Her specialist accepts Medicare assignment, so the claim flows Medicare primary → TFL secondary. Her old Select copays disappear; she now owes $0.
Questions people commonly ask
- When does TRICARE Select end?
- Does TFL work like Select?
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.
- Using military hospitals and clinics (MTFs) after age 65What changes about Military Treatment Facility access once you become Medicare-eligible — and how to plan for the transition.
- Beneficiary CategoryHow DEERS classifies you (active duty, retiree, family member, survivor, etc.) — determines which TRICARE plans and cost shares apply.
- Defense Health Agency (DHA)The DoD combat support agency that runs the Military Health System and administers TRICARE, including TRICARE For Life.
- Military Treatment Facility (MTF) & Space-Available CareDoD military hospitals and clinics — at 65, retirees can only be seen if appointments aren't needed by active duty or TRICARE Prime enrollees.
- TRICARE PlusAn MTF-specific primary-care enrollment program at participating military hospitals — not a substitute for TFL or Medicare.
- Uniformed Services ID Card (USID)The DoD-issued ID card that proves uniformed services affiliation — required (with DEERS) to access military health benefits.
- US Family Health Plan (USFHP)A TRICARE Prime option delivered by designated civilian provider networks in specific U.S. regions — Medicare-eligible enrollees disenroll at 65 and move to TFL.
- My doctor says they don't take TRICARE. What now?Ask the right question: 'Do you accept Medicare?' On TFL, Medicare is your network. Any Medicare-participating provider can bill TFL as secondary, even if they say they don't 'take TRICARE.'
- Is there an enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life?No. TFL has no enrollment fee and no monthly premium. The only premium you pay is for Medicare Part B.
- Can I keep going to the military hospital after 65?Only on a space-available basis. Active duty and Prime enrollees come first. Most retirees on TFL transition fully to civilian Medicare providers.
- Does TFL cover preventive care like flu shots and screenings?Yes. Medicare covers most preventive services at $0 when provided by a Medicare-participating provider, and TFL adds no additional cost.
- Does TFL cover home health care?Yes, when a doctor certifies it's medically necessary and you're homebound. Medicare pays first; TFL covers any remaining cost-shares.
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.