The Learning Path
Understand Medicare and TRICARE For Life — start to finish
A free, 15-lesson plain-English course built for retired military and their spouses. Grounded in the official 2026 handbooks. Designed to be completed at your own pace.
No account needed. Read in any order. Each lesson takes 3–7 minutes. Official resources cited at the bottom of every page.
- 1What is Medicare?A plain-English overview of the federal health insurance program for people 65+.
- 2Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B)What Part A and Part B cover, what they cost, and why both are required for TFL.
- 3What is TRICARE For Life?The Medicare-wraparound benefit you earned through service.
- 4How Medicare and TFL work togetherWho pays first, what you owe, and how claims actually flow.
- 5Enrolling in MedicareWhen and how to sign up — and the special timing for retired military.
- 6Avoiding late enrollment penaltiesThe Part B penalty is permanent and TRICARE doesn't waive it.
- 7How claims are paidThe mechanics of crossover claims and what to do if one gets stuck.
- 8Using military hospitals and clinics after 65What changes about MTF access once you become Medicare-eligible.
- 9Using civilian providersHow to find, choose, and use a Medicare-participating doctor.
- 10Prescription drug coverageTRICARE Pharmacy through Express Scripts — not Medicare Part D.
- 11Dental, vision, and hearingThe major gap in Original Medicare + TFL — and how veterans fill it.
- 12VA healthcare coordinationHow Medicare, TFL, and VA healthcare fit together for retired veterans.
- 13Medicare Advantage for veterans (optional consideration)Carrier-neutral guidance on when MA may — or may not — make sense.
- 14Common mistakes to avoidThe most expensive errors retired military make at 65.
- 15Frequently asked questionsQuick answers to the questions retired military ask most.
Want the source material?
Every lesson links to the official Medicare and TRICARE publication it draws from. The full library is at Official Resources.