Lesson 1 of 15
What is Medicare?
Quick answer
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. It has four parts — A (hospital), B (medical), C (Medicare Advantage), and D (drugs) — and it is the foundation of your healthcare once you turn 65, even as a retired service member.
Key takeaways
- Medicare is run by the federal government through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Most people qualify at 65; you must take action to enroll unless you already collect Social Security.
- For retired military, Medicare becomes the primary payer once you are eligible.
- TRICARE For Life is built to wrap around Medicare — you need Medicare to use TFL.
Detailed explanation
Medicare was created in 1965 to give Americans 65 and over reliable health coverage. It is not the same thing as Medicaid (which is income-based) or VA healthcare (which is for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs).
The four parts of Medicare
- Part A — Hospital insurance. Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health.
- Part B — Medical insurance. Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
- Part C — Medicare Advantage. Private plans that bundle Part A + Part B (and usually Part D) with extra benefits and a defined network.
- Part D — Prescription drug coverage. Stand-alone drug plans. Note: TFL beneficiaries get drug coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program and generally do not need Part D.
Why this matters for you
When you turn 65, your TRICARE benefit changes form. TRICARE For Life becomes the wraparound benefit that pays after Medicare. Without Medicare Parts A and B, you do not have TFL.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicare free?
Most people get Part A premium-free because they (or their spouse) paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B has a monthly premium (standard amount around $185/month in 2025, adjusted annually).
Do I need Medicare if I have TRICARE?
Yes. Retired service members and their TRICARE-eligible spouses must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B at 65 to keep TRICARE coverage in the form of TRICARE For Life.
What is the difference between Medicare and the VA?
Medicare is run by CMS; VA healthcare is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They are separate. You can have both and use them for different things.
Official government resources
Official Medicare and TRICARE publications are the definitive source. This page is an independent educational summary; always confirm specifics against the resources above.