Step B
Original Medicare: Parts A and B
Original Medicare is the federal health program you enroll in at 65. It has two parts, and Part B is what keeps your Tricare for Life coverage active.
Key facts at a glance
- Medicare Part A (hospital) is premium-free for retired military who paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years. It covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care.
- Medicare Part B (medical) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90/month (higher for high-income retirees).
- Part B is mandatory for Tricare for Life. Retired military who turn 65 must enroll in Part B to keep TFL active — there are no exceptions for those staying on Tricare.
- Medicare and Tricare for Life pay in order: Medicare pays first, Tricare for Life pays second. For care covered by both, you typically owe $0 out of pocket.
- You do not need Medicare Part D. Tricare Pharmacy already provides creditable prescription drug coverage for retirees on Medicare and Tricare for Life.
- Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period — the 7 months around your 65th birthday. Missing it can cause permanent Part B late penalties and a gap in Tricare coverage.
Part A: Hospital
Premium-free for most retirees
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people who paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years pay no monthly premium for Part A.
Part B: Medical
Required for TFL
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and durable medical equipment. There is a monthly premium, and you must pay it to keep Tricare for Life active.
The Part B premium
Most retirees pay the standard Part B premium (around $202.90 per month in 2026; higher for high-income enrollees). It is typically deducted directly from your Social Security check.
Higher-income retirees pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium. IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years ago and is added to both Part B and Part D premiums for beneficiaries above certain income thresholds.
If you drop or fail to enroll in Part B, you lose Tricare for Life.
TFL is a Medicare-wraparound benefit. It only works alongside active Medicare Part B coverage.
How they coordinate
- 1You see a Medicare-accepting doctor.
- 2Medicare pays first as your primary insurance.
- 3Tricare for Life pays second as the wraparound, covering most remaining costs.
- 4For most TFL beneficiaries, out-of-pocket costs at Medicare-participating providers are minimal.
Next: find Medicare-accepting doctors near you.
Step CNew to Medicare?
If you're just beginning to plan for the transition, the Making the Transition to Medicare with TRICARE For Life guide walks through Part B timing, MTF access, IRMAA, and how Medicare and TFL work together — all in one place.
Continue your Medicare journey
What to explore next
A curated next step, chosen to follow the logical order most military retirees experience the Medicare transition in.
Recommended next
Making the Transition to Medicare with TRICARE For Life
The cornerstone guide that walks through Part B timing, MTF access, IRMAA, and how Medicare and TFL coordinate.
Also useful
Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Understand the trade-offs before deciding whether Original Medicare + TFL alone is right for you.
No-cost insurance specialist service
Speak with a licensed insurance specialist for veterans
Uncle Sam's Healthcare helps retired military find $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans. There is never a fee for this service, and scheduling never obligates you to enroll.