Before the system was changed in 2001, military retirees at age 65 were dropped from any military-provided health insurance program and were covered only by Medicare. Now TRICARE, the health plan for military members, dependents and retirees, coordinates with Medicare to cover the health care expenses of retired military members.
Enrolling in Medicare
Medicare does not offer family coverage. Medicare is federally-funded health coverage for individuals age 65 and over and those with qualifying medical conditions. Retirees who want Medicare Part B coverage at age 65 must enroll during the initial enrollment period in the three months prior to their 65th birthday. A husband and wife will enroll separately based on the date of their 65th birthdays. Late Medicare Part B enrollment is open during the first three months of each year, with Part B coverage taking effect on July 1 of that year.
Military Retiree Insurance
Military active duty personnel and retirees can enroll in the TRICARE program for health insurance coverage at civilian medical facilities. A military member can retire after 20 years of service and may be younger than age 65. At 65 the retiree becomes eligible for Medicare, and the TRICARE coverage will convert to TRICARE For Life (TFL).
TRICARE For Life Eligibility
The 2011 Medicare Handbook states that a military retiree must be enrolled in Medicare Part B at age 65 to maintain TRICARE For Life coverage. Military members age 65 or older on active duty do not have to enroll in Part B until they retire. For retired military members, TRICARE coverage after age 65 is dependent on the retiree being enrolled in Part B. If the retiree's spouse is over 65, she must also be enrolled in Part B.
TRICARE Function
After age 65, military TRICARE coverage becomes secondary to Medicare. Health care bills are first paid by Medicare, then TRICARE pays the balance of the incurred charges. TRICARE is electronically linked to Medicare; so once Medicare pays its portion, any bill is forwarded to TRICARE. Medicare Parts A and B, plus TRICARE For Life, should pay all covered medical costs for a military retiree.
Tags: Medicare Part, TRICARE Life, military members, TRICARE coverage, active duty
