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.
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 $185 per month in 2025; higher for high-income enrollees). It is typically deducted directly from your Social Security check.
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 CNo-cost broker service
Speak with a licensed broker who specializes in veterans
Uncle Sam's Healthcare helps retired military find $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans. There is never a fee for this service.