Understanding TRICARE For Life: A Comprehensive Q&A Guide for Your Family

TRICARE For Life (TFL) is available for military retirees and their eligible family members who have Medicare Part A and Part B. TFL only covers the individual with Medicare, while family members who are not eligible for Medicare can remain in their current TRICARE health plan. Becoming eligible for Medicare is not a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event, but eligible family members under 65 can make changes to their TRICARE plan within 90 days of the Medicare-eligible family member's Medicare effective date. Family members' TRICARE coverage is not affected if the individual does not sign up for Medicare Part B during the Initial Enrollment Period. TFL does not have an annual enrollment fee, but the enrollment fee for family members in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select may change. If a sponsor passes away after retiring from active duty, their spouse remains eligible for TRICARE unless they remarry, and when the surviving spouse has Medicare Part A and Part B, they become eligible for TFL. Various resources are available to learn more about TFL, including handbooks, webinars, and podcasts.