TRICARE For Life
How TRICARE For Life works with Medicare, what it costs, who pays for each kind of care, and a calculator.
TRICARE For Life cost calculator
What TRICARE For Life is
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A. You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to keep TFL, regardless of age or where you live. TFL itself has no enrollment fee or premium; your cost is the Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 a month standard in 2026, higher for high incomes).
Who pays what
- Covered by both Medicare and TRICARE: Medicare pays first and TRICARE pays the rest, so you pay nothing with Medicare participating or non-participating providers.
- Covered by Medicare only: you pay Medicare's deductibles and cost-shares.
- Covered by TRICARE only, or care outside the US: TRICARE pays first and you pay the TRICARE deductible and cost-shares.
- Covered by neither: you pay the full bill.
The TFL catastrophic cap is $3,000 a calendar year for TRICARE-covered services (TRICARE). Don't drop Part B: losing it means losing TFL. Medicare timing rules are in Medicare enrollment.
Common questions
Does TRICARE For Life have a premium?
No enrollment fee or premium, but you must pay for Medicare Part B.
Do I need Medicare Part B for TRICARE For Life?
Yes, Part A and Part B are both required.
What is the TRICARE For Life catastrophic cap?
$3,000 a calendar year.
Sources
More retirement calculators: Supplemental Security Income · Traditional IRA · 401(k) Calculator with Employer Match
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General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.