Are there new benefits to the Uniformed Services retiree program?

On October 1, 2001 the Department of Defense implemented TRICARE for Life (TFL). TRICARE for Life provides expanded medical coverage for: Medicare-eligible uniformed services retirees, including retired National Guard members and reservists; Medicare-eligible family members and widows/widowers; and certain former spouses if they were eligible for TRICARE before age 65. To be eligible for TFL you must be over 65 and have Medicare Part A and B to your coverage.

You could get all Medicare-covered benefits, plus all TFL-covered benefits, if you are eligible under the original Medicare plan. When you are using a provider that is Medicare based then Medicare will pay first and TFL second. Certain care not offered by Medicare will be covered by TFL as well as all Medicare co-payments and deductibles.

In areas like chiropractic services where only Medicare offers the service you will be responsible for anything not paid by Medicare.

The same goes for a service provided only by TRICARE, such as certain prescription drugs, you would be responsible for anything not paid by TRICARE. If you use a Medicare provider you will get more of the total amount covered by either Medicare or TRICARE.

Entry Filed under: Benefits Explained