Tricare For Life and Medicare Advantage

By Marc Manor

Until very recently, I believed that retired military personnel using their Tricare For Life benefits would not have a need for Medicare Advantage plans; however, because of the numerous additional benefits available in many Medicare Advantage plans, I have come to realize that Medicare Advantage may bring additional value and healthcare options to my retired Veteran brothers and sisters when used in conjunction with Tricare For Life.

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First let’s talk about Tricare For Life.  Tricare For Life is a benefit earned by those career military personnel who are “retired” from the military.  It is considered “wrap-around” coverage for those retired military who have both Medicare Parts A and B.  While there is typically a monthly premium for Part B, there is no charge for the Tricare For Life wrap-around coverage for those who qualify.

While in many ways, Tricare For Life works similar to Medicare Supplement Plan F (the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans), yet it is different because one cannot use a Medicare Supplement plan in conjunction with Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C).  Hence the term “wrap-around coverage”!  The reason this is so significant is because retired military members with Tricare For Life can use their benefit in conjunction with Medicare Advantage and therefore have three layers of Medicare insurance coverage!

Why have multiple layers of Medicare healthcare coverage you ask?

Medicare and Veterans

By Marc Manor

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One day I was in a Veterans Administration (VA) clinic waiting to be helped. I overheard a man complaining that he was charged over $1000 from the nearby military hospital for emergency services.  Of course, I had no way of knowing this man’s VA status or the history of his military service, but he looked to be a Vietnam era veteran.  While I did not really know anything about this fellow Veteran, I could not help but wonder what the circumstances were regarding this bill he received.  He returned to his seat next to me, and I asked him if he tried submitting a claim to Medicare or his healthcare plan.  He said he only received medical care from the VA and he did not have Medicare or any other healthcare insurance.  I did not question him further, but it seemed like he did not understand he could have Medicare while using his VA benefits.

What options do Veterans have when it comes to healthcare after become Medicare eligible in civilian life?