If you’re a retired member of the U.S. military or a military spouse, your healthcare options in retirement can include both Medicare and TRICARE. Understanding how these programs work separately—and together—is critical to making informed decisions about your coverage.
In this guide, we’ll compare Medicare vs TRICARE for Retired Military, including eligibility, costs, benefits, and how the two systems coordinate care. Whether you’re approaching age 65 or already enrolled in one or both programs, this article offers a detailed breakdown for 2025.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for:
- Individuals aged 65 and older
- People under 65 with certain disabilities
- Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Main Components of Medicare:
- Part A: Hospital insurance (inpatient care, hospice, skilled nursing)
- Part B: Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient services)
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private plans that include Part A and B (and usually Part D)
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage
Most people pay no premium for Part A, but Part B typically has a monthly premium ($174.70 in 2025).
What Is TRICARE?
TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, administered by the Department of Defense (DoD). For military retirees, TRICARE provides robust medical coverage and includes several plan options.
Common TRICARE Plans for Retirees:
- TRICARE for Life (TFL): Acts as secondary coverage to Medicare once you turn 65
- TRICARE Select: Fee-for-service option available to retired members under age 65
- TRICARE Prime: Similar to an HMO, requires referrals and a primary care manager
Medicare vs TRICARE for Retired Military: Key Differences
| Feature | Medicare (A & B) | TRICARE for Retired Military |
| Eligibility Age | 65+ or qualified under 65 | Retired military personnel and dependents |
| Primary Coverage | Yes (Part A and B) | Yes (before age 65); becomes secondary at 65 |
| Enrollment Required | Yes (Part A and B mandatory at 65) | Yes (must enroll in Medicare to keep TFL) |
| Prescription Drugs | Part D (optional, standalone) | Covered under TFL or TRICARE Pharmacy |
| Monthly Premiums | Part B premium ($174.70 in 2025) | TRICARE for Life: no monthly premium |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles, copays, coinsurance | TFL covers most costs after Medicare pays |
| Dental/Vision Coverage | Limited (can add plans separately) | Optional via FEDVIP program |
| Global Coverage | Emergency only (in Original Medicare) | TRICARE: Worldwide coverage |
| Provider Flexibility | Broad, especially under PPO/Part C | Varies by plan (TFL offers broad access) |
How Medicare and TRICARE Work Together
When you turn 65 and are eligible for TRICARE for Life, the two programs coordinate:
- Medicare becomes your primary payer
- TRICARE for Life acts as secondary coverage
Example:
- You visit a doctor who accepts Medicare.
- Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount.
- TRICARE pays the remaining 20%, reducing your out-of-pocket costs to $0 in many cases.
To keep TRICARE for Life, you must enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B at age 65.
Prescription Drug Coverage: TRICARE vs Medicare Part D
- If you have TRICARE for Life, you do not need Medicare Part D. The TRICARE Pharmacy Program provides comprehensive prescription coverage.
- If you’re using Medicare Advantage (Part C), make sure the plan works well with TRICARE or risk losing TRICARE for Life benefits.
Dental and Vision Coverage
- Neither Medicare nor TRICARE for Life includes routine dental or vision.
- Military retirees can enroll in FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) for affordable dental and vision plans.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer these services, but do not replace TRICARE for Life.
Costs Comparison (2025 Overview)
| Cost Category | Medicare Only | TRICARE for Life with Medicare |
| Monthly Premium | $174.70 for Part B (most pay this) | $0 (just Part B premium required) |
| Deductibles | Yes (Part A and B) | Often covered by TFL |
| Copays | Yes | Usually covered by TFL |
| Prescription Costs | Varies with Part D plan | Fixed copays with TRICARE Pharmacy |
| Dental/Vision | Not included | Available via FEDVIP |
Pros and Cons
Medicare Alone:
Pros:
- Broad national coverage
- Easy access to providers
- Can be enhanced with Medicare Advantage or Medigap
Cons:
- Higher out-of-pocket costs without supplemental coverage
- Limited international coverage
- No dental/vision without extra plans
TRICARE for Retired Military:
Pros:
- Excellent supplemental coverage to Medicare
- Low out-of-pocket costs
- Strong global network (ideal for military retirees overseas)
- Free or low-cost prescriptions
Cons:
- Requires enrollment in Medicare at 65
- Not all providers are familiar with TRICARE billing
- Dental/vision require separate enrollment
Who Should Choose What?
If you are:
- A retired military member aged 65+, the best option is to enroll in Medicare A and B and automatically transition to TRICARE for Life.
- Under age 65 and retired from the military, you can continue using TRICARE Prime or Select, and enroll in Medicare later.
- A military spouse or dependent, coverage generally continues under the same TRICARE rules once the sponsor becomes Medicare-eligible.
For retired military personnel, TRICARE for Life and Medicare together provide some of the most comprehensive health coverage in the United States. Medicare provides nationwide access to care, while TRICARE fills in the gaps with additional coverage and lower costs.
Make sure you:
- Enroll in Medicare Part A and B at age 65
- Keep your DEERS information up to date
- Evaluate whether additional dental or vision coverage through FEDVIP is necessary
These programs are designed to work together — not compete — ensuring that retired service members receive the care they’ve earned through years of service.