Prescription Savings with Medicare Extra Help for Veterans
If you’re a retired service member, you’ve likely heard about Medicare and how it works alongside your TRICARE coverage. You may be thinking, “I’ve got TRICARE, so why would I need Medicare?”
It’s a great question! And you’re definitely not alone in wondering about this. The truth is, even if you have TRICARE, Medicare is still a crucial part of your healthcare journey. But don’t worry—I’m here to break it down for you, just like we’re sitting down together over a cup of coffee and chatting about the best ways to get the most out of your benefits.
RMBA HOME PAGE - Explore essential resources for veterans' benefits and Medicare guidance here
What is TRICARE and Why Is It So Great?
First, let’s quickly review what TRICARE is. As a retired service member, you and your family are eligible for TRICARE, a health insurance program that provides access to healthcare from both military and civilian providers.
TRICARE covers a lot of ground, including:
Medical care at military treatment facilities (MTFs)
Prescriptions through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program
Emergency care and more
If you’ve been relying on TRICARE, you probably already know that it’s great coverage. But TRICARE alone doesn’t cover everything. That's where Medicare comes into play.
So, Why Do You Need Medicare if You Have TRICARE?
Here’s the important part: Medicare works with TRICARE to give you even better coverage. If you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for Medicare, and it can complement your existing TRICARE benefits in a few key ways:
1. Medicare Acts as Primary Coverage After You Turn 65
Once you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), Medicare becomes your primary insurance. That means Medicare will pay first for any healthcare services you receive. TRICARE will pay second, covering most of the remaining costs.
Without Medicare, you may have to pay more out-of-pocket costs for care.
With Medicare, you get extra coverage, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.
2. Medicare Helps You Access More Providers
TRICARE provides excellent coverage, but it’s primarily focused on military treatment facilities (MTFs) and a network of civilian doctors. Medicare gives you access to a much wider range of healthcare providers, which is especially helpful if you live far from an MTF or need to see specialists that aren’t available through TRICARE.
For example:
You’ll have access to civilian doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare, not just those who accept TRICARE.
If you’re traveling or living in a different state, Medicare helps with emergency care when a TRICARE facility isn’t available.
3. Prescription Coverage: TRICARE and Medicare Part D
While TRICARE covers many prescription medications, it may not cover everything you need. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) can help fill in the gaps.
Medicare Part D offers prescription drug plans that provide coverage for medications not covered by TRICARE or VA benefits.
You can choose a standalone Part D plan or one that’s bundled with a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which includes Part D coverage.
But, I Already Have TRICARE for Life—Isn’t That Enough?
Great question! If you have TRICARE for Life (TFL), you’re already getting some of the best healthcare coverage around. But, TFL works alongside Medicare, meaning that when you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, TRICARE for Life covers most of your out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles and copayments).
Here’s how it works:
Medicare pays first, just like for anyone else over 65.
TRICARE for Life picks up most of the remaining costs after Medicare pays, leaving you with little to no out-of-pocket expenses for most services.
So, even if you have TRICARE for Life, you still need Medicare to maximize your coverage and minimize what you pay.
What Happens If I Don’t Enroll in Medicare?
If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you turn 65, you could face late enrollment penalties. Not only that, but you’ll miss out on coverage that can help reduce your costs, expand your healthcare options, and give you access to civilian providers.
TRICARE and Medicare work best together—and if you don’t enroll in Medicare when you’re first eligible, you could lose out on the benefits of both programs working in sync.
How Can RMBA Help You?
At Retired Military Benefit Association, we specialize in helping veterans understand and navigate their healthcare options. If you’re unsure about Medicare enrollment, TRICARE, or how to make the most of both programs, we’re here to help!
Our experts can guide you through the process of enrolling in Medicare, explain how it works with your TRICARE benefits, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your healthcare coverage.
Reach out today, and let us help you unlock the full potential of your healthcare benefits!
Conclusion
If you have TRICARE, you’ve got great coverage. But when you add Medicare, you’re giving yourself extra protection, more flexibility, and more access to providers. Whether it’s to cover out-of-pocket costs, get more prescription coverage, or ensure you’re fully covered wherever you go, Medicare is an essential part of your healthcare strategy as a retired service member.
So, if you’re nearing 65 or just starting to think about Medicare, don’t wait—get in touch with RMBA today. We’re here to help you understand how Medicare and TRICARE work together to give you the best healthcare possible.
Read more about VA benefits here
RMBA HOME PAGE - Explore essential resources for veterans' benefits and Medicare guidance here
