Did you know you have to have Part B to qualify for Tricare?

2020-07-22T18:24:28-04:00

I just turned 65 (yea me), I procrastinated signing up for Medicare Part A. I did not sign up for Part B, after all I am still employed. Come to find out, my Tricare West was canceled because 1) I was late but 2) I did not sign up for Part B. Note: Since I am still employed (according to Medicare I do not need have Part B since I still have insurance)
According to Tricare, I must have Part B or go to a Base Clinic or VA Hospital to get care. (Direct Care) Sooo if you are close to 65 years old, sign up for part A before you turn 65 and check to see if you need Part B. Just Saying. Did you know this?

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Jul 22 at 2020 7:19 PM

2020-07-22T19:19:13-04:00

I thought we had to sign up for Part B.... I am 62, and not too focused on it. It will probably be changed before I hit 65. BUT, thanks for giving us a good example of why we do need to keep an eye on this at least 6 months out.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 22 at 2020 8:48 PM

2020-07-22T20:48:57-04:00

You check and see if paying for Part B is cheaper out of pocket than your current insurance. If not, people tend to stay with the current plan until they retire for good. When you do file for Medicare, Part A is free, and you get to start/continue paying into Part B forever. When you do, Tricare for Life essentially covers some of the Part A and B costs for services and Part D drugs. You'll need a separate dental and vision plan regardless. Delta for dental and VSP for vision is one of the popular combinations that you can pay through retirement annuity monthly deduction. BTW, whatever you have for Medicare, that is always primary. Even if you go to VA, they will back bill Social Security for the covered amounts. People insist that VA covers everything which might appear so because they didn't get a bill. But VA and TriCare/DoD will extract whatever they can out of Medicare or other insurance plans.

Response by TSgt James Sutton made Jul 22 at 2020 9:45 PM

2020-07-22T21:45:47-04:00

I had the same issue when I retired with my wife. She is a cancer survivor and was on disability and had part A when I retired. Tricare then said she had to get part B or be dropped from Tricare. Shocker at the time.