Guardian Insurance: Accepting Tricare For Life Insurance?

If you're wondering about using Tricare For Life with other health insurance, you're not alone. It's a common question, and the answer is that it depends on the type of insurance you have in addition to Tricare. If you have Medicare and are Tricare-eligible, you can use Tricare For Life as long as you have both Medicare Parts A and B. This coverage is automatic and worldwide, with no enrollment forms or fees. However, if you have other types of insurance, such as employer-sponsored health insurance, the process is a bit different. In this case, your employer will file your health claims, and you'll need to submit a paper claim to the Tricare For Life contractor, Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS). It's important to note that Tricare supplements do not qualify as other health insurance. Understanding how different insurance policies work together can be complex, so it's always a good idea to review the specific details of your policies and contact the relevant insurance providers for clarification if needed.

TRICARE For Life (TFL) is Medicare-wraparound coverage

TRICARE is a federal government health insurance program for active-duty and retired military personnel and their families. TRICARE For Life (TFL) is a program for Medicare-eligible military retirees and their dependents, acting as a supplement to Medicare. TFL is Medicare-wraparound coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and B, regardless of age or place of residence.

TFL coverage is automatic for those with Medicare Part A and B, and there is no enrollment fee. However, you must pay Medicare Part B premiums, which are based on your income. TFL coverage is available worldwide, but it is important to note that Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States, U.S. territories, or ships in U.S. territorial waters. When using TFL in overseas locations, TRICARE becomes the primary payer, and you are responsible for paying TRICARE's annual deductible and cost shares.

With TFL, you can seek care from any Medicare-participating or non-participating provider, or at a military hospital or clinic on a space-available basis. In most cases, your provider will file your claims with Medicare, which will pay its portion and send the claim to the TFL claims processor. TFL then pays the provider directly for TRICARE-covered services. Generally, you will have no out-of-pocket costs for services covered by both Medicare and TRICARE. However, you will have out-of-pocket costs for care that is not covered by either program.

TFL typically covers your Medicare cost-sharing, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. TFL may also pay for services not covered by Medicare or when you have exhausted your Medicare benefits. If you have other health insurance, such as a Medicare supplement or an employer-sponsored plan, you can still use TFL as long as you have both Medicare Parts A and B.

TFL is only for those with Medicare and who are TRICARE-eligible

TRICARE For Life (TFL) is a health insurance program provided by the federal government to active-duty and retired military personnel and their families. TFL is a specific program for those who are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and B. It acts as a supplement to Medicare, covering Medicare cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurances, and copayments).

TFL is only for those who are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and B. Coverage does not extend to family members. If you have Medicare Part A, you must also enroll in Medicare Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE, including prescription drug coverage. TFL coverage is automatic if you have both Part A and B, and there are no enrollment forms or fees.

TFL is available worldwide, and you can visit any authorized provider. In most cases, your provider will file your claims with Medicare first. Medicare then pays its portion and sends the claim to the TFL claims processor. TFL then pays the provider directly for TRICARE-covered services. You will generally have no out-of-pocket costs for services that both Medicare and TRICARE cover.

If you have other health insurance, such as an employer-sponsored plan, you can still use TFL as long as you have both Medicare Parts A and B. In this case, Medicare pays after your other insurance. After your other insurance processes the claim, you must file a paper claim with the TFL contractor, Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS). WPS will then process the claim and pay TRICARE's portion of the claim directly to you.

TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and B

TRICARE For Life (TFL) is a health insurance program provided by the federal government to active-duty and retired military personnel and their families. TFL is Medicare-wraparound coverage, meaning it acts as a supplement to Medicare for those who are TRICARE-eligible.

You must pay Medicare Part B premiums, which are based on your income. Medicare Part A is paid from payroll taxes while you are working.

In most cases, your provider will file your claims with Medicare. Medicare pays its portion first and then sends the claim to the TFL claims processor. TFL then pays the provider directly for TRICARE-covered services.

You will generally have no out-of-pocket costs for services that are covered by both Medicare and TRICARE. However, you will have out-of-pocket costs for care that isn't covered by one or both of the programs.

TFL also offers a pharmacy program that provides creditable drug coverage. This means that if you are enrolled in the TFL pharmacy program, you can delay Part D enrollment without incurring a late enrollment penalty.

You must pay Medicare Part B premiums

TRICARE For Life (TFL) is Medicare-wraparound coverage for those who are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and B, regardless of age or place of residence. This means that if you have TRICARE and want to use TRICARE For Life, you must pay Medicare Part B premiums.

Medicare Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. The amount you pay depends on your income. In 2024, the premium is $174.70 each month, or higher depending on your income. You will have to pay this premium each month, even if you don't use any Part B-covered services. Your Part B premium is based on your income, but you must have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible (usually when you turn 65), you may have to pay a penalty. You'll pay an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up but didn't. This penalty is added to your monthly premium and is not a one-time fee—you'll pay it for as long as you have Part B.

If you have other health insurance, such as a Medicare supplement or an employer-sponsored health plan, you can still use TRICARE For Life as long as you have both Medicare Parts A and B. In this case, Medicare pays its portion first, and then TRICARE For Life pays the provider directly for TRICARE-covered services.

TFL coverage is available worldwide

TRICARE For Life (TFL) is a Medicare-wraparound coverage programme for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries with Medicare Parts A and B. TFL is not an insurance programme, but a benefit programme that covers medical expenses. It is available worldwide, regardless of age or place of residence.

When using TFL overseas, TRICARE is the primary payer, and you are responsible for paying TRICARE's annual deductible and cost shares. If you live overseas, you must have Medicare Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE, even though Medicare does not provide coverage outside the U.S. and U.S. territories.

With TFL, you can generally seek care from any overseas civilian provider without a referral. However, certain services, including non-emergency inpatient admissions for substance use disorders and mental health care, require prior authorisation. You are responsible for paying an annual deductible and copayments each calendar year. You should expect to pay upfront for care and submit a claim to the TOP Claims processor for reimbursement.

Outside the U.S. and U.S. territories, non-participating non-network providers can charge any amount for care. You are responsible for paying any amount that is above the TRICARE-allowable charge, in addition to your deductible and cost-shares.

Frequently asked questions