When does TRICARE for Life apply?

TRICARE for Life is designed specifically for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, providing them with additional coverage beyond what Medicare offers. This program acts as a secondary payer to Medicare for those who qualify, covering costs like copayments and deductibles that beneficiaries would otherwise need to pay out-of-pocket. This ensures that Medicare-eligible individuals, often retirees or those over the age of 65, have comprehensive health coverage that fills in the gaps of Medicare.

The other options do not accurately define when TRICARE for Life applies. Active duty service members seeking specialty care are covered under different TRICARE options tailored to their active duty status. Family members of retirees may have their own coverage under different TRICARE plans, but they are not eligible for TRICARE for Life unless they themselves are also eligible for Medicare. Young adults aged 18-25 do not qualify for TRICARE for Life unless they are also Medicare-eligible, which typically does not apply to that age group.