Note: This article first appeared in Transitioning Into Medicare and TRICARE For Life, a publication exclusive to MOAA Premium and Life members. Find more member-exclusive publications at this link, and check out member-exclusive discounts at this link.

TRICARE For Life covers all uniformed services retirees, spouses, and other qualifying dependents and survivors (including certain former spouses) who are enrolled in Medicare, regardless of age.

Examples of other eligible TFL recipients include:

• National Guard members and reservists receiving military retired pay who are enrolled in Medicare.
• Servicemembers who retired because of a medical disability who are enrolled in Medicare.
• Eligible family members of retirees who retired on medical disability, provided they are enrolled in Medicare.

Some examples of those who are not eligible for TFL include:

• Dependent parents or parents-in-law of a servicemember.
• VA beneficiaries who were medically discharged from military service and were not given a medical disability retirement.

If you’re not sure whether you are eligible for TFL, contact the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System at (800) 538-9552.