TRICARE For Life Costs & 2026 Fee Guide | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE For Life (TFL) has no monthly enrollment fees or premiums. As long as you pay your Medicare Part B premiums, TFL acts as a secondary payer that typically covers all remaining out-of-pocket costs for TRICARE-covered services after Medicare pays its share.

Details

TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage for military retirees and their eligible dependents. While the TFL coverage itself is "free" (no premium), its validity is contingent upon maintaining Medicare Part B.

### The Cost of Medicare Part B To use TFL, you must be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B. * **Part B Premiums:** For 2026, most beneficiaries pay the standard monthly premium (varies by year; check Medicare.gov for the current exact figure). * **IRMAA:** Higher-income beneficiaries may pay an additional Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). * **Part A:** Most military retirees qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A based on their work history.

### Deductibles and Cost-Shares (2026 Rates) Because TFL is secondary to Medicare, your out-of-pocket expenses for medical care depend on whether the service is covered by both, one, or neither:

* **Covered by Medicare and TFL:** Medicare pays first, and TFL pays the remaining patient responsibility. Your out-of-pocket cost is typically **$0**. * **Covered by Medicare but NOT TFL:** Medicare pays its share; you are responsible for the Medicare deductible and coinsurance. * **Covered by TFL but NOT Medicare:** TFL acts as the primary payer. You must pay the annual TRICARE TFL deductible (varies by plan year—check TRICARE.mil for current rates) and the applicable cost-share (typically 20-25%). * **Not Covered by Either:** You are responsible for the full bill.

### Pharmacy Costs TFL beneficiaries have access to the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (Express Scripts) and retail network pharmacies. * **Military Pharmacies:** $0 for a 90-day supply. * **Home Delivery:** Tier 1 (Generic) usually carries a small copay; Tiers 2 and 3 carry higher copays (2026 rates vary; check Express-Scripts.com). * **Retail:** Higher copays than home delivery; usually restricted to 30-day increments.

### Overseas Costs Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States and U.S. Territories. If you live or travel overseas, TFL becomes the primary payer. In this scenario, you must pay the annual TRICARE deductible and a 25% cost-share for covered services.

## Who this affects * **Retirees:** Retired service members of the Active or Reserve components who are age 65 or older. * **Family Members:** Spouses and certain children of retirees who are Medicare-eligible. * **Survivors:** Suriving spouses who remain eligible for TRICARE and are age 65 or older. * **Medically Retired:** Those under age 65 who qualify for Medicare due to a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** TRICARE For Life Cost Details [https://www.tricare.mil/tfl] * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** TRICARE For Life Handbook [https://www.tricare.mil/publications] * **Medicare.gov:** Part B Costs [https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs] * **Express Scripts:** TRICARE Pharmacy Program [https://www.express-scripts.com/tricare]