TRICARE for Life (TFL) is TRICARE's Medicare-wraparound coverage available worldwide to TRICARE beneficiaries who are also entitled to Medicare. Essentially, TFL acts as a supplement to Medicare Part A and B, there are no special enrollment procedures or TRICARE premium payments.

DFAS will provide IRS Form 1095-C to all U.S. military members, and IRS Form 1095-B to all retirees, annuitants, former spouses and all other individuals having TRICARE coverage during all or any portion of tax year 2023. An IRS Form 1095 documents you (and your family members, if applicable) have the minimum essential coverage. These forms will document the information that DFAS will provide to the IRS on yourself and your authorized family members. According to the IRS, these forms are not required to prepare or file income tax returns but will be available via myPay no later than 31 January 2024.

Active duty Service members and active duty family members are typically not eligible for TRICARE for Life. Generally only retired service members who have Medicare Part A and B and in receipt of retired pay are eligible for TFL, as well as their dependent family members, surviving spouses and certain former spouses who have Medicare Part A & B.

However, active duty family members who become entitled to Medicare Part A (age 65, disabled, or end stage renal disease) are not required to purchase Medicare Part B in order to use TFL. When the active duty airman or guardian retires, family members must have Medicare Part B coverage in place upon the date of retirement to avoid loss of TRICARE benefits.

TRICARE Benefits change frequently so be sure to reference the TRICARE site at https://tricare.mil/

For more information, please visit the TRICARE for Life webpage maintained by the TRICARE Management Activity:
https://tricare.mil/tfl

TRICARE DEERS Information:
https://tricare.mil/DEERS

TRICARE for Life Handbook:
https://tricare.mil/~/media/Files/TRICARE/Publications/Handbooks/TFL_HBK.pdf

Medicare Part A and B information:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs