MUST I have "Part B" to enroll in TRICARE PRIME?

Question

I have been told by one person who should know "Yes", and I have had another person who should know this say "No"!

Now I am confused....not a surprise when dealing with Medicare and Tricare of course.

AS i originally understand it, as a Military retiree, if I decline Medicare Part B, and then enroll for Tricare prime, I have to pay an enrollment and participation fee to be in Prime.

however, if I did pay for part B Medicare, then Tricare prime would be free to particpate in.

So, who is right here?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Physically go to the closest military hospital or branch clinic. There is a Tricare office there where you can get the real answer from a live person who works for Tricare.


Better than listening to the word on the street method you have right now.

Answer 2

To be in TriCare For Life you must be enrolled in Part B
So if you are disabled or going on Social Security you need to elect Part B
It's a good deal because you will pay Meicare but you will no longer pay Tricare.
Once you are on Tricare For Life it won't really matter if you were Prime or regular. You can go to any civilian doctor you want. they bill Medicare first and TriCare second. You pay nothing but your monthly Medicare Part B

Answer 3

When you become eligible for Medicare you must enroll in Part "B" and pay the premium to be eligible for Tri-Care For Life. Tri-Care Prime is only available for military retirees below age 65. The current Part "B" premium is $93.50 per month. If you receive an annuity from Social Security, that amount will be deducted from your check each month. If not, then you will be billed by Medicare every three months for a quarterly payment. That premium increases each year beginning in January.
I've been on Medicare and Tri-Care For Life for over three years. The only co-pay I have is for medications and I only pay the co-pay for a month's worth of the drugs, even though I get a 3-month supply through the DOD mail order pharmacy.
This does not invalidate or interfere with your entitlement for care at military treatment facilities on an inpatient basis, nor does it stop you from getting your medications for free at the military pharmacies.
Hope this helps. The URL listed below is for the Tri-Care program and I believe you can use it to send an e-mail for further information.

Answer 4

If you are eligible for Medicare, you must enroll in Part B to be eligible for Tricare/Tricare Prime/Tricare for Life. http://www.cdc.gov/od/occp/personnel/retirement/tricareChange.htm

(More on Tricare for Life: http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/tricare-for-life/tricare-for-life-and-dual-eligibility )