TRICARE for Life With Medicare Advantage: The Pros and Cons
If you have TRICARE for Life (TFL), you can use it with either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Both work—but there are some important differences you should know before deciding.
How Medicare Advantage Is Different
Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
They provide the same Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) benefits as Original Medicare.
Often include extra perks—like dental, vision, hearing, or wellness programs.
Premiums vary: some cost only your regular Part B premium, others charge more for extras.
Require you to use network-approved providers for non-emergency care and usually require copayments at appointments.
How TFL Works With Medicare Advantage
TFL still acts as secondary coverage, helping cover costs your Advantage plan doesn’t pay.
Key difference: With Original Medicare, claims automatically flow to TFL.
With Advantage plans, claims may not transfer automatically—you might need to file them yourself to get reimbursed.
You can call the TFL contractor at 866-773-0404 to see if your plan can coordinate claims automatically.
Pros of Medicare Advantage With TFL
Often includes extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, wellness programs).
Some have low or $0 extra premiums beyond your Part B cost.
Annual out-of-pocket limit can help control costs.
Cons & Considerations
Network restrictions—must use plan-approved providers for non-emergency care (can be tough if you travel often or live overseas).
Likely need to file manual claims to TFL for reimbursement.
Many Advantage plans include drug coverage (Part D), which can interfere with your TRICARE Pharmacy benefits and may cause you to lose home delivery options.
Bottom Line
You do not need a Medigap plan—TFL already fills that role.
Choose Medicare Advantage if you want extra benefits and are okay with networks and possible paperwork.
Stick with Original Medicare + TFL if you want simplicity and automatic claims coordination.
Resources
https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/3619247/qa-how-does-tricare-for-life-work-with-medicare/
https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy
https://www.tricare.mil/tfl
