Many veterans and military retirees want to know how their TRICARE or VA benefits work with Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Below is a simple guide to help you understand the basics and compare your options.

• Works with Medicare to give you excellent coverage.
   
• Very low out-of-pocket costs for most services.
   
• You can visit any doctor who accepts Medicare — no networks.
   
• Includes TRICARE Pharmacy Program for prescriptions.
   
• No monthly premium for TFL (you just pay your Medicare Part B premium).
   

• You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
   
• Doesn’t include many “extras” like dental or vision.
   
• Overseas coverage exists, but filing claims may take extra steps.
   

• Low or no-cost care depending on your VA priority group.
   
• Care designed specifically for veterans.
   
• Low-cost VA prescriptions.
   
• No monthly premium.
   

• You generally must use VA facilities for your care.
   
• Limited access to non-VA doctors unless pre-approved by VA.
   
• Medicare does not work at VA facilities, and VA does not bill Medicare.
   
• Declining Medicare Part B can cause future penalties.
   

Many veterans choose Medicare Advantage (MA) to get extra benefits while keeping TFL as a backup.

• Extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and more.
   
• TFL usually covers most copays left after the MA plan.
   
• Good option if you want more coverage than Medicare/TFL alone.
   

• Medicare Advantage plans have networks and referral rules.
   
• Some services may require prior authorization.
   
• Coordinating between MA and TFL can be a little more complex.
   

This combination gives veterans access to VA care and civilian doctors.

• Much more provider choice — VA for some care, Medicare Advantage for others.
   
• MA plans often include dental, vision, hearing, and other extras.
   
• Good option if VA facilities are far away or have long wait times.
   

• VA and Medicare Advantage do not coordinate with each other.
  You choose which system to use at each visit.
   
• MA plans may have copays or network limits.
   
• You still pay the Medicare Part B premium.
   

Option                                    Best For                                               Things to know

 TRICARE For Life Only     Military retirees who want simple,       Great coverage, few extras 

                                             low-cost coverage with Medicare    

 VA Only                        Veterans who rely mainly on VA facilities    Limited outside access  

 Medicare Advantage + TFL  TFL users who want dental, vision,   Must follow MA plan rules 

                                                       & other extras   

 Medicare Advantage + VA   Veterans who want more doctor    VA and MA don’t coordinate 

                                                      access beyond VA