How Medicare Works with TRICARE for Life
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If you have TriCare for Life or ChampVA it is my opinion and the opinion of the insurance company to which I have alluded, that you keep your TriCare or ChampVA, and keep Original Medicare. Do not trade your Medicare in for a Medicare Advantage Plan, do not trade your Tricare or ChampVA in for a Medicare supplement, and do not get a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan.
I believe you cannot improve on your healthcare by messing with your TriCare. If you replace your original Medicare with an Advantage plan you are actually reducing your insurance coverage and increasing your financial risk.
That’s the short answer. That’s my firm opinion.
Tricare For Life is Like a Medicare Supplement
For Tricare for Life to be active, you must also have original Medicare. That is Medicare Part A (inpatient coverage) and Medicare Part B (outpatient coverage). Original Medicare becomes your Primary insurer and with Tricare being secondary, just like a Medicare supplement plan. Tricare for life is premium free. You earned it.
The part of this that is most important and the reason I made this video is that Original Medicare, that red, white and blue Medicare card is your primary insurance.
Why is it important that original Medicare remain your primary insurance? Because you get to keep the benefits of original Medicare.
There are two benefits of original Medicare that are critical to your healthcare.
First, with original Medicare being your primary insurance, you are not limited to any network. You can see any doctor or visit any medical facility in the country as long they accept original Medicare. That’s pretty much every doctor and every medical facility in the US. or US territory. There are very few exceptions.
Second, no insurance company can interfere with your care. Your medical decisions are between you and your doctor. The goal of both Medicare and TriCare is to cover everything that is medically necessary. Your doctor does not need to get prior approval from the insurance company. You do not need to get a referral from your doctor if you wish to see a specialist. No insurance company can stall or prevent your medical treatment based on their internal rules. All medical decisions are between you and your doctor.
When you have Original Medicare, Tricare for Life and Medicare work hand in glove so that your annual maximum out-of-pocket financial risk is limited to near zero. In fact, the only expense for inpatient or outpatient services would be if TriCare approves a treatment that Medicare does not. I have never seen that, but I guess it’s possible. In that case TriCare will cover the service with a small potential out-of-pocket from you. Please see your TriCare benefit details online for specifics. I have a link to the government site below.
As I mentioned, TriCare for life is like a Medicare supplement Plan on steroids. In addition to the standard Medicare supplement benefits, your TriCare includes prescription drug coverage. You do not want to get a separate Medicare Part D plan. In fact, doing so can cause harm to your TriCare, especially ChampVA.
By the way, did you know that the drug coverage you have through TriCare is not subject to the expensive coverage gap that is a feature of Medicare Prescription drug coverage? You have no coverage gap, no donut hole like those with Part D have to deal with.
Tricare For Life & International Coverage
One of the enhanced benefits I like about TriCare is that it offers significant healthcare coverage overseas. Medicare only operates in the US and US territories. Some Medicare supplement plans offer limited emergency coverage if overseas. When you have TriCare for life and are visiting or have moved overseas, TriCare becomes your Primary Insurance for overseas healthcare. Very cool.
#Tricareforlife #ChampVA #MedigapSeminars
Please see www.tricare.mil/ for details on Tricare
I am 64 and will be under Medicare very soon. I went to the VA and there was a large insurance company (don't know that I can say their name) that was selling their "Heroes" Advantage Plan. I was confused because the agent insisted that his company processes TriCare and it was basically the same thing. In addition I would get dental care and $75 in my pocket every month. This same company was in the Keesler AFB Commissary selling the same Advantage Plan. Initially the agent said they worked with TriCare, so I thought they were Tricare. When I pressed them for answers, they admitted that they actually worked for a large insurance agency. Again, the same promises of increased benefits, and the claim that they actually handle TriCare claims. I think that I will be keeping my TriCare For Life. I really appreciate your honesty. Thank you.
I am glad you made the right decision. His comment "...his company processes TriCare and it was basically the same thing.' is 100% false. That company is marketing this stuff hard because of what they get out of it. Not what you get. Keep in mind, whenever you see an agent at a store, the VA or wherever, these are rookie agents with limited knowledge and no real experience. An established agent would never spend their time in such places hoping for business. This is why I made this video.
Run away from any Advantage Plan.... as time goes by and these Insurance Companies fail or get worse and worse you will be immune to the upheaval. There business models are failing and healthcare organizations are deciding to not participate with many Advantage plans for a wide variety of reasons. They love original medicare.
As an agent, the thank you's I receive when I turn people on to listen to your vlogs is unbelievable. You demonstrate that doing and saying the right thing may not be easy for some, but it's the only thing to demonstrate. You practice great ethical business behaviors, and at 65 years old I am proud to say you are my teacher and hope to meet you some day. God bless you and please be safe.
Thank you. I appreciate your very kind comment.
I second that comment above. You emulate “ INTERGRITY” which a lot of agents backslide on…it is with great Honor I “ Salute” you!
Thank you so much for this. My wife and I have Tricare for Life with Medicare and we both have received all the come-ons from Medicare Advantage plan companies. I'd heard from fellow veterans that it doesn't get much better than TCL and Medicare but it's great to get this reinforcement. I really appreciate it.
Thanks Mathew, I am getting ready to sign up for Medicare and currently have Tricare. I have had all of my questions answered by your video. I was truly impressed with your honesty about how valuable my Tricare really is. I was also impressed with the way you encourage our veterans to not be fooled by unscrupulous insurance agents. Thanks for your valuable video.
you are welcome
This is my second year with Medicare. When I sought out an advisor I was sold the Advantage Plan. I talked to two other advisors and they told me the Advantage plan was the best plan for me with my Tricare4Life. I have a new advisor now and she shared this video with me. Sadly, we missed the deadline this year to switch to original Medicare but next year we will take care of this. I treasure your honesty. Thank you SO much!!
You did not miss your window. You can switch to Original Medicare from January 01 through March 31 of each year. Call Medicare 1-800-MEDICARE they will do it for you.
I hope they do not subject you to medical underwriting when you switch back to Original Medicare with TFL.. I know for those without TFL, when they try to switch back to Original Medicare, the private supplement plans (MediGap plans) ask you questions about your health, look thru your health history, and if you are unhealthy, may deny you Medigap coverage. So these poor people ended up having no Medigap, and subject to pay the 20% copays themselves. Good be financial ruin with cancer treatments or long hospital stays.
Thank you for making this video. I’ve been specializing in helping people navigate Medicare for over 16 years. When I go into someone’s home, and they tell me they have TRICARE, I thank them for their service, and then I spend the next hour explaining to them why they don’t need anything else. With the exception of Medicare Part A & B.
I am 81, have TCL and Medicare, I have had a quad bypass, a tumor on my pitituary gland, bladder cancer and have paid almost nothing (under 100$). Even the hospital I used said i had great medical coverage. I will keep original medicare part a and b and TCL.
My father lived into his 90s, in part because of all the great healthcare he could get at little to no cost because of TFL. If it were a plan available to everyone, it would be the #1 selling Medicare supplement in the country. Glad you chose TFL and glad your still kicking!
Thank you Sir for helping me understand this area of medical insurance coverage! I turned 65 July 2022. I’ve been totally confused on switching from Tricare to Medicare and Tricare for life. I’m a 22 year Army vet, and again I thank you for this excellent information! GOD bless you!
Wow! Thank you. My spouse is retired, so we have Tricare. I've had BCBS for 30 years. Because of an injury, I will be medically laid off from my job and am eligible for Medicare on 11/1. I was scared to death because I'm still dealing with medical issues from the injury 2 years later. You cleared my mind and saved me money. I was literally on the HUMANA website about to make an account when I decided to TH-cam my concerns first. Thank you, Sir. The next search is for this combo combined with me being a 100% rated VA-disabled Vet. I should have no worries at all. The video has been shared. Thanks again
I am glad my video helped you keep the best choice in healthcare.
I am expected to enroll in Medicare this month and confused about all the options, especially re. Part D since I need a specialty drug. This video is the best one online that explains how Tricare plays into all this, especially making the mistake of adding Part D. I also appreciate your honesty. Thank you and thanks to your USN father.
I am a Medicare agent and I find your video extremely helpful I am also a veteran. Thank you!
Thank you, sir, this video has been so informative. Not only that, I truly appreciate you for unselfishly having our "Six" and making veterans aware of the sales tactics that can cost us valuable benefits coverage. Semper Fidelis!
Thank you
BLUF: timely sign up for Medicare A & B (a few months prior to your 65th bday), keep your TFL, do not sign up for Medicare Advantage Plan. Got it 👍🏽
Thank you so much for your video!! I almost fell for it with all the perks but then heard that I would have to pay upfront and file the claims to be reimbursed by TFL. What a nightmare that would be!!! God Bless You for your honesty and integrity!
Outstanding I'm 3 months from Medicare and you answered all my questions Thanks very much.
Thank you very much for this service to us "old soldiers." I am turning 65 in a few months and am receiving a ton of information about the changeover in coverage. This really clears things up!
I came to the same conclusion after researching the options. However, I still had doubt and was hoping I had made the right decision. It turns out the simplest was the best choice. I was automatically enrolled in part A & B because I started collecting Social Security at 62. And that kicked off the auto enrollment for Tricare for Life. So I had to do nothing. Sweet! 😅 But having seen your video gave me the fuzzy feeling of closure. Thanks a million for the black and white clarity you've provided to many of us. God Bless!
Wow! Thank you so much. My husband is turning 65 in May and has been approved for A & B. He will have Tricare for life when he turns 65 and we were confused (not anymore) if we should get part D and we have been receiving tons of advertisements.
This is an awesome video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.
You are welcome
Thank you for the information. My Tricare for life starts in August and I've been getting tons of solicitations about advantage plans. You're doing a great service for folks that don't understand all of this.
You are very welcome!
Cannot thank you enough for making this video! It’s truly a service to the retired military community. I myself would be on an advantage plan had I not seen this video. Thanks again!
Thank God I watched your Video. And here I am, I was planning to add Part D to my Tricare for Life - Silly me. Thank you for the info.
whew. Glad you watched this!
Thank you Matthew. Great info. I'm USAF retired and just turned 65. I've been bombarded with insurance offers this year. This time procrastination paid off. I'm staying with Medicare orignal and Tricare for life. I have dental thru insurance at work.
This should be standard video for all military retirees goong to Medicare... Thank you
I suspected your premise to be true, but didn't have enough information to reason out the why. Your video was very informative and valuable. Thanks so much for your frank discussion and advice that benefits us, and not your profits. Your ethic is outstanding and your service to those who have served is awesome. Thanks so much.
Thank you so much! I am a military retiree and turn 65 next month. I have enrolled in Parts A & B and will have Tricare for Life as my secondary coverage. I’ve been concerned about the switch from Tricare Prime as this month ends. This video is extremely helpful and has reduced my stress over the switch. I too have been inundated with mail and email from insurance companies. It is comforting to know I have the best set up and don’t need anything else other than dental, which I have through my employer.
Dude! I'm so grateful to you for explaining this. I'm turning 65 next year and was considering Kaiser for my medicare coverage, but now I'll just stick to medicare with tricare for life. Thanks, I'm passing this information to my buddies retired from the military.
Stay away from Kaiser (for many reasons).
Excellent video. I have been an agent in New Mexico for over 22 years and licensed in 4 states. I can say with confidence that the information in this video is accurate and very well put. So much of our time is spent combating bad information on the market or fixing problems caused by agents who are uninformed. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much for this wonderful information.
You are welcome
Outstanding information coupled with a strong ethical stance. I served 30 years in the military and I truly appreciate this outstanding video. Thanks for protecting the men and women in uniform. I thank you!
You are welcome.
What a relief! I believe what Matthew Claussen says. I know grassroots-level truth when I hear it and this video says it. Keeping it simple and straightforward without the sale pitch. Thank God for giving me a great career in the armed service as the benefits just keep on coming!
I'm a retired vet and soon to turn 65. Off and on for the last TWO YEARS I've been looking for info about TriCare/MediCare for Military retirees and always ran into somebody trying to sell me something. Making matter worse, the three players (Humana/TriCare, MediCare, and Social Security) are reluctant to discuss interoperability. The issues become almost impossible to navigate if you plan to use a Military medical facility after you turn 65. THIS VIDEO answered 90% of my questions in language even a dumba** grunt can understand. Thank you very much.
You are very welcome. Dang, I missed 10%!
Thank you for your honesty! I will pass it on to other retired veterans. God bless you!
I am a military retiree and have Tricare for Life. I've not traded my original Medicare and Tricare for Life and will not trade, I'll share this video with others. Thank you.
Thank you, this video has been very informative. As a retired veteran, I appreciate how you were looking out for all veterans. Thank you again.
Finally, someone honestly speaking the truth and nothing but the truth. Thanks for clearing this confusing transition. I feel so educated now.
What a wonderful presentation that cuts to the chase. Very informative and it answered all those suspicious questions that went through my mind about companies that do not tell you everything in order to get a commission . I wish everyone has a chance to see your video. You provide a great service to everyone! Thank you!!!
You are welcome Bill
Thanks for the video and good information. I am retired military and a nurse at a local VA hospital.
As I am approaching retirement I have been doing my due diligence reading books and preparing
for the future health care decision I must make. This video has been VERY helpful for me....thank you!!
You are welcome, Mort pm
Great info for military retirees! This is EXACTLY what I was wondering about as I approach age 65 and you have cleared up the murky waters. Thank you very much!
you are welcome
Matt thank you very much for this video. I just turned 64 this month and i am preparing for medicare now. I have friends that told me about medacare and tricare for life. You broke it down so good that i understand it very well and i will look out for someone trying to sell me a advantage plan. Thanks again
Thanks Matt. The more i hear about Medicare Advantage the happier i am that i found your videos 2 yrs ago and took your advice about regular Medicare and supplemental. So happy with them.
That is very nice to hear. Thank you.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Husband served 22 years and turned 65 3 years ago. We were lost but did as you stated. I will be 65 soon and was concerned since i don't go to the VA for medical care, i didn't know what to do. Thank you!!
Your husband doesn’t need to go to the VA anymore. Perhaps you and him should go to the same doctors.
Another excellent video, Matthew. Transparency and high ethical standards are too rare in our world.
Thank you for this informative video. I turn 65 in Oct and was feeling overwhelmed with all the mailings I have received so far.
Very helpful video for all military retirees on what to watch out for when signing up for Medicare as you are turning 65.
Outstanding video. This gentleman has summarized in less than 20 minutes just about everything you need to know regarding TFL and Medicare. Heed his advice!
Thank you
My wife and I have Medicare parts A and B, plan N, and part D. I just sent the paperwork for CHAMPVA. I've had several people tell me to drop plan N and get an advantage plan. I decided to get another opinion. It looks like I'll keep plan N and drop part D for my wife. I use the VA for 100% of my medical and was also told to change to an advantage plan, I keep my plan N.
Retired USAF approaching retirement age. My circuit breakers went off when I saw you vid. Wow! Before I retire I feel you have saved me from a costly and uninformed mistake. Thank you.
As a SHIP counselor in training I thank you for providing unbiased, ethical and easily understandable information about how our military health benefits work with Medicare. Kudos to you and thank you.
Thank you for confirming that I made the right choice. What a relief! The amount of junk mail and phone calls to seniors pushing MA plans while we're trying to navigate the Medicare/supplement choices is overwhelming, confusing and should be illegal.
Thank you for the information. I will be turning 65 this year 2023 and now have a better understanding of how TFL work. Your video has been very informative and much appreciated.
Excellent video, very informative. My mother was duped into a Vantage Plan last year and ran into the issues you mentioned. She is now staying with us and I am working to get her back on track. Thank you very much for educating us on the facts.
Glad it was helpful!
My agency sells advantage plans to beneficiaries. I tried telling the manager that it's better to leave it alone but they force us to pitch the sale so I came to learn more on this. From now on I will tell the insured that they will have to pay first and I'm sure they will say no. That will help me stay compliant with the rules of the firm while showing the beneficiary the weaknesses of joining an advantage plan
Sad, but that is the industry. I am glad you are more focused on helping people do the right thing. If you work with dental plans, that is the one weakness of Tricare...they need better dental.
5 months out for Medicare, this is the straight scoop I needed. Thank you.
I'm just 2 months into Medicare. When medicare covers something they pay their part, then medicare sends the rest straight to tricare for life to have them pay the remainder. Very seemless, your doc only has to file with medicare to be paid. Very nice.
Thank you so much I am retired military currently on Tri Care and approaching 65 so was doing some research since receiving so much Medicare info. in the mail and came across your video, I will for sure pass it on.
Outstanding video. I am 81 yo and have never heard a more informative explanation than this video. Thank you very much.
Thank you Sir! These video help me understand all about Medicare and my options as a retired veteran. I'm recommending this to all my veteran friends that are approaching 65.
You are welcome
Thank you for this video - I happened to see it while looking for another video and am so glad I did. Your down-to-earth and straight forward approach was refreshing and clear to understand.
Thank you for your in-depth presentation. I have watched and rewatched your video many times. I feel that you have armed me with the information to make an informed decision when I finally have to sign up for Medicare and elect coverage.
Thanks for this video. Much respect for you to talk so honestly about Medicare and TFL. Awesome.thanks
Thank you for this excellent, informative video. As my husband approaches 65, we've been overwhelmed by the options, and this really helped clarify things. We've been using my insurance as a retired federal employee and his Tricare Prime, and our only questions now are around what happens with me as a younger spouse (with 3 years to go until I turn 65.) I guess I keep what I have but switch to self-only. Anyway, thanks for the information about the Medicare Advantage plans - so helpful!
Thank you for the video I’m turning 65 in 1.5 years so started to wonder about Tricare for life. Thanks for helping clear up the confusion!!
Thank you! Thank you for clearing up the muddy waters regarding this topic. Appreciate your sincerity to help others!
Oh, Wow, thank you for the great information on Medicare with TRICARE for life! Amazing and very straight forward and detailed facts. Wish more like your company is in the industry!!! You are the Best Ever found in TH-cam...Very much Appreciated!!!
Thank you for your genuine testimony which is in part a service to your parents struggles. They would be proud of you by standing up and doing the right thing on behalf of veterans. Regarding dental I joined the federal employees deal program which as many options. I joined Delta and have been very pleased. I also joined the vision VSP program. I worried about these issues approaching 65 and wish I had the benefit of your video then. Luckily I choose with original Medicare and TFL and have never looked back .
I am retired navy turning 65 in Dec. Thanks for the eye opening video, I am going with your advise
Wow!!! The comments about Rx coverage was very informative and helpful Thank you so much for this commentary.
THis was not only information, but eye opening and the most clear explanation I've come across. Thank you.
Thanks for the advice at the perfect timing. I turn 65 on September 5th. I will be signing up on 1 June (I used your initial sign up period calculator) so thanks for the great video.
Just found your video. Thank you very much for the information.
That opens my eyes!!! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the information and watching out for Veterans. God bless you.
Sir; my wife and I are 63 after a 20 year USAF career. I've started researching our upcoming Medicare/TFL journey. Thank you for providing the video. Topics that I found interesting; medical decisions under Medicare and an advantage plan, filing of payments, in network vs any doctor. Thank you.
Thank you so much - I've been trying to find out the truth about medicare and TFL. Even the TFL site doesn't explain clearly (typical govt info/training iimo). I have to switch to TFL & Medicare next year. One thing VERY clear on the TFL site is that I have to be enrolled in Part A & B to transition seamlessly to TFL without a break in coverage.
All you need is Medicare A & B plus TFL
Thank you sir, this video very helpful and has made my decision to canceled the enrollment with Humana PPO two weeks ago. The plan is not affect until Nov 1, 2023 so I was able to call in for the cancellation. I’m happy with my original Medicare and Tricare for life for the last 10 years and you absolutely right so I don’t need to switch at all. I also have Tricare Dental for retirees.
Glad it helped
I’m in the same boat as you. Mine DID kick in on 1 Nov but thankfully we can cancel anytime on the first year. How are you covering the Dental/Vision/Hearing part? I had Dental (Cigna) and Vision (VSP) through USAA but wonder how to take care of it now…
@@rickmontanez6053 we have a lot of great dental vision and hearing plans. Some with unlimited coverage. 800-847-9680
First comment I have even left on You Tube - but wanted to say thank you for making this clear and informative video. It helped me clarify the relationship between Medicare and my Tricare benefits
Thanks for doing this video. I'm getting close and had decided to go with traditional medicare + TFL and it's nice to get some confirmation & validation of that decision.
Thank you, for the information that you are providing, is the exactly what I been telling my fellow veterans and retirees.
This is the best explanation ive received. Excellent work! Thank you.
Awesome video - explains why I am getting bombarded with so many post cards, letters and phone calls regarding medicare.
Thank you so much… you made things so clear and frankly you saved me from making a huge mistake
Thank you so much! I thought this is the way it worked and am so glad you stated it so clearly. What I didn't realize was how detrimental it is to switch to an advantage plan.
You are welcome John
Excellent succinct I’m retired reserve age 64 so this is highly valuable
This was excellent. Thanks very much for the information. I’m in the planning stages for Medicare and this provides the clearest explanation of the potential pitfalls of advantage or other add on plans. Thanks again.
Excellent informative video for retirees.....thank you.
Thank you very much. I'm going to share with all my military friends. Thank you again!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!! God bless you!😁
Wonderful video. Thank you Larry Dent
Thank you, Larry
Thank you so much. Just the info we were in need of. Thanks again.😊
I am glad to be of help.
Thank you. This video answered all of my questions and concerns.
Thank you for taking the time to inform us!
Thanks very much. Very helpful.
Thanks for such an informative video, especially the objective reality the insurance business (and probably most other business) face in trying to stay in business. Cheers!
Thank u so much for this video. I’m a new Medicare agent and your videos have helped me so much sir
you are welcome
Excellent, informative, and unbiased video. Thank you for this honest presentation!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very much for all the information you have provided and for your honesty.
Thank you, was going to a seminar tomorrow about changing over from TCFL to an Advantage plan. You saved me a wasted night.
You are very welcome.
You aren't 'changing over FROM TCFL to an Advantage plan'. You would be changing A&B to an Advantage Plan, with TCFL as secondary payer.
@@cruizin422 Moot point The Advantage Plan is primary and has control over all decisions, which is the problem with Advantage plans. They delay and deny services that would be be approved immidiately by Medicare. See th-cam.com/video/z4Sn2jkwqGw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much for your information related to military retirees and the Medicare/TFL combo, especially with the added Part D info. The Medicare website is like reading a confusing roadmap with no meaningful directions toward the goal, and, frankly, if the government is telling me the best approach, I'll take the word from an expert like you, not the government, because any time they have something new and great, someone is getting screwed. Thank you, sir.
Great Information. Thank you!
Thank you so very much! You saved me from making a huge mistake! ❤