Does Tricare for life cover everything that Medicare Advantage doesn’t? I know Medicare Advantage comes first and then Tricare for life. I’m considering going with a Medicare Advantage plan only (no prescription coverage). Is this a good move? Also, I have state dental benefits. Can I still get dental coverage?
It only covers things that are covered by both. Some things are covered by Medicare but not by Tricare (like chiropractic care), so Tricare for Life won’t cover those costs.
If you prefer, you can go with a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare. Just make sure to follow your plan’s network, especially if it’s an HMO. I’m not entirely sure how the Part D benefits will work with Tricare, so I can’t say if a standalone MA plan is better than one that includes Part D.
And yes, you can use the dental benefits from your Medicare Advantage plan.
@Sawyer
Thanks a lot! Even if I have state dental coverage? Would the state dental plan be secondary?
Andi said:
@Sawyer
Thanks a lot! Even if I have state dental coverage? Would the state dental plan be secondary?
Yes, that’s right. But you should keep in mind that many dental services might already be fully covered by the Medicare Advantage dental plan, so there might not be much left for the state dental plan to pick up.
If it’s covered by Tricare, yes. But you may need to pay upfront and get reimbursed. You’ll also have to deal with the insurance company.
Why go with an Advantage plan when Tricare already covers everything that Traditional Medicare leaves as deductibles and cost shares? Plus, Tricare does offer a pharmacy benefit, though they might recommend getting Part D as well. It acts like a supplemental plan.
I always tell people with Tricare for Life not to switch. Anyone advising you to make a change probably doesn’t have your best interests in mind, even if it means less money for them. Thank you for your service.
@Sage
I appreciate that. Can you explain how it could negatively impact things? I was told to only use doctors who are in the network with Medicare Advantage and who can bill Tricare.
Andi said:
@Sage
I appreciate that. Can you explain how it could negatively impact things? I was told to only use doctors who are in the network with Medicare Advantage and who can bill Tricare.
Right now, you can go to any provider without extra cost, so why change that? Some of the best doctors might not accept an MA plan, but they usually accept Original Medicare and Tricare. You have a great setup, and making a change could be hard to reverse later.
@Sage
Some people switch to save money on their Part B premium. It’s easy to scare someone into sticking with the same setup, but why not offer all the facts so they can make an informed choice?
Veterans with Tricare for Life can switch back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period if they change their minds.
In the meantime, consider the benefits and savings.
@Nico
Savings on the Part B premium aren’t enough compared to the value of Tricare, which is like having a Plan F. And it’s not about spending other people’s money—I’ve walked away from sales because I care about giving the best advice. With Tricare, you can see top doctors without worrying about coverage limits. Our veterans deserve that flexibility.
@Sage
What does the value of Tricare for Life have to do with how they decide to get their Medicare benefits?
Yes, there’s a network, and yes, some prefer premium savings with a defined network. Do you think all your clients need your guidance, or just the veterans?
'Will I lose my TRICARE For Life benefits if I sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan?
No. Medicare Advantage Plans, also called Part C or MA Plans, are an alternative to Original Medicare.’
@Nico
People come to me for advice, and I give them options. I tell them they can save money but lose flexibility or keep things as they are. I always add, ‘If you were my parent, I’d suggest not choosing an MA plan.’
Sometimes the best doctors don’t accept MA plans, and their contracts can change. My goal is to help veterans make the right choice. Maybe you disagree, but I can sleep soundly knowing I’m trying to give them the best advice.
@Nico
Is it possible to drop it during general open enrollment before March 31st?
Andi said:
@Nico
Is it possible to drop it during general open enrollment before March 31st?
Yes, you can.
Andi said:
@Nico
Is it possible to drop it during general open enrollment before March 31st?
No, just during the Annual Enrollment Period, and the change would take effect on January 1st.
EDIT: I made a mistake. Yes, you can drop it during the Open Enrollment Period.
@Nico
You can drop a Part C plan during OEP.
My mom has Tricare for Life. The only thing she has to pay is for Medicare Part B, which comes out of her Social Security check. Her medication costs are low, the most she pays is $30 for a 90-day supply. Nearly all her medical expenses have been covered for over 20 years. Tricare picks up whatever Medicare doesn’t.
Appreciate this benefit! I wouldn’t switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.