Retiree Health Care: TRICARE Options Compared
TRICARE options for retirees have gotten complicated with all the different plans, coverage levels, and cost structures flying around. As someone who counseled thousands of retiring service members through their TRICARE decisions, I learned everything there is to know about which plan works best for different situations. Today, I will share it all with you.
TRICARE Prime operates like an HMO—you need to live near a military treatment facility, use assigned primary care managers, and get referrals for specialists. The upside? Significantly lower out-of-pocket costs. TRICARE Select works like a PPO—you choose any TRICARE-authorized provider, no referrals needed, but you pay more per visit. The premiums differ, and your location often determines which option makes sense.
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. When you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B, TRICARE for Life activates as secondary insurance. Medicare pays first, TRICARE pays second, and you’re left with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. This combination provides essentially comprehensive coverage—but you MUST enroll in Medicare Part B when eligible or you lose TRICARE coverage entirely.
That’s what makes TRICARE endearing to us military retirees—comprehensive healthcare at costs that make civilian friends jealous. Choose wisely based on your location, health needs, and provider preferences.
