07/09/2026
Many military retirees operate under the impression that healthcare is free with TRICARE FOR LIFE, but hitting age 65 brings a critical shift that catches far too many people off guard.
The reality is that TRICARE Prime and Select plans terminate once you reach the age of 65. Maintaining coverage requires a specific transition to Medicare. Without enrolling in Medicare Parts A & B, those hard-earned benefits simply disappear. TRICARE FOR LIFE functions as a vital wraparound to Medicare, covering the gaps that Medicare doesn't. Understanding this mechanism is the only way to ensure coverage remains seamless and secure during your retirement years.