For millions of retired military personnel and their families, understanding healthcare options can be complex—especially when combining Medicare and TRICARE for Life. As we head into 2025, many beneficiaries are asking a critical question: Is Medicare and TRICARE for Life enough coverage? The short answer is that it depends on your individual needs. This article explores the depth of coverage offered, potential gaps, and whether additional insurance might be necessary.
Understanding Medicare and TRICARE for Life (TFL) in 2025
Before we can assess whether the two programs provide enough coverage, it’s important to understand each one individually and how they work together.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. The program is divided into parts:
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Part A: Hospital insurance – covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
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Part B: Medical insurance – covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.
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Part C (Medicare Advantage): Optional private plans that combine Part A and B (and sometimes D).
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Part D: Prescription drug coverage – helps pay for prescription medications.
What is TRICARE for Life?
TRICARE for Life (TFL) is a healthcare program offered to retired military personnel and their dependents who are eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. TFL acts as a secondary payer to Medicare, covering many of the costs that Medicare does not—like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
To qualify for TFL, you must:
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Be entitled to Medicare Part A
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Be enrolled in Medicare Part B
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Be a retired uniformed service member, spouse, or dependent
How Medicare and TRICARE for Life Work Together in 2025
In 2025, the coordination between Medicare and TRICARE for Life remains strong. Here’s how it generally works:
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You visit a Medicare-approved provider.
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Medicare pays first (as the primary insurance).
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TRICARE for Life pays second, covering most out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t.
This dual coverage minimizes out-of-pocket costs and provides a comprehensive healthcare safety net for many beneficiaries.
Is Medicare and TRICARE for Life Enough Coverage in 2025?
This is the big question. Let’s dive into various coverage areas to evaluate how well the combination performs:
Hospital and Inpatient Services
Medicare Part A typically covers inpatient hospital care. In 2025, the Part A deductible is $1,632 per benefit period.
TFL covers:
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The Part A deductible
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Daily coinsurance amounts for extended hospital stays
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Most hospital-related services
Verdict: Excellent coverage. Rarely any out-of-pocket expenses for inpatient hospital care.
Outpatient Services and Doctor Visits
Medicare Part B covers:
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Doctor visits
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Preventive care
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Lab tests
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Outpatient services
In 2025, Medicare Part B has:
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A monthly premium of approximately $185
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A deductible of $260
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20% coinsurance after the deductible
TFL covers:
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Part B deductible and coinsurance
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Medicare-approved services
Verdict: Very strong coverage. Nearly all outpatient and physician services are fully covered after Medicare and TFL share payments.
Prescription Drugs: Do You Need Medicare Part D If You Have TRICARE for Life?
TRICARE for Life includes prescription drug coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.
It covers:
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Generic and brand-name drugs
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Home delivery and retail pharmacy options
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No need for Medicare Part D in most cases
However, Medicare Part D may be helpful if:
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You need specialty medications not covered by TRICARE
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You want broader access to retail pharmacies
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You live outside the U.S., where TRICARE coverage may be limited
Verdict: Usually sufficient, but consider your drug needs before skipping Medicare Part D.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
Medicare does not cover:
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Routine dental care
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Vision exams for glasses
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Hearing aids
TRICARE for Life also has limited coverage in these areas.
However:
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TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) and FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) can be purchased for additional dental and vision coverage.
Verdict: Not fully covered. You may want to buy separate dental and vision plans.
Long-Term Care Coverage
Neither Medicare nor TRICARE for Life provides substantial coverage for long-term custodial care, such as:
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Assisted Living
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Nursing home care (beyond a short rehab stay)
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In-home help with activities of daily living
For this type of coverage, consider:
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Long-term care insurance
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Savings/investments
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State Medicaid programs (if you qualify)
Verdict: Insufficient. Explore other long-term care options if this is a concern.
Foreign Travel and International Coverage
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Medicare generally does not provide coverage outside the U.S.
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TRICARE for Life covers overseas services if you follow TRICARE guidelines.
In 2025, this is a major advantage for retirees living or traveling abroad.
Verdict: 
Better than Medicare alone. TFL provides a layer of protection internationally.
Emergency and Urgent Care
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Medicare covers ER visits within the U.S.
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TFL picks up remaining copayments and deductibles
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Abroad, TFL often acts as a primary
Verdict: Very strong coverage for emergencies, both domestic and international.
Mental Health Services
Medicare covers:
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Psychiatric inpatient care
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Therapy and counseling
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Substance abuse treatment
TRICARE for Life supplements this coverage.
Verdict: Well-rounded mental health benefits when both programs are combined.
Extra Coverage You Might Still Need
Even though the combination of Medicare and TRICARE for Life provides solid health coverage, some individuals may still benefit from additional insurance, depending on their needs. Consider:
A. Dental and Vision Plans
Supplemental plans through FEDVIP or private insurers are often needed.
B. Long-Term Care Insurance
Medicare and TFL are not designed for custodial care over long periods.
C. Supplemental Medicare (Medigap)
Generally, it is not necessary with TFL, as it already covers most out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
D. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
It is not recommended for TFL users as it could interfere with TRICARE benefits.
Pros and Cons of Using Medicare and TRICARE for Life in 2025
Pros:
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Low to no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services
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Broad provider network
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Prescription drug coverage included
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Coverage overseas
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No need for Medigap
Cons:
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Limited dental, vision, and hearing coverage
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Doesn’t cover long-term care
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Must pay Medicare Part B premiums
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Must navigate two systems (Medicare and TFL)
Who Should Consider Additional Coverage?
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Those needing long-term custodial care
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Retirees who want premium dental and vision
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Individuals taking specialty medications not on TRICARE’s formulary
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Expats who need comprehensive international coverage
FAQs – Medicare and TRICARE for Life (2025)
Is TRICARE for Life a good supplement to Medicare?
Yes. TRICARE for Life is widely regarded as one of the best Medicare supplements available. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs that Medicare does not, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Can you have Medicare and TRICARE for Life at the same time?
Yes, and you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify for TRICARE for Life. Medicare is primary, and TRICARE acts as secondary insurance.
Do I need Medicare D if I have TRICARE for Life?
Not usually. TRICARE for Life includes prescription drug coverage, making Part D unnecessary for most people. However, some may opt for Part D if they require non-formulary drugs or prefer a broader retail pharmacy network.
Do I need a supplement if I have TRICARE for Life?
No. TRICARE for Life effectively acts as a Medicare supplement, making Medigap or other secondary plans redundant in most cases.
Final Thoughts: Is Medicare and TRICARE for Life Enough Coverage in 2025?
If you’re a military retiree or dependent, the combination of Medicare and TRICARE for Life in 2025 continues to offer one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare solutions available in the United States.
Covered Well:
Inpatient and outpatient care
Emergency and urgent care
Prescription medications
Mental health services
International Coverage
Most Medicare out-of-pocket costs
Needs Supplementing:
Dental, vision, and hearing
Long-term custodial care
Certain specialty medications
Bottom Line:
For most individuals, Medicare and TRICARE for Life are enough—but not perfect. Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as understanding what is covered. Depending on your health status, location, and personal preferences, you may want to supplement with additional coverage in key areas like long-term care, dental, or international services.
If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility or are already enrolled, be proactive. Talk with a TRICARE representative, Medicare counselor, or licensed insurance agent to ensure you’re maximizing your coverage and protecting yourself from unexpected healthcare costs in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to save big on health coverage? Get your free quote today at NewHealthInsurance.com or call us at 
(833) 877-9927!
About Paula Reynolds
