Difference between Tricare standard, Extra and Life benefits

TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra

 

TRICARE Standard is a fee-for-service option that allows beneficiaries to seek care from any TRICARE-authorized non-network provider. TRICARE Extra is a preferred provider option that allows beneficiaries to reduce out-of-pocket costs by visiting TRICARE network providers. TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra are available to all TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries except ADSMs. Beneficiaries are responsible for FY deductibles and cost-shares. Beneficiaries may see any TRICARE-authorized provider they choose, and TRICARE will share the cost of covered services with the beneficiaries after deductibles are met.

TRICARE For Life

TRICARE For Life (TFL) is TRICARE’s Medicare- wraparound coverage available worldwide to TRICARE beneficiaries regardless of age, provided they are entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A and also have Medicare Part B. TFL is available to all TRICARE and Medicare dual-eligible* beneficiaries, including retired members of the National Guard and Reserve who receive retired pay, family members, survivors of deceased sponsors, and certain former spouses. Dependent

parents and parents-in-law are not eligible for TFL, but may be eligible for space-available care at an MTF. TFL coverage is effective the same day that a beneficiary’s Medicare Part B coverage becomes effective.

Some beneficiaries entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A, including ADSMs, ADFMs, and beneficiaries with TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP), and US Family Health Plan (USFHP), may keep their current TRICARE benefits without Medicare Part B coverage. Medicare allows certain beneficiaries, including ADSMs and ADFMs, to sign up for Medicare Part B during a special enrollment period, which waives monthly Part B late-enrollment premium surcharges. However, all beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to sign up for Medicare Part B as soon as they become eligible to avoid a break in TRICARE coverage and Medicare monthly late enrollment premium surcharges.

Note: Beneficiaries age 65 and older who are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A may remain eligible for TRICARE Prime (if residing in PSAs) or TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. Beneficiaries with only Medicare Part A or only Medicare Part B are not eligible for TFL. Medicare Part B coverage is recommended for TRICARE and Medicare dual-eligible beneficiaries enrolled in the USFHP or TRS, but it is not required. Refer to “Entitlement to Medicare and TRICARE” in the TRICARE Eligibility section of this handbook for more information.