TRICARE For Life: Essential Steps When Relocating
Relocating can be overwhelming, especially if you are a TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiary. It’s essential to understand how your health coverage operates when moving, whether to a new city or a different country.
Understanding TRICARE For Life Coverage
TRICARE For Life serves as a Medicare-wraparound plan for individuals who possess both Medicare Part A and Part B. According to Anne Breslin, TFL Program Manager at the Defense Health Agency, TFL complements Medicare to cover remaining healthcare costs, thus reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
What to Do When You Move
Updating your address is crucial when relocating. Failure to do so may affect your healthcare access and coverage. Here are the essential steps to follow:
- Update DEERS: Modify your address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Ensure that all your DEERS records are accurate.
- Contact Social Security: To update your Medicare information, log in to your my Social Security account or call 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).
- Notify Express Scripts: If you utilize the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, update your address through your Express Scripts account.
Healthcare Options After Moving
Maintaining consistent healthcare access is vital. Medicare covers services in the U.S. and U.S. territories, and TFL will become your primary health insurance for overseas care. If you utilize Original Medicare, you can receive care from participating and non-participating providers.
Medicare Special Enrollment Period
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and move outside its service area, you may qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period. This allows you to transition to a new plan or switch back to Original Medicare.
Overseas Coverage Details
For beneficiaries moving abroad, possessing both Medicare Part A and Part B is critical for TFL eligibility. While Medicare does not offer coverage outside the U.S., TFL will cover TRICARE-authorized services.
Finding Providers
To locate a network provider, consult the TRICARE overseas provider directory. You may experience lower out-of-pocket costs when using network providers. TRICARE costs are determined after resolving your annual deductible, and pre-authorization may be needed for some services.
Additional Resources and Considerations
International SOS acts as the TRICARE contractor overseas, assisting beneficiaries in finding providers, authorizing services, and filing claims. If you are near a military facility, consider enrolling in TRICARE Plus, offered at select military hospitals.
For family members who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, moving qualifies as a life event. They have 90 days to update their address in DEERS and to adjust their TRICARE health plan if necessary.
For new TFL beneficiaries, the TRICARE For Life Handbook provides invaluable insights into eligibility requirements, claims processes, and how Medicare interacts with TFL. For those approaching age 65, the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure is essential for understanding your enrollment and coverage timeline.
Stay informed about the latest TRICARE updates by signing up for notifications via the El-Balad website, ensuring that you have access to ongoing benefits information.
