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5/31/2026 4:41:33 PM EDT
What should I know?
What do I do?
What should I avoid?
5/31/2026 4:50:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: cb4017][Edited] [#1]
Pretty much automatic.  I don't recall having to do anything.

Medicare is the primary.  Tricare secondary.  You will need to have Medicare Part B for Tricare to be valid.

Your Medicare card and your retired ID card pretty much cover it.
Nobody is coming. It's up to you.
5/31/2026 5:03:30 PM EDT
[#2]
I’ll be 65 in 3 years and currently have Tricare Prime Retired but I am also covered by the VA.

I’ve been contemplating not paying for Medicare Part B and therefore not having Tricare For Life and just using the VA.

Most of my research has told me stay with Tricare/Medicare due to difficulties with VA Community Care.
5/31/2026 8:32:42 PM EDT
[#3]
Medicare and Part B Medicare Plus Tricare for life is the way to go,Use the VA as needed and when they can help you.

Maintain a VA Primary care and Private Primary care,wife an I have done this for almost 10yrs now.No Issues and things get paid for very well by one or the other.

Just make sure that each provider is kept in the loop for med records etc,it works very well for us.

5/31/2026 10:19:40 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By majg1234:
Medicare and Part B Medicare Plus Tricare for life is the way to go,Use the VA as needed and when they can help you.

Maintain a VA Primary care and Private Primary care,wife an I have done this for almost 10yrs now.No Issues and things get paid for very well by one or the other.

Just make sure that each provider is kept in the loop for med records etc,it works very well for us.

View Quote

Good advice, thanks
6/1/2026 3:28:40 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cb4017:
Pretty much automatic.  I don't recall having to do anything.

Medicare is the primary.  Tricare secondary.  You will need to have Medicare Part B for Tricare to be valid.

Your Medicare card and your retired ID card pretty much cover it.
View Quote


How do I obtain Medicare Part B? Is there a Medicare office I go to or call?

Where do I get the Medicare card?
Today 7:14:50 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JTF-B:


How do I obtain Medicare Part B? Is there a Medicare office I go to or call?

Where do I get the Medicare card?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By JTF-B:
Originally Posted By cb4017:
Pretty much automatic.  I don't recall having to do anything.

Medicare is the primary.  Tricare secondary.  You will need to have Medicare Part B for Tricare to be valid.

Your Medicare card and your retired ID card pretty much cover it.


How do I obtain Medicare Part B? Is there a Medicare office I go to or call?

Where do I get the Medicare card?
Late response, but in case you (or anyone else) is still looking for info, Part A should be automatic at the beginning of the month you turn 65, but Part B is not - you have to sign up separately. If you're receiving Social Security benefits, the cost for Part B will be deducted from your monthly SS payment. If you're not receiving SS benefits, you'll be billed for Part B.

https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b
https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11579-medicare-costs.pdf
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only

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