Tricare Coverage When the Spouse Turns 65 but Isn’t Eligible for Premium-Free Part A
For most families, turning 65 means enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B and moving into Tricare for Life (TFL). But sometimes things don’t line up that neatly. If the spouse reaches 65 but doesn’t yet qualify for premium-free Part A—and the retired service member (sponsor) is younger than 62—you may be left wondering: what happens to my coverage?
You’re not alone. This situation is more common than you might think, and the good news is that there’s a clear path to follow so you stay covered every step of the way.
Why This Situation Happens?
To qualify for premium-free Part A, a person must have at least 40 quarters of Social Security work credits (here’s how work credits are earned). A non-working spouse can use the sponsor’s work record to qualify, but only once the sponsor is at least 62, because that’s the earliest Social Security will let a spouse “draw” on a partner’s credits.
So if the spouse turns 65 before the sponsor reaches 62, Medicare won’t grant them premium-free Part A yet.
Could You Still Get Part A at 65?
Yes, but it would mean buying Part A until your sponsor turns 62.
In 2025, Part A costs up to $505/month if you have fewer than 30 quarters, or $278/month with 30–39 quarters.
Paying for Part A would allow you to move into TFL right away.
But for most families, the cost is too steep, so they wait for premium-free eligibility.
What to Do at 65?
Here’s the important part: you still need to enroll in Medicare Part B when you turn 65, even if you don’t have Part A yet. That way:
You avoid lifetime late penalties for Part B.
You keep your Tricare coverage active.
Next, take your Notice of Award or Disapproved Claim from Social Security to DEERS. This step updates your record and ensures you remain covered under Tricare Prime or Select until your sponsor turns 62.
What Happens When the Sponsor Turns 62?
As soon as your sponsor is 62, things fall into place:
You can apply for premium-free Medicare Part A under your sponsor’s record.
Once Part A is active (and since you’re already enrolled in Part B), you’ll automatically shift into Tricare for Life.
This is the point where your Medicare and Tricare coverage come together, and you move fully into TFL.
A Real-Life Timeline Example:
When the spouse turns 65 (sponsor is still younger than 62): The spouse enrolls in Medicare Part B. For covered services, Medicare Part B pays first and Tricare Prime or Select pays second. The spouse must also take their Social Security Notice of Award or Disapproved Claim to DEERS to keep Tricare Prime/Select active.
When the sponsor turns 62: The spouse becomes eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A based on the sponsor’s work record. With both Part A and Part B in place, the spouse automatically transitions onto TFL, where Medicare (A and B) is the primary payer and TFL pays secondary.
Official Guidance
Tricare addresses this exact scenario here: When You’re Not Eligible for Medicare Part A.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re in this situation, it can feel like one more curveball after a lifetime of navigating military healthcare. But take heart: you’re not falling through the cracks, and you won’t lose your Tricare coverage. There’s just a temporary in-between step before TFL begins.
At TFLCI, we’re here to walk with you through those in-between seasons and help you prepare for the next stage. You’ve carried the load of service, now let us help carry some of the weight of figuring out the benefits you’ve earned.