If a spouse turns 65 before the retiree is 62, coverage doesn’t stop, but it looks different for a few years. At 65, the spouse must enroll in Part B and Tricare Prime or Select will act as secondary coverage. Then, when the retiree turns 62, the spouse becomes eligible for premium-free Part A and transitions into Tricare for Life, with Medicare as primary and TFL as secondary.

New to Tricare for Life? This guide breaks down the basics in plain language—what TFL is, who’s eligible, how it works with Medicare, and what you might still pay out-of-pocket. Whether you’re approaching age 65 or supporting a retiree, this post will help you feel confident about your healthcare coverage.