Does my coverage thru the Federal Government allow me to delay Medicare Part B so that I can also use TriCare? I'm reading that my coverage with the Blues will allow me to delay enrolling in Part B, but it is unclear if this means I can still use TriCare. The online says that I must have Part B coverage to retain TriCare. I'll still continue to keep my coverage by BC/BS.
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Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts October 11, 20180 found this helpful
You need to contact both TriCare and Medicare. They will tell you what to do.
Pghgirl40
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks October 11, 20180 found this helpful
Contact Medicare ASAP and have them tell you all the ins and out. You do not want to risk getting enrolled when you need to and only they can tell you the information based on your specific needs/information/age/history:
www.medicare.gov/.../11365.pdf
1-800-633-4227
October 12, 20180 found this helpful
Insurance coverage is not easy to understand so it is always best to go directly to the organization to get the most accurate information.
- You will need to go to your local Social Security office to find out about Medicare. You should be able to contact someone within the service to find out about TriCare.
- BC/BS really have nothing to do with your coverage concerning Medicare enrollment and definitely have nothing to do with your TriCare so please go to the SSA about Medicare first.
- All of these enrollments have time limits so wherever you are in your retirement it is important to find out about coverage ASAP as there is no "forgiveness" if you run past the deadlines without making a decision.
- Your TriCare handbook will clearly state that if you are eligible for Medicare Part A/B then you must have Medicare Part B to keep TriCare lifetime benefits as Medicare Part B is the primary coverage and TriCare is the secondary coverage. There is a time line that must be followed so do not hesitate with finding out where you stand.
- Here is information from TriCare:
- You must have Medicare Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage, even if you live overseas.
- You will lose your TRICARE coverage if you don't have Part B, if you drop Part B, or fail to pay your Part B premiums."
- Here are websites that deal with this subject but even if you read the information, you need to discuss your Medicare plans with someone at the Social Security office.
- www.tricare.mil/.../Retiree_and_Family
- www.tricare.mil/.../Separating
- www.tricare.mil/.../OHI
- You can discuss your BC/BS after you decide about your TriCare but just be sure that your BC/BS plan has Medicare as the primary carrier so your plan will be much less expensive.
- If you happen to pass any deadline for whatever reason, there is no getting the same coverage back so make an appointment with SS as soon as you can.
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