10/15/2026
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AS YOU APPROACH AGE 65.
• Timing matters. Your Medicare enrollment window runs from 3 months
before to 3 months after the month you turn 65. Missing it can mean a
lifelong penalty on your Part B premium. If you have missed yours, ask
Social Security about a Special or General Enrollment Period.
• VA is its own system. There is no enrollment fee for all Veterans, and no
bill to Medicare or TFL for care you receive at VA.
• TFL fills the gaps. Once active, TRICARE For Life covers deductibles,
copays, and extras that Medicare alone does not, such as routine eye
exams.
• Access can change over time. Your VA priority, local wait times, and
health needs may shift. Medicare keeps that door open.
• VA and TFL work together. Enrolling in one does not cancel the other.
Common situations
Here is how this plays out for common situations. You may
see more than one that fits your circumstances.
• Military Retiree or TRICARE eligible. You will need
Medicare Part A and Part B to keep TRICARE. TFL
starts once both parts are active.
• VA care, without TRICARE. VA can cover non-VA
care with authorization through the Community
Care Program. Medicare protects you outside the VA
system.
• Still working at 65. Ask your employer’s benefits
office before delaying Part B.
• Service-connected disability rating. Your rating
affects your VA costs. Non-service-related conditions
often still require Medicare.
Quick checklist
☑ Confirm your VA healthcare benefits by logging into your VA.gov account profile or calling 1-877-222-8387.
• Apply for VA healthcare now, if applicable: see below for details.
☑ Confirm TFL eligibility in DEERS.
• 1-800-538-9552 or online at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/
☑ Check Medicare Part A and Part B timing.
• 1-800-772-1213 or online at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare
☑ Still working? Ask your current employer before delaying Part B.
Not yet enrolled in VA Healthcare?
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apply with VA Form 10-10EZ using one of these methods.
Online: http://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/introd
By phone: 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
By mail or in person
Download VA Form 10-10EZ, sign it, and mail it to:
Health Eligibility Center
PO Box 5207
Janesville, WI 53547-5207
