Tricare Help: What happens to my disabled daughter when I retire? - Getting out, military health issues - Navy Times

Tricare Help: What happens to my disabled daughter when I retire?

Answering your questions on Tricare.

Q. I can retire in two years, but I have a severely mentally disabled 17-year-old daughter, and I’m concerned about her continued Tricare coverage after she is 21 and I am retired. Is there any way her Tricare coverage can be continued past age 21, despite my retirement?

If a child becomes disabled and incapable of self-support prior to age 21, Tricare coverage may be continued for as long as the disabling condition persists — even for life. If the disabling condition improves after age 21 and the child becomes capable of self-support, however, Tricare eligibility will end and cannot be restored, even if the disabling condition recurs.

You need official guidance regarding your daughter’s condition and continued Tricare eligibility. Although you are not ready to retire yet, for your peace of mind, please call the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System support office at 800-538-9552 to discuss the matter.

Q. I’m a state employee with my employer’s health insurance plan. I plan to continue working past age 65. Do I still need to enroll in Medicare Part B when I am 65, or should I just continue with the state’s plan until I retire?

If you become entitled to free Medicare Part A when you are 65, federal law requires you to enroll in Medicare Part B to retain your Tricare eligibility.

You didn’t mention a wife or other family members who may need the coverage offered by the state plan. That’s something to consider and inquire about before taking any action that would compromise that coverage for family members.

There is also a matter of cost to consider. Is the cost for the state’s plan greater than your cost for Tricare for Life? The cost of TFL is only the monthly premium for Medicare Part B; the Tricare Standard portion is free. With Tricare for Life, you’ll also have the Tricare Pharmacy Plan at no additional cost except the relatively small cost shares for the drugs themselves.

For more information about Tricare for Life, visit the website. You can download a free digital version of the Tricare for Life handbook at that site, as well.

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Write to Tricare Help, Times News Service, 6883 Commercial Drive, Springfield, VA 22159; or e-mail us. In e-mail, include the word “Tricare” in the subject line and do not attach files. Get Tricare advice anytime on our blog.