Yes. To continue Tricare benefits after you turn 65, you must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. The key is to sign up at least a month before your birthday to receive your Medicare card in the mail before coverage begins.

• Tricare is the health care program for active-duty service members, military retirees and eligible family members.
• Tricare for Life is for those eligible for Tricare who are at least 65 or qualify for Medicare early because of a disability. It’s designed to supplement Medicare, much like Medigap plans do for many of those who sign up for original Medicare and don’t have retiree coverage.

If you retire from the military and receive Tricare benefits before age 65, your coverage changes to Tricare for Life when you enroll in Medicare. If you don’t enroll in Medicare by 65, your Tricare benefits end the first day of the month you turn 65.

If you don’t sign up within your Medicare initial enrollment period, the three months before and after you turn 65, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up later — unless you have health insurance from a current employer.