What TRICARE For Life covers for equipment
Medicare's rules come first. Here is what that means for equipment.
What does TRICARE For Life cover for medical equipment?
TRICARE says: "If you have TRICARE For Life coverage, your plan follows Medicare's rules for getting DME, unless you live overseas." Medicare pays its portion first, then TRICARE pays for TRICARE-covered care. Ask the supplier if they participate in Medicare, because you'll pay less if they do.
TRICARE For Life works alongside Medicare. For medical equipment, that changes the order of things, and the kind of supplier worth asking for.
Steps
- Who has TRICARE For Life. It's for people who are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and Part B. It starts automatically and doesn't extend to family members.
- Medicare's rules come first. For equipment, your plan follows Medicare's rules, unless you live outside the U.S. and its territories.
- Medicare pays first. In most cases the supplier files with Medicare. Medicare pays its part, then sends the claim on to TRICARE.
- Ask about Medicare. Ask every equipment supplier, including us, whether they participate in Medicare before you order. You'll pay less if they do.
- Things Medicare may cover. TRICARE doesn't cover bath rails or safety beds, but Medicare may.
- Keep your cards handy. There's no TRICARE For Life card. Your Medicare card and Uniformed Services ID card are your proof of coverage.
Checklist
- Medicare Part A and Part B in effect
- Medicare card and Uniformed Services ID card ready
- Doctor's order for the equipment
- Asked the supplier whether they participate in Medicare
- Called intake with any questions
In TRICARE's words
If you have TRICARE For Life coverage, your plan follows Medicare’s rules for getting DME, unless you live overseas (outside the U.S. and U.S. territories). Ask your DME supplier if they participate in Medicare, since you’ll pay less if they do.
Q&A: How TRICARE covers durable medical equipment — TRICARE Newsroom
TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage if you’re TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and Part B, regardless of age or place of residence.
Medicare pays its portion first and sends the claim to the TFL claims processor.
Equipment in this guide
Follow the instructions from your doctor and the equipment maker.