ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. -- The 79th Medical Group held a Medicare and TRICARE for Life briefing at the Reel Time Theater Wednesday, to clarify and discuss various health options available to Team Andrews Retirees. 

The briefing provided specific information about the Medicare and TRICARE for Life programs and explained how military beneficiaries receive medical services. 

The TRICARE for Life program is TRICARE's Medicare-wraparound coverage available to all Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries provided they have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. 

The TRICARE for Life program is available to all TRICARE and Medicare dual-eligible uniformed services beneficiaries, including National Guard and Reserve retirees, who are in receipt of retired pay, family members, widows, widowers and certain former spouses. Dependent parents and parents-in-law are not eligible for TRICARE for Life.
One of the biggest misconceptions among the Andrews' military beneficiaries is that they will be losing services under the TRICARE for Life program. However, beneficiaries should not lose services under the program because patients will be able to select the civilian provider of their choice, see the same provider for improved continuity of care, and have greater access to appointments. Military beneficiaries "in reality are not losing services, but in fact, they will gain services," said Rachelle Davis, Health Net Federal Services TRICARE community representative. "Due to the downsizing in the clinic, we receive a lot of feedback that it is difficult to get appointments. The program provides beneficiaries the best of both worlds." 

When military beneficiaries go to a civilian provider who accepts TRICARE and Medicare, there is an added benefit. 

"If you go on the outside, you don't have to experience your doctor leaving in three months and have to explain your condition all over again to a new provider," added Ms. Davis. 

Another common misconception regarding the TRICARE for Life program among Andrews' military beneficiaries is whether there is a need to enroll and if an identification card is required. 

"Beneficiaries need to know that there is no TRICARE for Life card," she said. "And, there is no enrollment into the program. The term - TRICARE for Life - is just to identify those who are 65 and older." 

The next TRICARE for Life briefing will be at the Retiree Appreciation Day in October at The Club at Andrews.