Can I suspend my FEHB coverage to use TRICARE for Life?

Asked by: Prof. Hadley Lueilwitz PhD  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (4 votes)

No. Employees may not suspend their coverage. However, they can cancel their coverage to use CHAMPVA, TRICARE or TRICARE-for-Life. ... If an employee who canceled FEHB coverage to use CHAMPVA, TRICARE or TRICARE-for-Life decides to return to FEHB coverage, the employee can do so during a future Open Season.

How do I suspend my FEHB for TRICARE?

How can annuitants or former spouses suspend FEHB coverage to use TRICARE or CHAMPVA? They can apply to suspend their coverage at any time. Annuitants can call OPM's Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 to obtain a suspension form. Callers within the local Washington, DC calling area must call 202-606-0500.

Do I need FEHB if I have TRICARE for Life?

FEHB coverage in retirement for non-military retirees typically requires having the coverage for at least 5 continuous years immediately prior to separating/retiring. But, if one has Tricare, this coverage is included in the 5 years provided they are also covered by an active FEHB plan when they retire.

Can I use TRICARE instead of FEHB?

If under the age of 65, TRICARE can be used for health insurance coverage instead of joining the FEHB program. ... In many cases, the coverage is as good and may cost less. Upon reaching age 65, retirees are eligible for TRICARE for Life.

Can I suspend my federal health insurance?

Yes, under limited circumstances. As an annuitant you can suspend your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) enrollment to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, Medicaid or a similar State-sponsored program of medical assistance for the needy, or use Peace Corps health insurance coverage.

Questions and Answers: Tricare for Life?

19 related questions found

Can I suspend TriCare for Life?

TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and TRICARE-For-Life. They can apply to suspend their coverage at any time. Annuitants can call OPM's Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 to obtain a suspension form.

When can you suspend FEHB coverage?

If we receive this signed form and documentation within 31 days before to 31 days after the effective date of your Medicaid or similar state-sponsored enrollment, we will suspend your FEHBP coverage at the close of business the day before your Medicaid or state-sponsored program coverage begins.

Is TRICARE part of Blue Cross Blue Shield?

TRICARE (TriWest Healthcare Alliance) Contract

TriWest Healthcare Alliance is owned by a holding company, TriWest Alliance, comprised of not-for-profit health care organizations (including Blue Shield of California) and the university hospital systems located throughout the TRICARE West Region.

How do I know if I have TRICARE for Life?

Go to the TRICARE Covered Services page. For Medicare services, visit the Medicare website. You can also check out the TRICARE For Life Cost Matrix to see a breakdown of costs for certain Medicare and TRICARE covered services. Q: I'm turning 65 soon.

Is TRICARE a federal program?

Tricare (styled TRICARE) is a health care program of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System. ... The Department of Defense operates a health care delivery system served approximately 9.4 million beneficiaries in 2018.

What is not covered by TRICARE for Life?

In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that are not medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.

What is the monthly cost for TRICARE for Life?

As with Medicare part A, there is no monthly premium cost for TFL. However, to qualify for the plan you must have and pay premiums for Medicare Part B. According to medicare.gov, the standard monthly premium for Part B in 2021 is $148.50 per month for individuals earning $88,000 or less per year.

Does TRICARE for Life require prior authorization?

TRICARE For Life requires preauthorization for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care once TFL becomes primary payer. By law TFL is the last payer after all other insurance or benefit plans, to include Medicare.

Does TRICARE for Life pay for prescriptions?

Tricare for Life is health care coverage for military members, retirees and their families who have Medicare Part A and Part B. It provides prescription drug coverage through the Tricare Pharmacy Program.

How do I submit a claim to TRICARE for Life?

Medical Claims
  1. Fill out the TRICARE Claim Form. Download the Patient's Request for Medical Payment (DD Form 2642). ...
  2. Include a Copy of the Provider's Bill. Attach a readable copy of the provider's bill to the claim form, making sure it contains the following: ...
  3. Submit the Claim. ...
  4. Check the Status of Your Claims.

What is the difference between TRICARE and TRICARE for Life?

TRICARE is a health insurance program provided by the federal government to active duty and retired military personnel and their family members. ... TRICARE for Life (TFL), a program for Medicare-eligible military retirees and their dependents, acts as a supplement to Medicare.

Do military retirees get TRICARE for Life?

When you retire from active duty you are eligible to purchase Tricare Prime, Select, or the US Family Health Plan. ... Once you reach age 65 you are no longer eligible for those programs, you can then purchase Medicare and TRICARE for Life.

Does TRICARE for Life include dental and vision?

FEDVIP provides voluntary vision and dental coverage to eligible TRICARE beneficiaries and offers a choice among a number of FEDVIP dental and vision carriers. If you're eligible, you may choose from 23 dental plan options and 10 vision plan options. The FEDVIP plans vary in coverage and premium amounts.

Who is entitled to TRICARE for Life?

Medically-retired service members and their families. Retired Guard/Reserve members age 60 and older. Family members of retired Guard/Reserve members age 60 and older.

What insurance company does TRICARE use?

Tricare is managed by the Pentagon's Defense Health Agency. Tricare is divided into several different types of coverage programs covering active-duty families, National Guardsmen and reservists and their families, and military retirees and their families.

Is TRICARE secondary to BCBS?

TRICARE is the primary payer and coordination of benefits with other insurance carriers does not occur.

Is TRICARE always secondary?

Ending Other Health Insurance Coverage

If you lose your other health insurance, TRICARE becomes your primary payer. If you have TRICARE for Life, TRICARE becomes the second payer.

How do I keep my FEHB in retirement?

To continue your health benefits enrollment into retirement, you must: (1) have retired on an immediate annuity (that is, an annuity which begins to accrue no later than one month after the date of your final separation); and (2) have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHB Program plan ( ...

What happens if I drop FEHB?

If you cancel, you are out forever. According to the Consumers' Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, a third of retirees now belong to a Medicare advantage plan. They pay only its lower premium and Medicare Part B. The savings can be substantial and the coverage excellent.

Where do I send my completed SF 2809?

Send the last two pages of the SF-2809 to us by emailing APHIS.Open.Season@usda.gov OR fax it to us at (612) 336-3545.