Beneficiaries Enrolled in the US Family Health Plan

If you’re entitled to Medicare Part A, you aren’t required to have Medicare Part B.

However, you’re encouraged to enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible. Otherwise:

• You may be required to pay the Medicare Part B late enrollment penaltyYour monthly premium for Part B may go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B, but didn't sign up for it..
• If you disenroll from USFHP or move to a non-USFHP area, you won’t be eligible for other TRICARE benefits if you don’t have Part B.

See below for some exceptions to USFHP enrollment based on your Medicare eligibility and USFHP enrollment date.

If Enrolled in USFHP Before Oct. 1, 2012

If you enrolled in the US Family Health Plan before Oct. 1, 2012, and have remained continuously enrolled and become eligible for Medicare, you can stay enrolled in USFHP as long as there’s no break in coverage.

New Enrollments on or After Oct. 1, 2012

If you become Medicare-eligible based on age:

• If you enroll in USFHP on or after October 1, 2012, you’ll be transferred to TRICARE For Life when you become eligible for Medicare based on age.
• Beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicare based on age can no longer enroll in USFHP.

If you become Medicare-eligible before age 65:

• If you enroll in USFHP on or after Oct. 1, 2012, and you’re under age 65 and entitled to Medicare, you may remain enrolled in USFHP until your 65th birthday.
• At age 65, you’ll transition to TRICARE For Life.