Questions and Answers on the TRICARE Provision

1. Will I receive a separate check for the premium waiver refund?

   Yes. The premium surcharge waiver refund will be paid in a separate check in October 2004. (If the individual is in billing status, the excess premiums will be applied to premiums due.)

2. Who is the primary payer if I have Medicare Part A and Part B and TRICARE, but no additional insurance?

   Medicare is the primary payer if you have Medicare Part A and Part B and TRICARE only. TRICARE is the secondary payer.

3. When will I receive my new Medicare Card with my Part B enrollment date?
   
   In approximately 4 weeks; foreign addresses will take longer.
4. I'm currently not eligible for TRICARE for Life because I am not enrolled in Medicare Part B. If I choose not to enroll in Part B during the special enrollment period that runs through December 31, 2004, will I be able to enroll in Part B at a later time?
   
   If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B during the special enrollment period authorized by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, you may enroll in Part B during Medicare’s General Enrollment Period (GEP). The GEP runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year. Your Part B coverage will begin on July 1 of the year you sign up. The cost of your Medicare Part B premium will increase by 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but chose not to purchase Part B.
5. I am a Medicare and TRICARE dual-eligible beneficiary and a family member of an active duty service member. Must I purchase Medicare Part B in order to use the TRICARE benefit?

   No. As a Medicare-eligible beneficiary and family member of an active duty service member (ADSM), you are NOT required to enroll in Medicare Part B. When your sponsor retires, you must enroll in Medicare Part B. You can enroll in Medicare Part B during the eight months following the month that your sponsor retires. If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B during those eight months, you will only be able to sign up for Medicare Part B during the General Enrollment Period and will have to pay a premium surcharge.

For general information about TRICARE benefits, individuals may call Wisconsin Physicians Services TRICARE for Life at 1-866-773-0404 or visit the TRICARE website at: www.tricare.osd.mil.