“TRICARE for Life” is a new benefit for veterans, effective October 1, 2001. It’s like a “Medigap” or “Medicare supplemental” insurance policy -- with no premiums.

It provides coverage for veterans who

• retired from the military after 20 or more years of service and
• are 65 or older and
• are Medicare-eligible and
• have purchased Medicare Part B.

TRICARE also covers certain retired guardsmen and reservists; certain family members and survivors; and certain former spouses. For individual eligibility information, call the Defense Manpower Data Center Support at (800) 538-9552.

For more overall information, call TRICARE for Life at (888) 363-5433 (toll-free) or check the web at www.tricare.osd.mil