For individuals retired from military service, what must they enroll into to receive benefits?

For individuals who are retired from military service, enrolling in Medicare is essential to receive their benefits, particularly once they reach age 65 or become eligible due to a disability. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to seniors and certain individuals with disabilities.

While TRICARE is specifically designed for military personnel, their families, and retirees, it does become secondary to Medicare once individuals reach Medicare eligibility age. Therefore, those retired from military service and eligible for Medicare must enroll in it to ensure they have the comprehensive coverage needed, especially as they age.

Medicaid is a state and federal program designed to assist low-income individuals, which is not exclusive to military retirees. Social Security primarily provides retirement income rather than healthcare benefits. Hence, for military retirees looking to ensure their benefits and healthcare needs are met as they age, enrolling in Medicare is the correct approach.