Editor’s Note: This article is part of MOAA’s 2025-26 TRICARE Guide, brought to you by MOAA Insurance Plans, administered by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA). A version of the guide appeared in the November 2025 issue of Military Officer magazine. 

What is a Medicare Advantage plan (MAP), and should you consider one?

Here’s some basic information for military beneficiaries:

What MAPs are: They are Medicare Part C (Advantage plans), an alternative to the federal government’s Original Medicare (OM), and are offered by private companies. MAPs must include OM’s Part A for hospitalization and Part B for medical insurance. Skip those with Part D for pharmacy because TRICARE For Life (TFL) is your pharmacy plan.

[RELATED: Learn More About MAPs With MOAA Partner Veterans Healthcare]

How MAPs compare to OM: Like OM, MAPs cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums for preexisting health conditions. Unlike OM (in most cases), MAPs can require prior authorization for certain services/supplies.

Like OM, MAP enrollment can be changed during the eligible open season. If no changes are requested, coverage is automatically rolled over for the next year. Premiums for OM Part A are typically $0, and Part B are $185 a month (or higher depending on your income); premiums for MAPs are determined by the company offering the plan; some plans do not charge premiums.

How MAPs work with TFL: TFL will cover MAP deductibles and copays. But when first enrolled in a MAP, initial claims might need to be filed manually until the MAP adjusts to automatically bill TFL.

Should I switch to a MAP? Ask yourself: Do my current providers accept certain MAPs? Will I have to change providers? How close am I to network providers? Do the “additional incentives” come with added costs?