Glossary - T

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program.

T

Telemedicine

Medical or other health services given to a patient using a communications system (like a computer, telephone, or television) by a practitioner in a location different than the patient's.

Tiers

Groups of drugs that have a different cost for each group. A drug in a lower tier will cost you less than a drug in a higher tier.

TRICARE

A health care program for active-duty and retired uniformed services members and their families.

TRICARE FOR LIFE (TFL)

Expanded medical coverage available to Medicare-eligible uniformed services retirees age 65 or older, their eligible family members and survivors, and certain former spouses.

TTY

A teletypewriter (TTY) is a communication device used by people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have a severe speech impairment. People who don't have a TTY can communicate with a TTY user through a message relay center (MRC). An MRC has TTY operators available to send and interpret TTY messages.


Note

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it isn't a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations, and rulings.