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, phone, 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 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.


Top of page

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.