my wife did this a few years ago and tricare prime became tricare for life (for her) when she started social security. my tricare payments went from me and her (family) to single (only me) and she pays for medicare through deductions to her social security. her medical is still through the AFB near us - so it was somewhat seamless. i can still schedule her appointments through / using tricare online.

Don't most 501(c)19 organizations (VFW, American Legion, DVA, etc) have VA and retiree liaisons? They do more than serve cheap beer in cinder block cracker boxes. Well some do.