TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Prime Remote for Active Duty Family Members may qualify for reimbursement for travel expenses for certain beneficiaries, including those who are not active duty service members (ADSM). Travel expenses will not be authorized for non-medically necessary elective procedures or non-covered benefits. The TRICARE Regional Office (TRO) for the region in which the retiree resides will determine if reimbursement is available.
The Prime Travel Benefit reimburses reasonable travel expenses for a qualified trip by a TRICARE Prime enrollee, covering transportation, lodging, and meals if the patient needs to travel away from home for specialty care. However, TRICARE won’t reimburse travelers for the same expenses, including shared expenses like lodging or car rental.
To qualify for medical travel reimbursement, the patient must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime and have a PCM at Fox Army Health Center. Non-Coast Guard beneficiaries with questions about these travel benefits and NMA entitlement should contact their local MTF/eMSM or TROs travel. The Prime Travel Benefit reimburses reasonable travel expenses, including mileage, meals, and parking.
The beneficiary must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime and referred to a specialty care provider by their PCM. If medically necessary, one non-medical attendant (NMA) may also be authorized for travel expense reimbursement. Travel for specialty care is reimbursable for any non-active duty beneficiary covered by TRICARE Prime, including active duty family members.
📹 How Medicare Works with TRICARE for Life
Links: https://www.tricare.mil/ https://oig.hhs.gov/newsroom/videos/medicare-advantage-denials-of-care/ …
What is TRICARE’s allowable charge?
The allowable charge for TRICARE-covered services, procedures, and equipment is linked to the maximum amount permitted by Medicare. Non-participating providers are permitted to charge up to 15 times the allowable charge. TRICARE For Life provides coverage for services that are not covered by both Medicare and TRICARE. Cost-sharing commences upon the fulfillment of individual deductibles, thereby facilitating a comprehensive comprehension of TRICARE financial obligations.
Does TRICARE for Life cover you in Mexico?
TRICARE benefits are available to individuals of all ages, including those who are retired, on active duty, or residing in the United States or abroad on a full-time basis. With a few key pieces of information, TRICARE can be tailored to meet the needs of a mobile lifestyle. It is essential to be aware of the following key details: how to seek care, how to pay for overseas medical care, and how to understand the cost of medical care. TRICARE coverage is flexible and can be readily accessed and managed while overseas.
Does TRICARE cover travel?
The TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit reimburses reasonable travel expenses for qualified trips by a TRICARE Prime enrollee, including mileage, meals, tolls, parking, lodging, local transportation, and public transportation tickets. The trip may qualify for reimbursement if the enrollee is enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote for Active Duty Family Members and is not an active duty service member (ADSM) or an active duty family member living with their active duty sponsor on orders in Alaska and Hawaii.
Can I use my TRICARE for Life in the Philippines?
The Philippine Preferred Provider Network (PPN) is accessible to all TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries, including those enrolled in TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE for Life (TFL).
What does TRICARE cover medically?
TRICARE covers medically necessary and proven services, which are appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. Some services are excluded, and the Covered Services tool and exclusions list are not all inclusive. If you have TRICARE For Life (TFL), you can generally have lower out-of-pocket costs by following Medicare’s rules for getting care. TRICARE health plans also include prescription drug coverage and certain over-the-counter drugs when prescribed by your provider. To see how a specific drug is covered, use the TRICARE Formulary Search tool.
Does TRICARE cover Invisalign?
The Tricare Dental Program covers up to 50% of the cost of clear teeth aligners and orthodontic services for eligible members, but only for in-office aligners through a dentist. There is a lifetime maximum on orthodontic services of $1, 750, and United Concordia will pay half of allowable orthodontic care charges up to the lifetime maximum. For example, if your aligners cost $2, 000, you will only pay $1, 000 out of pocket as long as no other orthodontic services have been applied to your lifetime maximum.
Can I use Tricare overseas in the US?
It is recommended that beneficiaries of the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) who are traveling in the United States seek medical care from a nearby U. S. Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or a TRICARE-approved provider within the United States if this is not feasible.
What will TRICARE not cover?
The TRICARE program excludes services and supplies that are not necessary for the treatment of covered illnesses, injuries, pregnancy, or well-child care. Furthermore, services and supplies related to non-covered conditions or provided by unauthorized providers are also excluded. It should be noted that the list of excluded services is not exhaustive and that some specific services are excluded in all circumstances. The exclusions are based on medical or psychological necessity.
Does TRICARE pay for everything?
TRICARE is a federal health insurance program that covers medically necessary and proven services. It has special rules and limits for certain types of care, while others are not covered at all. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is the official website for TRICARE, a component of the Military Health System. The DHA does not endorse non-U. S. Government sites or their information, products, or services. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement, but they are provided consistent with the website’s purpose.
Does TRICARE pay for massage therapy?
TRICARE, a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, does not cover massages. The list of covered services is not all inclusive, but medically necessary. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is responsible for the Military Health System and TRICARE. mil. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the DHA of non-U. S. Government sites or their information, products, or services. The DHA may use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, but does not exercise editorial control over all information found on these sites.
Does TRICARE reimburse for medications?
The TRICARE Pharmacy Program provides prescription drug coverage for all TRICARE beneficiaries, irrespective of their health plan. However, US Family Health Plan users are subject to a separate pharmacy coverage plan, the details of which are not included in this overview.
📹 Do You Need Medicare if You Get Care at VA or TriCare for Life?
In this video, we explain the differences between Tricare for Life and VA benefits when you have Medicare. Both are healthcare …
I am 64 and will be under Medicare very soon. I went to the VA and there was a large insurance company (don’t know that I can say their name) that was selling their “Heroes” Advantage Plan. I was confused because the agent insisted that his company processes TriCare and it was basically the same thing. In addition I would get dental care and $75 in my pocket every month. This same company was in the Keesler AFB Commissary selling the same Advantage Plan. Initially the agent said they worked with TriCare, so I thought they were Tricare. When I pressed them for answers, they admitted that they actually worked for a large insurance agency. Again, the same promises of increased benefits, and the claim that they actually handle TriCare claims. I think that I will be keeping my TriCare For Life. I really appreciate your honesty. Thank you.
This is my second year with Medicare. When I sought out an advisor I was sold the Advantage Plan. I talked to two other advisors and they told me the Advantage plan was the best plan for me with my Tricare4Life. I have a new advisor now and she shared this article with me. Sadly, we missed the deadline this year to switch to original Medicare but next year we will take care of this. I treasure your honesty. Thank you SO much!!
I came to the same conclusion after researching the options. However, I still had doubt and was hoping I had made the right decision. It turns out the simplest was the best choice. I was automatically enrolled in part A & B because I started collecting Social Security at 62. And that kicked off the auto enrollment for Tricare for Life. So I had to do nothing. Sweet! 😅 But having seen your article gave me the fuzzy feeling of closure. Thanks a million for the black and white clarity you’ve provided to many of us. God Bless!
Thanks Mathew, I am getting ready to sign up for Medicare and currently have Tricare. I have had all of my questions answered by your article. I was truly impressed with your honesty about how valuable my Tricare really is. I was also impressed with the way you encourage our veterans to not be fooled by unscrupulous insurance agents. Thanks for your valuable article.
Thank you so much for this. My wife and I have Tricare for Life with Medicare and we both have received all the come-ons from Medicare Advantage plan companies. I’d heard from fellow veterans that it doesn’t get much better than TCL and Medicare but it’s great to get this reinforcement. I really appreciate it.
Thank you for making this article. I’ve been specializing in helping people navigate Medicare for over 16 years. When I go into someone’s home, and they tell me they have TRICARE, I thank them for their service, and then I spend the next hour explaining to them why they don’t need anything else. With the exception of Medicare Part A & B.
As an agent, the thank you’s I receive when I turn people on to listen to your vlogs is unbelievable. You demonstrate that doing and saying the right thing may not be easy for some, but it’s the only thing to demonstrate. You practice great ethical business behaviors, and at 65 years old I am proud to say you are my teacher and hope to meet you some day. God bless you and please be safe.
I am expected to enroll in Medicare this month and confused about all the options, especially re. Part D since I need a specialty drug. This article is the best one online that explains how Tricare plays into all this, especially making the mistake of adding Part D. I also appreciate your honesty. Thank you and thanks to your USN father.
Wow! Thank you so much. My husband is turning 65 in May and has been approved for A & B. He will have Tricare for life when he turns 65 and we were confused (not anymore) if we should get part D and we have been receiving tons of advertisements. This is an awesome article. Thank you for taking the time to make it.
So glad I found your article. I was almost blinded by the shiny add ons. You brought the goal back in focus. BCBS agent was ready to sign me up yesterday. Said Tricare for life works great with medicare advantage because Tricare picks up the copays. I’d have 0 monthly premiums for Advantage, $50 a month reimbursement of my medicare payments making it ~$120 instead of ~170. Dental cleaning 2x a year, Eye exam and $100 on glasses, and Silver &Fit(gym membership). You really make me feel better about mankind!
You explained in a nutshell what I needed to do, calming my doubts about the need for Medicare C & D. As a military veteran, I have gained more knowledge and a greater understanding perusal your 19:51 min/sec article than the many hours I’ve spent reviewing literature and reading official gov’t websites. My head was spinning causing me to second guess myself. Never knew that paying for an advantage plan would lessen my already stellar Medicare Original and TriCare for Life healthcare insurance. I enjoyed hearing about your Veteran Dad and Mother as you spoke from the heart! Many thanks for your excellent presentation.
Excellent article. I have been an agent in New Mexico for over 22 years and licensed in 4 states. I can say with confidence that the information in this article is accurate and very well put. So much of our time is spent combating bad information on the market or fixing problems caused by agents who are uninformed. Keep up the great work.
Wow! By far you have been the most informative of all the other articles. This article answered the questions I had as being retired military. I wanted to know if I really needed part G and now I know I don’t. I was already wary of Advantage plans and this article verified my suspicions. Thanks for this article!! I have other retired military buddies I will pass this on. Thank-You!!!
Thank you! Thank you! this article is the most important article I have ever watched! I am so thankful your father was in the military and had Tricare for Life. I feel like that could have been your motivation for the article. Thank you for being so honest and concise about the difficult decisions about Medicare and Tricare!
I’m going to add onto everyone else’s comments. I too have been overwhelmed by the myriad of confusing information and direct contact I’ve gotten as I near my 65th birthday. I too am retired military and have Tricare standard that will convert to TFL when I turn 65. I too have seen all the wonderful benefits of the advantage plans and have been very skeptical. Its probably that I feel like I’ve been pushed to one direction that I wasn’t sure I wanted or needed. When that happens, I usually back off entirely because I don’t feel comfortable. Your article was exactly what I needed and provided the information I wanted in a no-pressure format. Thank You Very Much!
I suspected your premise to be true, but didn’t have enough information to reason out the why. Your article was very informative and valuable. Thanks so much for your frank discussion and advice that benefits us, and not your profits. Your ethic is outstanding and your service to those who have served is awesome. Thanks so much.
Thanks for this article. One of the most important considerations would be the loss of control of my medical decisions. With a recent artery blockage I would not have wanted a delay in my heart cath waiting upon the insurance cover’s approval. Thanks for emphasizing this most important factor in considering original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage.
Thank you so much! I am a military retiree and turn 65 next month. I have enrolled in Parts A & B and will have Tricare for Life as my secondary coverage. I’ve been concerned about the switch from Tricare Prime as this month ends. This article is extremely helpful and has reduced my stress over the switch. I too have been inundated with mail and email from insurance companies. It is comforting to know I have the best set up and don’t need anything else other than dental, which I have through my employer.
Thank you so much. I was medicare eligible last year after having Tricare with MOAA supplement since 1995 when my late husband retired. I viewed your You Tube articles and the information you presented was invaluable!! SHINE didn’t want to deal with me (I think they didn’t know enough about TFL and probably did me a favor NOT talking to me). I now have Medicare A&B along with my TFL. Everthing is paid 100% except for med that I get through ExpressScripts $12 for a 90 day supply. My MOAA supplement use to pick up this $12 co-pay. I pay more for meds now without the MOAA & I have to pay the Medicare premium every month. Odd Tricare has us paying more after retirement than before retirement but can’t complain it is still better than any of my friends have. Thanks again!!
Wow! Thank you. My spouse is retired, so we have Tricare. I’ve had BCBS for 30 years. Because of an injury, I will be medically laid off from my job and am eligible for Medicare on 11/1. I was scared to death because I’m still dealing with medical issues from the injury 2 years later. You cleared my mind and saved me money. I was literally on the HUMANA website about to make an account when I decided to YouTube my concerns first. Thank you, Sir. The next search is for this combo combined with me being a 100% rated VA-disabled Vet. I should have no worries at all. The article has been shared. Thanks again
I’m retired Navy rapidly approaching age 65, so I’ve been digging in to understand what I need to do between TriCare and MediCare. I understand parts A and B and that I don’t need part D. My question centered on Advantage plans — which I’m receiving offers for daily at this point. Your article was great for helping me to understand staying away from what agencies WANT to sell me vs. the coverage I might need — dental, vision, hearing, etc. Thanks!
Thank you so much for this article! I recently had an agent try to sign me up for “free things,” which actually was one of two advantage plans without explaining anything to me about Medicare, Tricare for Life, Advantage Plans, nothing about supplement plans. He just quickly threw out some costs of dental, vision, so fast that I couldn’t even write it down. So I went on a search to find out what is best for me and to understand because this was like a foreign language to me. Your article cleared up a lot of things for me! You saved me from making a big mistake. Thank you so very much!!
I’m a retired vet and soon to turn 65. Off and on for the last TWO YEARS I’ve been looking for info about TriCare/MediCare for Military retirees and always ran into somebody trying to sell me something. Making matter worse, the three players (Humana/TriCare, MediCare, and Social Security) are reluctant to discuss interoperability. The issues become almost impossible to navigate if you plan to use a Military medical facility after you turn 65. THIS article answered 90% of my questions in language even a dumba** grunt can understand. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for the invaluable information. This answered the number one question for me: original Medicare versus Medicare advantage, and you’ve made it perfectly clear that there is no advantage for a TRICARE eligible person to sign up for Medicare advantage. My only other question was I am older than my veteran sponsor, so I will be eligible for Medicare before him… What happens to me? But the website that you posted at the end of your article even answered that question, so thank you so much for creating this article. Extremely helpful!
What a wonderful presentation that cuts to the chase. Very informative and it answered all those suspicious questions that went through my mind about companies that do not tell you everything in order to get a commission . I wish everyone has a chance to see your article. You provide a great service to everyone! Thank you!!!
Matt thank you very much for this article. I just turned 64 this month and i am preparing for medicare now. I have friends that told me about medacare and tricare for life. You broke it down so good that i understand it very well and i will look out for someone trying to sell me a advantage plan. Thanks again
Thank you for your genuine testimony which is in part a service to your parents struggles. They would be proud of you by standing up and doing the right thing on behalf of veterans. Regarding dental I joined the federal employees deal program which as many options. I joined Delta and have been very pleased. I also joined the vision VSP program. I worried about these issues approaching 65 and wish I had the benefit of your article then. Luckily I choose with original Medicare and TFL and have never looked back .
My wife and I have Medicare parts A and B, plan N, and part D. I just sent the paperwork for CHAMPVA. I’ve had several people tell me to drop plan N and get an advantage plan. I decided to get another opinion. It looks like I’ll keep plan N and drop part D for my wife. I use the VA for 100% of my medical and was also told to change to an advantage plan, I keep my plan N.
My question is concerning the fact I have part A Medicare and I have credible HMO coverage with my current employer. I am 65. My spouse is 41. I am a retired Navy veteran and currently still in my initial enrollment period for Part B. I am currently very healthy with no major health issues. Thank you for the excellent presentation as it is quite informative.
Thank you for this excellent, informative article. As my husband approaches 65, we’ve been overwhelmed by the options, and this really helped clarify things. We’ve been using my insurance as a retired federal employee and his Tricare Prime, and our only questions now are around what happens with me as a younger spouse (with 3 years to go until I turn 65.) I guess I keep what I have but switch to self-only. Anyway, thanks for the information about the Medicare Advantage plans – so helpful!
Thank you so much – I’ve been trying to find out the truth about medicare and TFL. Even the TFL site doesn’t explain clearly (typical govt info/training iimo). I have to switch to TFL & Medicare next year. One thing VERY clear on the TFL site is that I have to be enrolled in Part A & B to transition seamlessly to TFL without a break in coverage.
Thank you sir, this article very helpful and has made my decision to canceled the enrollment with Humana PPO two weeks ago. The plan is not affect until Nov 1, 2023 so I was able to call in for the cancellation. I’m happy with my original Medicare and Tricare for life for the last 10 years and you absolutely right so I don’t need to switch at all. I also have Tricare Dental for retirees.
Thank you so much for your information related to military retirees and the Medicare/TFL combo, especially with the added Part D info. The Medicare website is like reading a confusing roadmap with no meaningful directions toward the goal, and, frankly, if the government is telling me the best approach, I’ll take the word from an expert like you, not the government, because any time they have something new and great, someone is getting screwed. Thank you, sir.
Ok, so anyone know which company he’s talking about? My husband is retired AF and will retire from a state job. We’re looking for tricare options. I didn’t know there’s a tricare for life. When I went to tricare website, the options were tricare prime and tricare select. So now I need to research tricare for life
Your article was priceless! Thank you. I will live overseas for life so was thinking if I could get an advantage plan to reduce or eliminate my monthly $170 fee, then I could save a lot over the years. Since I don’t live in the states, I hoped I could pick a zipcode where my premiums would be zero, and just use Tricare as my primary insurance since I live overseas. Else, I’m paying $2K/year for something I can’t use anyway overseas. Now for my big question; I may have to call to get the answer sooner: Since I live overseas and MUST PREPAY for ALL Medical UPFRONT, then process a claim with TRICARE, How much should I have in my emergency fund for such medical bills? $50K, $100K, more?
24 years navy, 40% va. Married 40 years. Tricare prime now and dental. I signed up tricare for life, I am 2 years older then my wife. When i get close to 65 i plan to get medcare A, B, tricare for life and still use the va for me. Free hearing aids now. Is my wife covered under tricare for life like she is now with tricare, when i turn 65 she will be 63.
Thank you for making this article. I had seen some articles that, I think were produced by GSA, and much of the information just didn’t make sense. At some point I did learn what to do and what not to do. You drove home the right points. I will share this article on my FB and I hope other vets find out the choice is much more simpler than all the other noise out there. I didn’t hear (and perhaps you’re not allowed to discuss it) you go into the pharmacy choices. I understand we can still use the Tricare/military pharmacies to pick up our meds. Is this correct?
As a former care giver of my father who was retired veteran, I could never figure out why a Vet/Retiree would want or need an advantage plan. I think some advantage plans may pay for the Part B premium to lure retirees into their plan. I wouldn’t fall this as Mr. Classen says because of how advantage plans work especially if you have a service-connected disability. I don’t think Advantage Plans are a good financial choice at all.
Mathew. I am planning on retiring from FERS around the Nov/Dec 2024. I have my current FEHB and TRICARE as secondary. I am planning on using original Medicare covered by FEHB and when I retire I plan on suspending my FEHB and using my Medicare and my TFL. I’ve currently got a Metlife FEDVIP and UHC FEDVIP vision. Thanks again for your honesty!! Do I need anything else?
Like Barbwilk in the pinned comment, I was offered possibly an even more generous MA plan thru Humana: 0 monthly premiums, $100 per month reimbursement, vision and dental, Silver and Fit. Boy, i wanted it, but it sounded too good, and I decided to research it first. Yours is really the only objection i encountered, but it worried me. Eventually (tonight) I googled for an AHA letter re delay and denial with MA plans, and found they had testified to Congress just 5 days ago, May 17, 2023, so it was something of a current update. You used the word “scathing”, and once again it was a scathing indictment. They described widespread malfeasance by ins co’s in the operation and practices of their MA plans, and a lack of meaningful oversight or regulation. It’s a short, easy read if anyone wants to verify: AHA Statement to Senate Subcommittee on Medicare Advantage Delays and Denials aha.org/testimony/2023-05-17-aha-statement-senate-subcommittee-medicare-advantage-delays-and-denials. I think you showed an almost unbelievable integrity in making this article. My hat’s off to you. Thank you very much.
Hi. I am a spouse of a retired Navy veteran. I recently turned 65. I have worked with insurance companies for the last 40 year so I knew not to fall for the Medicare advantage plans. My question is does Medicare cover prescription drugs as a primary insurance or do I just keep using my tricare ? Thanks
Thank you Sir for this plain talk article about Medicare and TFL! I appreciate your discussion of this topic, even though you don’t represent Tricare. I do have a question. What information should I consider when choosing VA care vs Medicare/TFL? You mentioned that part D meds are covered under TFL and there is no premium for part D. This is terrific, but are there circumstances when VA care (and medications) might be preferred?
Great article, thank you! when you say with regular Medicare I don’t need approval, is that the same as needing an authorization that we are used to have to get with regular Tricare Prime? And when you say I don’t need a referral for a specialist, I assume that means I can just schedule an appointment myself without my doctor needing to refer me at all? Thank you, and we appreciate your great article.
Very Informative article appreciate it! I had a question about Tricare for life. I recently became eligible for Medicare and am signed for Medicare Part 1 and 2. My wife is five years younger than me and is covered under Tricare Prime until she turns 65. My question is when she turns 65 and enrolls in Medicare Part 1 and 2 will she be enrolled into Tricare for Life too and here Tricare premium will drop? Thank you for all you do for us Vets.
i haven’t been able to get a good anwer from anybody for this question: i’m retired military so my wife and I have been covered by Champus/Tricare. I’m now about to turn 65 y/o and will apply for medicare in order for the tricare to turn into tricare for life. here is the question: What about my dependent/wife, do she need to get mmedical plan on her own???? She is NOT of retirement age thanks for any help you can provide.
Great information, Thank you Matthew for taking the time and explaining Tricare For Life and Medicare. I am a 20 retired, 100% disabled veteran 63 years old, this information is priceless. Thank you, I’m a couple of years from Medicare but without a doubt because of the information you provided I can make a better decision for me and my wife. Thank you. question: Is it my correct understanding that my wife is not eligible for TFL?
I understand I need to go to regular Medicare (Parts A & B) when I turn 65. Full stop. I’m also a 100 P&T service-connected veteran. Plus, we’re seriously considering retirement in Mexico. If we do so – do we lose Medicare coverage? What is the best way to ensure my spouse maintains coverage? Are TFL and ChampVA interchangeable in this regard?
Great article. I’m a recently licensed producer for supplements and MA products working with a brokerage similar to yours. I was initially of the same opinion that you’ve shared, however in looking at the “other benefits” offered by MA plans in our area, they can amount to as much as $3-$4k per year. If a prospect’s doctors are already in a proposed plan and have agreed to bill Tricare (instead of having to bill them yourself), I’m struggling with why transitioning to the MA plan would really still be a problem. I do however get that there could be challenges or potential restrictions from pre-authorizations, but that doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue with the 4-5 star plans in our area. Thanks for your addl thoughts.
Wonderful article. Thank you. Related question. I have will be turning 65 next year and understand I will automictically be enrolled in TriCare for life (retired with 30 years of service). I also have full VA benefits given a disability rating of 50%. Do I still need to pay for Medicare Part B. Seems like with VA, Tricare for Life and Part A of Medicare I am well covered. I have heard if don’t purchase Part B, TriCare for life is not activated. Are there exceptions for Veterans with VA benefits? Thank you so much. Beau
I am currently 63 and my wife is 60. I am retired Navy. When I turn 65 I will have to go on Medicare A + B and Tricare for Life. We currently pay 60 dollars for Tricare Prime. When I switch to Tricare for Life I am assuming my premium for Part B will be 174 a month. However, since my wife is still on Tricare Prime, will I have to pay for Tricare Prime and Medicare Part B?
Thank you for the article. One comment /observation. Your main point(s) seem to be that Original Medicare is better than MA because of (i) no networks and (ii) no preauthorization. I agree with that, but that has nothing to do with Tricare. Your point would be just as valid if someone was not a military vet but was simply a civilian trying to decide whether to go with Original Medicare or MA, correct? Your point about having to first pay and then get reimbursed from Tricare is a good point, but my approach would be to point that out to someone and let them decide. If someone is perfectly willing to accept networks and the paperwork in return for several thousand dollars of “shiny objects,” why is that so wrong? Thanks.
Greatly appreciate the info not sure what champ VA is but I will say as a retired Warrant officer with 23 years army I have Medicare A and B Tri-care for life and VA there are things that VA covers hearing aids, eyeglasses, just to name a few of probably the most common but there are other things that VA covers that medicare and TRICARE for life do not cover. There are things I have paid for out of pocket but I am now wondering if I can get reimbursed for from VA Medicare or TRICARE for example Wheeled walkers? Thanks again greatly appreciate it.
Although most of what is said is true, it is somewhat misleading. If you enroll in a PPO Medicare Advantage plan you don’t need pre-authorizations to see specialists. Although it is true you want to stay within network, as long as the medical office is willing to bill out of network, between MA and Tricare, there can still is no out of pocket expenses. You also do not have to be reimbursed by Tricare. The medical office can and should bill Tricare directly meaning that patients do not have to be reimbursed. People do not need a MA program but if there is no interruption in medical care, a MA plan does add additional benefits at no cost.
Thank you for the article. Part 2 of this subject would be great. I currently have FEHB. I retired from the reserves so I qualify for Tricare at age 60. At age 65, I qualify for Tricare for Life. What are the pros and cons of signing up for part b, keeping FEHB, and keeping TFL at 65. It seems that since TFL is free at 65 that I should keep FEHB to maximize coverage. If I have part b, TFL, and FEHB. Who pays first, second, third???
Thank you! I do have a question as I currently have Tricare Prime, and a retiree plan that I do not have to pay for other than for auditory, dental, and vision. How does that impact as things to go with tricare for life and original Medicare. The medical plan is part of my retirement benefits/package. But this ads a confusing aspect.
Can you give me your opinion on selecting medigap through that company that you have chosen for your workplace health care coverage? I am thinking it may be the best choice only because it is part of that military veteran type coverage that does such a good job in other areas of insurance coverage. Wondering if it is pretty much a no-brainer for those qualified. (But not qualified for TriCare.)
What is ( PATRIOT PLAN) ?? Something does not sound right I found this comment: ” I am retired Air Force and get all of my medical through the VA, I also have medicare because I payed for it. I now also have a Medicare advantage plan with United healthcare (Patriot plan). It includes dental, vision and hearing, I pay no premiums and no cost shares and it pays a portion of the Medicare premium. I also have Tricare for Life that covers what Medicare doesn’t.”
Beware, things aren’t always the way they appear! Notice how the gentleman is very nice and says he just wants to help. He says just call if you have any questions. I called their number and said that I was interested in part D, immediately, the agent Beth became very rude. I don’t think I have ever spoken to that level of a b-t-h in my life and I’m no spring chicken. She said we don’t answer questions from non customers. I said the reason I am calling is to potentially be a customer. She then rudely said this conversation is over and before she hung up I said “so you don’t sell Part D”, she said I could self enroll but they only sell the more expensive suppliment and that she didn’t make money talking to me so the conversation is over. I said “I’m going to tell people on Social media how rude you people are”. She laughed and said “I don’t care, go ahead” and hung up the phone on me. First of all, I didn’t care if she answered my questions or not. I was trying to figure out what business they are in, in other words what they sold? Did you notice how in the articles, the gentleman constantly tries to sell you on the advantage of suppliment insurance and criticizes all other forms of insurance? That is what they sell, only suppliment insurance. As she said, if she isn’t selling that, she isn’t making money and if she isn’t making money from you, you are as worthless to them as used toilet paper. So what does this mean to you? First of all, I wouldn’t suggest trusting the bias opinions in these articles of suppliment insurance.
I have had TRICARE for life, since I retired from the Army 1 Sep 2006. Because TRICARE wants to pay 2nd, they told me that I have to have MEDICARE or MEDICADE in order to keep TRICARE. I have so much coverage that it makes no sense. 100% VA, Social Security Disability and TRICARE; I will love to cancel that $165 with no penalties. Plus I live overseas and I never use it; I only use TRICARE For Life in the Country where I live. Thanks for the article
I’m retired military with Tricare Select and had also enrolled in VA health care until I disenrolled due to having both was costing me too much compared to having just Tricare alone. When you have both Tricare and VA health care, the civilian care medical bills go to VA first as first payer and if not paid by VA then Tricare would pay as secondary. I was admitted to the hospital multiple times over 1 1/2 years for heart failure and when I enrolled in VA healthcare it was paying more than Tricare previously paid to the hospital. The reason being was I started getting higher bills from the VA to pay versus the very small co-pays I previously paid under Tricare. I asked my hospital could they select Tricare instead of VA for reimbursement and they stated that by law that VA is first payer over Tricare when you had both. That made my decision easy to disenroll from VA health care. Also my local civilian hospital is only 5 minutes away from where I live and the nearest VA hospital is 2 hours away so there was no option to switch my care location anyway.
The STRAIGHT answer I need, is will TRICARE go away if I don’t sign up to spend a lot of extra money on MEDICARE coverage? I didn’t think that was possible, but if it IS like that -I AM GOING TO BE VERY DISSAPOINTED and ANGRY The majority of my medical care comes from the VA, but I live in the country and an emergency or Doctors visit for some reason is possible All of the messages and offers I have gotten are confuscatory and threatening, this is not acceptable. There needs to be an absolutely plain explanation There, I put it plainly I fear that I need to go old school, and take care of myself
Don’t know if Tricare For Life is part of the Community Care Act under VA auspices. I’m a 70 year old veteran with two major health issues, 2 years running, and under the above mentioned CCA have yet to spend one red cent for ALL, except a small prescription co-pay, non-VA diagnostic and hospitalization care. A very good deal in my book. Unless, you want to shell out for Medicare B and Medigap.
I am 100% VA disabled veteran. I use the VA healthcare system and my spouse uses the Tricare health system. Does she need to enroll in Medicare Part B when she turns 65? She does not work so I assumed she will have to pay the lower fees, or is Medicare look into my income to come up with the amount she will need to pay? Thank you for the information.
he biggest issue I have with the whole system is that my wife has been on tricare since I retire from the military, and at 65 she is just dumped. Now I have to go out and find an advantage plan for her. AND if we move overseas like we are planning, I have to go out and find a plan to cover her because TFL overseas only covers me.
I am eligible for VA Healthcare due to a disability. I will be 65 next year. If I decide to move where there is not a local VA and the Advantage Plan I originally signed up for is no longer providing a network you can get screwed. So why not go with one of the Supplemental Plans like N, High deductible N or k,l? In such a scenario, you would have a wider range of doctors available.
What is this about a VA friendly medicare supplement? I have VA and use it exclusively so far but also have a Blue Cross & Blue Shield medicare supplement. I want it just in case I ever need it. I am 90% with the VA. I don’t really want to get tied into an Advantage plan either because you will be in a network system then.
The biggest issue I have seen with Tricare for Life and Medicare is the general ineptitude of government agents. My wife has never worked; she’s turning 65 next month but I don’t turn 65 for nearly 6 years. I talked with reps from Medicare- Twice, and with Tricare once, and the Social Security office once. Amazingly, I got essentially 4 stories, and the Tricare gave the response that made the least sense ; more or less said that all I needed was a disapproval from Medicare in writing … So, after a discussion at the Social Security office, they informed me that I needed to sign her up for Part B, which required another interview and have already mailed in my first payment. Do I need to go back to the Social Security office and get her signed up for Medicare Part A for her to get the Tricare for Life benefits ? Am I likely going to have to shuck out an additional wad of cash for Part A as well in the process ? And no, they did not sign her up for Part A. And yes, I have and am continuing to work at this time; 14909 days since my last period of “not working”
I am 63 and currently have FEHB (BlueCross BlueShield Federal) and Tricare. I don’t want part B but I am told that Tricare requires me to have part B in order to get Tricare for Life at age 65. My FEHB has vision, dental, and pharmacy already. Can someone tell me what the best strategy is for my circumstances?
My parents are on tri care for life my father is retired military. He’s in his 80’s. He has tri care as his primary and medicare. He says that if he has tricare that he is not allowed to and doesn’t want to use Medicare. He thinks he earned tri care and thinks Medicare is for free loaders per say. I noticed Medicare Advantage pays for things that tri care does not. I am so confused