Posted on Nov 6, 2018
How do you avoid a gap in health insurance at ETS?
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It's too late for me, I think, but I'm wondering if I did something wrong. I realized I'd need health insurance when Tricare coverage ended, so I started looking for plans. The Marketplace tells me I can't get coverage until I submit a letter stating my previous coverage has ended. DEERS says I can't get that letter until after I actually ETS. Once I do get the letter and apply, I can't get coverage until the beginning of next month at best. Is there any way to avoid this situation?
Obamacare
Insurance
ETS/EAS
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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It gets squirrelly because you are still partially covered as a Vet. You'll want to go to the DeptVA website and look at the VHA links to see what your actual coverage is and what your priority group is. As SSG Carlos Madden mentioned, there is some secondary coverage, but I am not sure if it was Tricare of VA related.
https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/apply/veterans.asp
"Served in a Theater of Operations for 5 years post discharge."
I believe this applies to you
https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/apply/veterans.asp
"Served in a Theater of Operations for 5 years post discharge."
I believe this applies to you
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SSG Carlos Madden
"Served in a Theater of Operations for 5 years post discharge." Ah. Thats what I fell under. I still get the state exemption though.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
SSG Carlos Madden - I had to go and look it up. I have a low rating so I have coverage making me exempt from PPACA requirements, but I knew there were some wonky ones for everyone... But when you read the list, it make's your brain tweak... Like:
"Served in the Persian Gulf from August 2, 1990 to November 11, 1998."
"Served in the Persian Gulf from August 2, 1990 to November 11, 1998."
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When I got out I think I was covered by Tricare for 6 months after I came off AD. That'll help fill the gap. Obviously being covered in case you need health care is the primary concern but if you're also worried about being covered to comply with state or federal laws you may have an exemption via the VA. For example, in MA I never had to worry about a gap in health care because the VA has sent me a letter. When I filed my taxes online, it just asked "Are you a veteran?" and skips the proof of health care steps.
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