How do you avoid a gap in health insurance at ETS?

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 06:04:07 -0500

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?

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Nov 6 at 2018 12:01 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:01:32 -0500

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.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Nov 6 at 2018 2:28 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 14:28:11 -0500

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

veterans.asp

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Nov 6 at 2018 3:00 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 15:00:28 -0500

I retired from the Army so that wasn't a gap.