Is re enrolling in TRICARE prime worth it after I medical retirement?

2019-03-20T11:38:48-04:00

I don’t live near any military installation

Response by SSG Michael Taylor made Mar 20 at 2019 11:42 AM

2019-03-20T11:42:46-04:00

It's Wall Street CEO level health insurance for a fraction of the cost. Sign up and use it.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 20 at 2019 12:04 PM

2019-03-20T12:04:59-04:00

You don't have to live near a Military facility, Civilian Doctors and Hospitals take Tri Care. It would not be a good move to drop Tri Care, its legitimate health insurance which You still need. If You have any questions call Tri Care, they will answer them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2019 12:10 PM

2019-03-20T12:10:16-04:00

Yes. My spouse uses it, as I mainly use the VA.
However, I used it for a medical emergency leading to a 5-day stay in a local medical center. It saved me from battling VA to cover costs, and I had only $18 out of pocket for a >$40,000 stay.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Mar 20 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-03-20T12:12:11-04:00

It's absolutely the best deal out there IF you live in an area where are military facilities available. I live in the National Capital region and I have about 15 different places I can choose from. It is terrific!

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 20 at 2019 12:29 PM

2019-03-20T12:29:02-04:00

Yes, it is!

Great coverage for cents on the dollar compared to ever other comercial insurance.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Mar 20 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-03-20T12:56:45-04:00

Yes, very much worth it and then some.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 20 at 2019 4:35 PM

2019-03-20T16:35:59-04:00

Yes, it is good insurance that takes care of you and your family at very low cost. Thank you for your service.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2019 5:14 PM

2019-03-20T17:14:09-04:00

Does camp Humphrey have wrestling or jiu jitzu?

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Mar 21 at 2019 6:27 AM

2019-03-21T06:27:46-04:00

$61 dollar copayment for a $7000 trip to the emergency room for my son. Most employee based insurance would only cover 80%, after you have met your deductible for the year. I have actually heard a parent of one of my kids' friends say, "I would take him to the emergency room, but I am not sure if it is worth the $1200." You will never have to say that with TRICARE.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 21 at 2019 5:40 PM

2019-03-21T17:40:04-04:00

It is definitely worth it if you live in an area that has Prime coverage. Less out of pocket costs and (usually) no pre-authorizations for treatment are required.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 21 at 2019 6:02 PM

2019-03-21T18:02:05-04:00

I live about 30 minutes from Fort Campbell. My wife has a PCM on Campbell and most of her care is through there. But for emergency room we go 5 minutes away to the local hospital - and it is covered with a minimal copay. (Would be free on Campbell, but sometimes you don't have 30 minutes...) For that alone, it is worth it.

I understand you don't have a MTF near you, but if you check with Tricare you probably have a network provider to assign as your PCM. It will be more expensive for you, sure, but having those low copays plus cost of prime are probably cheaper than not having prime at all.

Response by MSgt Stephen Brent Willson, Global MBA made Mar 25 at 2019 6:09 PM

2019-03-25T18:09:49-04:00

Go to the Tricare website and see if you live in a Prime area. If you do, definitely worth it, if not Standard is the best option since you would have to drive to the nearest Prime area.