Is there a way for an indefinite technician to get Tricare for his pregnant spouse?

2018-05-07T07:49:18-04:00

I currently work as an indefinite technician for the MOARNG. Being a technician means I am a federal employee and ineligible to have Tricare. This was not a major concern when I began the job and took a high deductible government health plan. Now my wife is pregnant with our 3rd child and this health insurance will cost 1 and 1/2 months of my full pay. Is there anyone who knows a way to get at least my wife on tricare while I am a technician?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 7 at 2018 8:08 AM

2018-05-07T08:08:25-04:00

Have you gone through the admin?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 9:09 AM

2018-05-07T09:09:51-04:00

Are you a federal or state MILTECH?
If federal, no you are stuck and cannot use Tricare Reserve Select.
If employed by the state, it would depend on state law.

I ran into the same thing when I was a MILTECH; health insurance with nearly the same coverage (give or take some copays) was a full TRIPLE for FEHB than it was under TRS. For no other reason than because some law said so.

Response by CW3 Susan Burkholder made May 8 at 2018 2:13 PM

2018-05-08T14:13:21-04:00

You weren't "labeled" a federal technician, you were hired (you willingly applied) for a job whose benefits are provided for by laws under United States Code; Title 32.

There are certain qualifying life events which allows you to change your coverage. Birth of a child is one. So, this means you should be able to pick a cheaper FEHB plan now - outside of open enrollment season.
Life comes at you fast - which you are learning

For some reason my entire post does not show - earlier I responded from my ipad.

The rest: Your health benefits from the federal government are much better than most offered in private industry. More coverage and cheaper. Adjusting to the cost would be a lot easier if you dropped the entitlement attitude. The only other employer I know of that offers better coverage at lower cost is the United States Post Office. I personally would not trade being a federal technician with FEHB for postal work. The post office is a horrible employer.