Tricare are VS VA health care what truly is the difference ?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:08:51 -0400

I am a new retiree, and after consistently being seen at the local MTF's, my coworkers informed me that VA health care might be better. So i decided to give it a try. I was amazed on how receptive the VA doctor was to my needs. Now besides it taking almost 3 months to see your PCM on the VA side, what truly is the difference between the VA health care and Tricare ? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SFC Jay Perry made Mar 18 at 2014 9:13 AM

SFC Jay Perry — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:13:33 -0400

The VA Medical System being swamped with outpatients is a great downside to the treatment it provides. Yes, it does take three months between visits, however, it is a valuable medical safety net!

Response by PO3 Candace Gracik made May 6 at 2014 10:18 PM

PO3 Candace Gracik — Tue, 06 May 2014 22:18:19 -0400

The wait time is a huge factor when needing medical attention. When on Tri-care you can see a civilian doctor if your military physician cannot meet your needs. In VA health care they rarely allow you to see outside physicians. The other main concern is medication most prescriptions do not last long enough between one appointment to the next so our vets are going without life saving drugs. My spouse was hospitalized 46 days last year because he ran out of medication which caused kido acidosis, pancreatitus and his diabetes to affect motor functions.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made May 6 at 2014 11:59 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Tue, 06 May 2014 23:59:25 -0400

I am currently with the VA hospital in Newington, CT. And I was seen within 2 months after applying. It took almost a year before I found out I was 10% for tinitus. But I saw a Dr. like I said within 2 months after I applied. I was glad it turned out that way. Because I was concerned that I maybe on the waiting list for months to see a Dr. but it was not that way. It maybe different at different VA hospitals since they may have a higher degree of both vets and military retirees. Now with tricare, it is beneficial for your dependents since they really can not see a VA Dr. But you can still use it too. Also, remember that if you are near a military installation, you can use their hospital too.

I should point out that I am going to my yearly appointment at the VA soon. That is great.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 28 at 2014 8:36 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 08:36:58 -0400

Service connected is the VA. All other medical is not unless the VA is your primary care. With Tricare being your Primary Care, you can use the VA online website to coordinate...doctor to doctor...this is new.

Response by David Serovski made Jul 29 at 2021 5:10 PM

David Serovski — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 17:10:07 -0400

It's great that there are really good professionals to take care of your well-being. I was very worried about this. Since there are no guarantees, if a person cannot help himself, the medical staff must come to him. But how do you know that everything will be in good faith?