Posted on May 7, 2018
SPC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
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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?
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Responses: 3
CW3 Susan Burkholder
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Edited 6 y ago
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.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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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.
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SPC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
SPC (Join to see)
6 y
1SG, they labeled me as a federal technician. That is the answer I received from State HQ as well. I am hoping to find a solution that does not end up leaving me out a month and a half of pay. Especially with a new child on the way.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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6 y
SPC (Join to see) - Then you are stuck, unfortunately.
Last I looked (the problem persists as I am still in the USAR and a federal employee - albeit in a different agency) family coverage under TRS was $221.38 a month and similar coverage under FEHB was right around $1100/ month.
It was an easy decision to drop medical coverage altogether, as it is a straight up extortion. Even with big medical expenses on the horizon, it would take a LOT of expenses to make that cost/benefit analysis make sense.

I think it is a crime that USAR/ARNG members that happen to work for the USG get penalized in this way.
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SPC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
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6 y
As do I 1SG. Thank you for your input and hopefully I can find full time orders before the baby gets here.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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Have you gone through the admin?
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SPC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
SPC (Join to see)
6 y
I am working in the S1 at a Recruiting BN and did call State HQ, but they told me there was nothing I could do.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
6 y
That totally bites.
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