What is the best family health plan after retirement that is affordable?

2019-05-18T08:24:11-04:00

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made May 18 at 2019 8:42 AM

2019-05-18T08:42:11-04:00

That depends on a myriad of variables. First would be are you able to continue your group plan when you retire? Are you eligible for tricare, etc.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made May 18 at 2019 9:19 AM

2019-05-18T09:19:07-04:00

If are going to be a gray area retiree, you will want to get insurance through civilian employment until you turn age 60 or when you are eligible to begin receiving pension payments.

If you're eligible for active duty retirement, Tricare is the best option.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made May 18 at 2019 11:12 AM

2019-05-18T11:12:21-04:00

There is no best-plan-to-rule-them-all for all Guard and Reserve post military retirement, because the rules for Guard and Reserve are very different from Active Duty. That being said, the only unique options for Guard and Reserve are Tricare Reserve Select and VA Health Care. If you do not qualify for either of those, then the best health plan is whatever is available on the Healthcare.gov market or your state's veterans benefits. I am not aware of any health care benefits at the state level, but it never hurts to check.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made May 19 at 2019 9:25 AM

2019-05-19T09:25:59-04:00

I have had Tricare for some time now and never had a problem in covering most medical expenses. In considering a suitable medical insurance, the most important thing I look at is catastrophic coverage, which includes deductibles and limits. The next is age and children. When I was young and single, all I carried was catastrophic insurance. As a young man in his 20's, heck I was immortal. As an older man, perhaps in his late 30's and early 40's the feeling of immortality wanes a bit, as well others depending on me for my survival and their medical needs Therefore, I increased and changed my insurance coverage to suit my personal situation.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 19 at 2019 9:30 AM

2019-05-19T09:30:01-04:00

HMO. Tricare for life.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 20 at 2019 12:36 PM

2019-05-20T12:36:24-04:00

Tricare. Start looking into enrollment no later than two weeks prior to retirement date.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made May 21 at 2019 11:26 AM

2019-05-21T11:26:41-04:00

Tricare Prime works great IF you are in an area with lots of military bases, hospitals, etc. I live in the NCR and Tricare Prime is perfect for me.