Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued a statement that says the TRICARE military health plan meets the standards set by the newly signed health care reform law. The law won't have a negative effect on TRICARE, which "already meets the bill's quality and minimum benefit standards."
Just to be extra certain that TRICARE beneficiaries are protected from any unintended adverse consequences of the national health care reform law, House lawmakers voted 403-0 this week to pass an exemption (HR 4887) for the health care coverage provided by the Defense Department to military service-members, retirees and their families. It would clarify the tax code to stipulate that TRICARE coverage provided by Defense is treated as minimal essential coverage, ensuring that servicemembers and their families will not need to purchase additional coverage or pay any penalty fees to meet the new health insurance requirements.
It's unknown what action the Senate may take on the House-passed exemption, but Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) introduced a companion bill and the White House has stated the new health care reform law will not adversely affect TRICARE and VA health care. But lawmakers fear that without explicit language, such assurances leave room for doubt.
Tricare Prime is not a "stand alone" plan. Tricare Prime is TRICARE Prime Supplemental Insurance Plan de¬signed to help pay your cost share and copayments under TRICARE (In-Network and Out-of-Network expenses). It was modeled as an HMO. Your Tricare Standard/Extra Plan is the base coverage.
Tricare Prime is a healthcare providing service. The services that they offer include health care benefits, vision, dental and pharmacy prescriptions.
Tricare prime from your husband is the primary and your federal employee insurance is secondary. It means whatever Tricare Prime does not cover, Blue Shield should pick it up. Ah, wrong. If you read the Tricare documentation, it clearly states if you have another health insurance company, Tricare is automatically the secondary. It doesn't matter who is the military member.
Yes, as long as you are under Tricare of any form(prime, standard, life). Tricare should cover it 100%.
No, I tried to get my prescription filled about a month ago and they said Tricare disapproved it. I am also retired
Medical insurance throughout all branches (Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy) is covered by Tricare. Then depending on your status would depend on what type of coverage would be given to you and your dependents (i.e., active duty = Tricare Prime or retired and collecting SSI = Tricare for Life). Currently, Tricare is contracted to Humana and Health Net but by sometime next year it will be contracted to Aetna and Humana.
There are several TRICARE plans available, primarily categorized into three main types: TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE for Life. In addition to these, there are specialized plans such as TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and TRICARE Young Adult. Each plan offers different coverage options and eligibility criteria based on the beneficiary’s status, such as active duty, retired, or family members. Overall, the specific number of plans can vary based on updates or changes to the program.
Having the option of choosing from two healthcare benefit systems makes you the envy of others. Life is good for you! There is really no need to pay for both. For those readers unfamiliar with TRICARE, it's a health benefit program for beneficiaries from the seven uniformed services. Eligibility is complex but it is generally provided to active duty service members, their families, and retirees like you. Specifically, TRICARE Prime is a health maintenance organization (HMO) health care plan where beneficiaries must choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals and authorizations for specialty care. The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program offers eligible employees and their family members a menu of choices, including HMOs, PPOs, and point-of-service plans. You will find the annual enrollment for TRICARE PRIME and its copayments are much less that most FEHB health care choices. See out of pocket example below. Of course there are other things to consider than just cost. Before the next open season you may want to look closely at the FEHB plans available in your area. They might cover services that TRICARE does not, or allow you to see providers that are not part of the TRICARE network. Bottom line: You are in a great position. If you're happy with the TRICARE service, then stay where you are. If not, you have another option with FEHB.
No, TRICARE for Life (TFL) primarily serves retirees and their eligible family members who are 65 years and older, as it acts as a secondary payer to Medicare. However, if your spouse is under 65, they would not be automatically covered by TRICARE for Life. Instead, they would typically be covered under TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, or another TRICARE plan, depending on their eligibility and enrollment status. It's essential to review the specific TRICARE plans available for spouses under 65 for the most accurate coverage details.
For the most part active duty service members have military medical care in military facilities. Under certain circumstances the military pays civilian medical facilities to provide care to active duty service members. The families of active duty military personnel have a health care plan called TRICARE Prime which is similar to an HMO. Active duty service members and their dependents do not pay premiums for health care or prescription medications. Retired service members and their dependents also have military medical care and TRICARE available to them, but must pay premiums for TRICARE Prime. TRICARE Standard, which is a cost sharing plan, is also available to retired service members and their dependents. Once service members and their spouses turn 65 years of age and are covered by Medicare, TRICARE for Life acts as supplemental insurance for Medicare. Premiums for Medicare, Part B now vary by income.
PROBABLY THE HOSPITAL IN SAN ANTONIO THE MILITARY ONE BAMC PROBABLY THE HOSPITAL IN SAN ANTONIO THE MILITARY ONE BAMC
Premium Essentials for Health & Wellness