Sunday, July 12, 2009

How much health insurance coverage do I get as a military spouse

How much health insurance coverage do I get as a military spouse?
I am a newly married Air Force wife. I am currently enrolled for TriCare North Standard coverage for health insurance. Does anybody out there have TriCare North Standard coverage and know what the whole package is like? I heard that if i go to any military base medical facility, all my medical coverage would be free. What if I were to have a doctor's appointment off-base? Also, does this cover dental costs too? I am just trying to fully grasp what me insurance does and does not cover so I can be prepared in the future.
Military - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
why not go on base and use the free health care.
2 :
Put in your info and see what exactly is covered. But basically anything you go to a military facility for is 100% covered. You need to have referrals to see civilian docs. Any questions call customer support, they are friendly and will answer all your questions. http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ You can see the dental coverage on there as well. The dental is not that great for dependents.Make sure your hubby signed you up for it, this coverage is optional. Tri-Care is automatic.
3 :
In general the rule is off base appointments, Tricare usually covers 70-80% depending on what program you are currently under (Prime or Standard). There are specific things that are covered at different rates. A lot of things require you to get an approval first. Dental is actually a separate program called United Concordia that you enroll in separately. You are better off going to the base hospital's TRICARE office, or their web page. They have a booklet that lists what needs approval and what treatments are covered at what rates. There is also a deductible cap. For Standard it used to be 1000.00 in one year, I don't know if it has changed or not. This means that as you pay your 20% or so, once your cost reaches $1000.00 they pay 100%. There is also special prices for off post prescriptions. It used to be $3 for generic and $9 for name brand. This may have changed also. Bottom line, it is best to go to the web page or office to get that booklet.
4 :
what you need to do is call tricare or go on line and find out what Tircare North Standard covers, you wil have to choose between Prime or Standard, It will give a better understanding of your health coverage.
5 :
if you have Standard you have co pays and a deductable. only PRIME is completely free when seen on base/ In network Proividers. and using the base Pharmacy. to be seen off base it must be your assigned Primary Care Manager or your PCM must have referred you to a specialist. Dental is comepletly seperate has a monthly cost plus co pays of up to 80%. 2 cleanings( 6 months apart) and one exam and set of xrays are fully covered per year.
6 :
Register for Tricare PRIME. Once you are are in that system, you will not pay for any medical treatment. Ever. All treatment at a military treatment facility will be free. Emergency room visits/ambulance: free. Your prescriptions will be free. No co-pays, no deductibles, no monthly payments. NOTHING. If you need an appointment off-base, you contact your Primary Care Provider at the military treatment facility and ask for a referral. You need to enroll in Tricare PRIME. It's the best health coverage in the U.S, since you won't pay a dime.
7 :
tomato, apple,orange etc

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