Tricare Military Retiree Health Care

Well, DH and I took the plunge.  We signed up for Tricare, for the
first time.   We had Tricare for a short time when he first retired,
until he got his new job's health benefits.  Tricare service left a
lot to be desired back then - long waits for routine care and frequent
bumping of appointments because active duty had precedence.  

Let me say I'm so impressed now.  We went in to the local military
base hospital to "activate" our Military Treatment Facility (MTF) as
Primary Care Manager (PCM).  

I explained I needed to make an appintment, as I had a sore throat,
possibly strep.  Appointment was made for later that evening.  Yep,
clinic is open until 8 pm!  As we were walking out to car, DH reminded
me I'd not have a car this evening, mine is in shop and he's teaching
a class.  Oops.  Went back in to change appointment to tomorrow -
young woman at desk asked why - I explained.  She said to wait, she'd
go see the doctor about squeezing me in today!  Sure enough, a few
minutes later, she came out and said the doctor could see me!  15
minutes later, I was in the doctor's office.  15 minutes after that,
the doctor was there to see me.  No strep.  I explained another issue
I've been having and doctor said, no problem, lets do bloodwork.  I
expected to be given paperwork.  But no.  She said walk down to Lab
and by the time I got there, they'd have the orders in the computer of
what she wanted done.  Oh, and then go to the pharmacy, located down
the hall, and get my cough suppressant prescription.  NO PAPERWORK.

I did what she said.  5 minutes after arriving at Lab, I was in for
bloodwork.  5 minutes after that, I had my prescription.

While DH waited for me, he got HIS prescription filled AND he stood in
line for the free flu shots they were giving out!  

No hassles.  No paperwork.  Quick doctor appointment.  

I filled out a comment card, stated the names of the folk who helped
me and told the management I was suitably impressed.  

Tricare has certainly changed!  I will be signing up again when the
quarter is over, so much better than the insurance hassles we have
continually had with DH's work health insurance!  And no co-pays!

Of course, all this was routine care.  If we ever need more than that,
I'll have to evaluate the service again.  Mom and Pa are also
retirees, and Mom says her Tricare is wonderful, too.

Merry


-- 
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!
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