Re: Tricare Military Retiree Health Care

On Tue, 02 Dec 2003 01:11:19 GMT, Merry Stahel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:

>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

I am retired military and utilize TriCare for Life.  I had my choice
in selecting my primary care provider.  I am no longer near a Military
Hospital but am not far from a VA Hospital.  However, I chose a local
civilian Medical Office.  The PA who works there is the same one who I
knew when we were both active duty.

Under Tricare I would normally have to pay a small co-pay on my meds
but the Navy has a branch Pharmacy not far from my home so I am
getting my meds there without a co-pay.

I am very well pleased with Tri-Care-For Life.  

Old_Timer