Would you elect Tricare medical benefits over other FEHB coverage, if given the option as a full-time Federal civil servant?

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:05:58 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 2:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:12:20 -0500

I'm a MilTech and I'm perfectly happy with the BCBS that I have for FEHB coverage. I suppose it really all depends on where you're located though.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Dec 29 at 2016 2:56 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:56:31 -0500

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member At the same cost the traditional DSG gets it- hell yes. I had the same BCBS working for another government agency- they picked up a larger portion of that tab and it was substantial coming into the Guard how much more I picked up. Include vision and dental on the other agency at less cost and I would have no issue with BCBS. Whomever negotiated the FEBH portion for ours was sleeping and most likely had a lobbyist pay them. I had a BCBS rep that is a family member take our coverage book and the first response was I thought you guys were not allowed to do drugs- because the person responsible for your package was very high or had no idea what they were doing. So in short- I would take Tri-care if they would give us the same deal as the DGSs.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 3:34 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 15:34:42 -0500

Absolutely, but as a MilTech I can't. Or get any bonuses, but it is what it is.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Dec 29 at 2016 5:21 PM

SFC Bill Snyder — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 17:21:02 -0500

I have Tricare-for-Life which is good with a caveat. It tends to follow Obamacare on degree of treatment you can get. If Medicare authorizes the care, Tricare takes care of the remainder after Medicare pays. As you get older treatment for certain conditions are extremely limited or stop. Almost like things have to go thru the "Death Board" before its approved. It seems that its cheaper for Social Security to pay the death benefit then pay for treatment.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 30 at 2016 7:37 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 07:37:50 -0500

Given my proximity to a base, I would opt for TRICARE.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 30 at 2016 10:57 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 10:57:30 -0500

I was on FEHB for a long time and then TriCare when I turned 60. Didn't notice a difference in care because I saw the same doc, took care of the same stuff, had the same copay, BUT didn't shell out the FEHB money every paycheck. I'm sure at some level, some of the FEHB plans might provide something at a lower copay, but they've been pretty much similar nowadays due to competition and OPM requirements and restrictions. BTW you'll see the "TriCare meets ACA Minimums" stuff primarily so you can list it on your income tax filing. In reality, it exceeds the minimums in many areas and is similar to the Gold/Platinum plans. So for the time being, I don't pay premiums. Things change up a bit when I turn 65 and have to go Medicare primary and TriCare secondary.

Response by MSG Laura Washington made Apr 24 at 2017 2:16 PM

MSG Laura Washington — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:16:23 -0400

It would depend - depending on the Federal Agency you work for, this dictates your choices health care plans. Do a cost benefits analysis. Things to consider when deciding - do you need vision, if yes, is it included or additional; premium for individual and family; proximity of a Military Treatment Facility (MTF); your priority of care at the MTF, branch of service of the MTF - this may be a factor for priority of care and whether you qualify for Prime/Prime Remote; current medical needs - are your current medical providers members/participants of the TRICARE network; premiums, cost shares, and I can think of several others.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 10 at 2019 7:22 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 19:22:39 -0400

YES!