Tricare Plus

Author Message   Dakota Ray Senior Member Username: Rhammer Post Number: 465 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 69.62.147.217 Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 01:54 am:    Hi Dave, Carole and Jim. I would expect more posts in the near future. The message was mostly a "heads up" of something I had not heard of before. Of course I was not looking. Tricare Plus was a surprise to me. I am still under Tricare Prime for 2+ years and agree with all your comments. I really can't see an advantage over Tricare for Live. I certain do realize the implications of the current Health care situation. Any and most things will change!!!!!   Jim Hunt Intermediate Member Username: Jhunt66 Post Number: 97 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.31.169.240 Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 01:33 am:    Ray: See http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/SpecialPrograms/Plus Be sure you are well-informed re Tricare Plus. This unique aspect of Tricare applies ONLY when your local MTF (Military Treatment Facility)- and ONLY that particular facility - services are available to you and authorized in advance for your use. It is NOT a substitute for Tricare Prime, which remains in full force and effect alongside Tricare Plus. Simply put, Plus gets you treatment in the MTF with no out of pocket costs. However, it does not guarantee specialty care beyond the scope of the MTF -- that is handled by Prime (with the usual co-pays and limitations.) At age 65, Tricare requires you to enroll in Medicare A and B (and pay the Part B premium - currently $110/month), Tricare For Life (TFL) becomes second payer, subject to Medicare rules and payment rates. That could limit the providers who will accept you under TFL. With Plus (if you are eligible and authorized to use the MTF), you don't have to worry about acceptance at Medicare rates, but you still have to enroll in Part B and pay the premium. Under "Obama-Care", the Medicare rate thing is becoming a huge deal, with many providers backing away from military retirees and their TFL -- because it carries with it the Medicare limitations and the new (and reduced) payment rates. This is a hugely confusing subject. Hope this helps.   Carole G Advanced Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 251 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 01:23 am:    You should be in perfect shape with Tricare for Life. You pay no fees, at least up to now we don't. That is subject to change. My husband and I have been on Medicare with Tricare for Life for 3/2 yrs. We don't pay a deductible on Medicare because Tricare for Life pays it. My husband had rotator cuff surgery with rehab for about 6 weeks and we did not have to pay anything. We consider ourselves very fortunate and never take it for granted.   Dave Nosek Intermediate Member Username: Waterman15 Post Number: 57 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 134.215.253.245 Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 01:14 am:    Sounds to me like it may be some kind of supplement to standard tricare benifits. I've not heard of it at least by that name but you might want to check out the tricare site and see if you can find any information. Personally I have been on TFL for about 6 months and have found it to be more than sufficient for my needs. My doctors do accept medicare and the TFL is automaticly processed when they file for the services. The few things I have had to have done so far have been covered 100% and I haven't even seen a bill. I do get a statement but that is about all. Would definitly do as much research as I could before I made any major changes but as I said I am so far happy with TFL.   Dakota Ray Senior Member Username: Rhammer Post Number: 464 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 69.62.147.217 Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 12:30 am:    This could be Oldd news, New news or no news at all! I don't remember any comments about it. I was at the Tricare office at McClellan today and asked some questions about Medicare and how I would fit in. The office was really busy and I did not take the time to question all the answers. I have 3 years to 65 and Medicare but I try to stay ahead of the situation. She indicted that there is now a program called Tricare Plus. I had not heard of it but did Google it and got some basic info. I don't remember it being discussed here and excuse me if it was. She seemed to have basic info but we did not have time to exchange info because of many other people in the office. Is this new and have you enrolled? What are the benefits over Tricare for Life?? It appears to be only for certain areas of the country. It may be info that could work for you depending on the area and benefits? Happy Trails.