The Obama administration on Friday threatened to veto a defense appropriations bill in part because it does not include higher health care fees for members of the military.

“The Administration is disappointed that the Congress did not incorporate the requested TRICARE fee initiatives into either the appropriation or authorization legislation,” the White House wrote in an official policy statement expressing opposition to the bill, which the House approved in May.

President Obama’s most recent budget proposal includes billions of dollars in higher fees for members of TRICARE, the military health care system, and is part of the administration’s plan to cut nearly $500 billion from the Pentagon’s budget.

Some fear the administration’s proposal is an effort to increase enrollment in the state-run insurance exchanges mandated under the president’s controversial health care law.

The administration urged the House to “reconsider” to fee increase, arguing they are “essential for DOD to successfully address rising personnel costs.”

The House bill has significant bipartisan support, and easily passed by a margin of 299 to 120.

Obama to Soldiers: Pay Up | Washington Free Beacon (http://freebeacon.com/obama-to-soldiers-pay-up/)

The Obama administration on Friday threatened to veto a defense appropriations bill in part because it does not include higher health care fees for members of the military.

“The Administration is disappointed that the Congress did not incorporate the requested TRICARE fee initiatives into either the appropriation or authorization legislation,” the White House wrote in an official policy statement expressing opposition to the bill, which the House approved in May.

President Obama’s most recent budget proposal includes billions of dollars in higher fees for members of TRICARE, the military health care system, and is part of the administration’s plan to cut nearly $500 billion from the Pentagon’s budget.

Some fear the administration’s proposal is an effort to increase enrollment in the state-run insurance exchanges mandated under the president’s controversial health care law.

The administration urged the House to “reconsider” to fee increase, arguing they are “essential for DOD to successfully address rising personnel costs.”

The House bill has significant bipartisan support, and easily passed by a margin of 299 to 120.

Obama to Soldiers: Pay Up | Washington Free Beacon (http://freebeacon.com/obama-to-soldiers-pay-up/)

Cha-Ching! Another issue for November 6th, 2012.

Soldiers to Obama - November 6th, November 6th, Noh-vem-burr 6th.....

I'm under Medicare and Tricare for Life. Wonder how they are gonna screw me on this.

I'm under Medicare and Tricare for Life. Wonder how they are gonna screw me on this.

The question should be, how long your life should be, and whether any choice made by you would be relevant under this monstrosity.

Think about it. Please. Tell all. Especially all those you know that voted for this current jerk in the WH.....

November 6th, November 6th, Noh-vem-burr 6th....

I signed on the line and gave 22yrs of my life to this country with a promise of retirement pay and affordable healthcare for life after I retire. Now this administration wants to change the deal? Bull $h1t!!!!!

Go ahead change the deal, but not for those who did thier time. Take away retirement, raise heathcare fees for the military and we'll see how many volunteer to serve this great country.

November 6th, November 6th, Noh-vem-burr 6th.... can't come soon enough!

I signed on the line and gave 22yrs of my life to this country with a promise of retirement pay and affordable healthcare for life after I retire. Now this administration wants to change the deal? Bull $h1t!!!!!

Go ahead change the deal, but not for those who did thier time. Take away retirement, raise heathcare fees for the military and we'll see how many volunteer to serve this great country.

November 6th, November 6th, Noh-vem-burr 6th.... can't come soon enough!

Please, please, please - rekindle all your connections, family and friends, reactivate all acquaintances to what is happening.

VOTE. VOTE. VOTE. NOVEMBER 6TH. And I do love my Noh-vem-burr 6th.....

Get this jerk out of the WH. Along with his lip-synching, butt-bumping, groin-grinding minions......

And those are just in the general media......

As a retiree covered under Tricare, I'm certainly appreciative of the benefits I am fortunate to be able to take advantage of, and I support continued efforts from ALL sides to care for our Vets and repay them for their selfless service to Our Great Nation.

Equally, I recognize that Our Great Nation's economic woes put our status of Great Nation in jeopardy more and more each day. As the economy worsens, it's impact on EVERY aspect of our lives increases, and the hole gets deeper. The choices we can make today are likely to be far less painful than those that will be forced upon us if we do nothing for another 5 or 10 years.

As an overall benefits package, Tricare continues to be ridiculously INexpensive compared to vitually every other plan in existance. Considering the number of people covered by Tricare and the cost of implementing, managing and maintaining the quality we ALL expect our Vets to receive, it's not difficult to understand that if the fees never increase while the costs related to the program do, it's going to suffer greatly. That will undoubtedly lead to decreased benefits, reduced quality, and myriad other troubles not only for our Vets and their families, but for the program (and our Military) as a whole. There must be balance, and if the fees don't keep up with the costs, the whole thing will fall. Likewise, you get what you pay for.

As for who's to blame for the proposed increases, this isn't Obama's idea. It started with a couple of Senators (among them John McCain) who, under pressure from the Tricare lobby (that's right) introduced the bill. Of course, there's no holding Obama blameless since his economic cluster**** has made the proposed increases necessary. Unfortunately for all involved, if the fees aren't increased, Obama's economic policies have made it impossible to secure the money from any other source.

Legislatively, I'd like to see the bill stand on its own, rather than be attached to some other legislation like the Congress is habitually prone to do. Additionally, the legislation needs to include cost-saving measures (fighting fraud and waste, etc) in order to keep any fee increase to its absolute minimum.

I'm very fortunate in that I could afford a fee increase with virtually no impact on my economic situation, and would be more than willing to do so if it plays a role in keeping the Tricare program as great as it is or better. I do understand, tho, that not everybody is in the same situation, so their reluctance to have the fees increased would be greater than mine. But at some point, we have to recognize that something (or someone) has got to give. If not, something will be taken.

The Obama administration on Friday threatened to veto a defense appropriations bill in part because it does not include higher health care fees for members of the military.

“The Administration is disappointed that the Congress did not incorporate the requested TRICARE fee initiatives into either the appropriation or authorization legislation,” the White House wrote in an official policy statement expressing opposition to the bill, which the House approved in May.

President Obama’s most recent budget proposal includes billions of dollars in higher fees for members of TRICARE, the military health care system, and is part of the administration’s plan to cut nearly $500 billion from the Pentagon’s budget.

Some fear the administration’s proposal is an effort to increase enrollment in the state-run insurance exchanges mandated under the president’s controversial health care law.

The administration urged the House to “reconsider” to fee increase, arguing they are “essential for DOD to successfully address rising personnel costs.”

The House bill has significant bipartisan support, and easily passed by a margin of 299 to 120.

Obama to Soldiers: Pay Up | Washington Free Beacon (http://freebeacon.com/obama-to-soldiers-pay-up/)Knew this was coming as soon as they blessed obamacare. It's automatic to squeeze money from the military. They don't get much of a paycheck as it is, they have to pay for
Tricare and the gov't / obamy wants more. What a bunch of crap.

As a retiree covered under Tricare, I'm certainly appreciative of the benefits I am fortunate to be able to take advantage of, and I support continued efforts from ALL sides to care for our Vets and repay them for their selfless service to Our Great Nation.

Equally, I recognize that Our Great Nation's economic woes put our status of Great Nation in jeopardy more and more each day. As the economy worsens, it's impact on EVERY aspect of our lives increases, and the hole gets deeper. The choices we can make today are likely to be far less painful than those that will be forced upon us if we do nothing for another 5 or 10 years.

As an overall benefits package, Tricare continues to be ridiculously INexpensive compared to vitually every other plan in existance. Considering the number of people covered by Tricare and the cost of implementing, managing and maintaining the quality we ALL expect our Vets to receive, it's not difficult to understand that if the fees never increase while the costs related to the program do, it's going to suffer greatly. That will undoubtedly lead to decreased benefits, reduced quality, and myriad other troubles not only for our Vets and their families, but for the program (and our Military) as a whole. There must be balance, and if the fees don't keep up with the costs, the whole thing will fall. Likewise, you get what you pay for.

As for who's to blame for the proposed increases, this isn't Obama's idea. It started with a couple of Senators (among them John McCain) who, under pressure from the Tricare lobby (that's right) introduced the bill. Of course, there's no holding Obama blameless since his economic cluster*** has made the proposed increases necessary. Unfortunately for all involved, if the fees aren't increased, Obama's economic policies have made it impossible to secure the money from any other source.

Legislatively, I'd like to see the bill stand on its own, rather than be attached to some other legislation like the Congress is habitually prone to do. Additionally, the legislation needs to include cost-saving measures (fighting fraud and waste, etc) in order to keep any fee increase to its absolute minimum.

I'm very fortunate in that I could afford a fee increase with virtually no impact on my economic situation, and would be more than willing to do so if it plays a role in keeping the Tricare program as great as it is or better. I do understand, tho, that not everybody is in the same situation, so their reluctance to have the fees increased would be greater than mine. But at some point, we have to recognize that something (or someone) has got to give. If not, something will be taken.


Great post and ...Thank You for your service.

Please, please, please - rekindle all your connections, family and friends, reactivate all acquaintances to what is happening.

VOTE. VOTE. VOTE. NOVEMBER 6TH. And I do love my Noh-vem-burr 6th.....

Get this jerk out of the WH. Along with his lip-synching, butt-bumping, groin-grinding minions......

And those are just in the general media......

One I'm def agreeing with you on. I'm spreading the word throughout all of my networks and contacts.

I don't get too ruffled by most things but this crap cannot stand.

As a retiree covered under Tricare, I'm certainly appreciative of the benefits I am fortunate to be able to take advantage of, and I support continued efforts from ALL sides to care for our Vets and repay them for their selfless service to Our Great Nation.

Equally, I recognize that Our Great Nation's economic woes put our status of Great Nation in jeopardy more and more each day. As the economy worsens, it's impact on EVERY aspect of our lives increases, and the hole gets deeper. The choices we can make today are likely to be far less painful than those that will be forced upon us if we do nothing for another 5 or 10 years.

As an overall benefits package, Tricare continues to be ridiculously INexpensive compared to vitually every other plan in existance. Considering the number of people covered by Tricare and the cost of implementing, managing and maintaining the quality we ALL expect our Vets to receive, it's not difficult to understand that if the fees never increase while the costs related to the program do, it's going to suffer greatly. That will undoubtedly lead to decreased benefits, reduced quality, and myriad other troubles not only for our Vets and their families, but for the program (and our Military) as a whole. There must be balance, and if the fees don't keep up with the costs, the whole thing will fall. Likewise, you get what you pay for.

As for who's to blame for the proposed increases, this isn't Obama's idea. It started with a couple of Senators (among them John McCain) who, under pressure from the Tricare lobby (that's right) introduced the bill. Of course, there's no holding Obama blameless since his economic cluster**** has made the proposed increases necessary. Unfortunately for all involved, if the fees aren't increased, Obama's economic policies have made it impossible to secure the money from any other source.

Legislatively, I'd like to see the bill stand on its own, rather than be attached to some other legislation like the Congress is habitually prone to do. Additionally, the legislation needs to include cost-saving measures (fighting fraud and waste, etc) in order to keep any fee increase to its absolute minimum.

I'm very fortunate in that I could afford a fee increase with virtually no impact on my economic situation, and would be more than willing to do so if it plays a role in keeping the Tricare program as great as it is or better. I do understand, tho, that not everybody is in the same situation, so their reluctance to have the fees increased would be greater than mine. But at some point, we have to recognize that something (or someone) has got to give. If not, something will be taken.

Fellow retiree and I agree that in order for the standards of service to exceed what we have come to expect, we need to pay increases along the way; however, the rates just increased in October 2011. I don't believe the current administration should increase the Tricare fees again just because their leader can't balance a check book.

The Obama administration on Friday threatened to veto a defense appropriations bill in part because it does not include higher health care fees for members of the military.

“The Administration is disappointed that the Congress did not incorporate the requested TRICARE fee initiatives into either the appropriation or authorization legislation,” the White House wrote in an official policy statement expressing opposition to the bill, which the House approved in May.

President Obama’s most recent budget proposal includes billions of dollars in higher fees for members of TRICARE, the military health care system, and is part of the administration’s plan to cut nearly $500 billion from the Pentagon’s budget.

Some fear the administration’s proposal is an effort to increase enrollment in the state-run insurance exchanges mandated under the president’s controversial health care law.

The administration urged the House to “reconsider” to fee increase, arguing they are “essential for DOD to successfully address rising personnel costs.”

The House bill has significant bipartisan support, and easily passed by a margin of 299 to 120.

Obama to Soldiers: Pay Up | Washington Free Beacon (http://freebeacon.com/obama-to-soldiers-pay-up/)

If our war vets are required to pay for their healthcare, it SHOULD be d*mn near nothing; but IMO, ALL war vets should not have to pay a dime.

Yeah, everybody's taxes might go up; but it's a small price, don't you think?

Fellow retiree and I agree that in order for the standards of service to exceed what we have come to expect, we need to pay increases along the way; however, the rates just increased in October 2011. I don't believe the current administration should increase the Tricare fees again just because their leader can't balance a check book.

They did? I'm still paying the same thing for Tricare Prime.

As usual, the ones that sacrifice the most are expected to sacrifice even more.

You know, there are a lot of folks in the military that voted for Obama and these liberals that have so little regard for our military. I wonder what they'll do this time around. I just can't believe they'd keep voting for the people that aim to destroy all that was promised them.

Would scrapping the VA health system and moving everyone eligible for VA health Care to Tri-Care save more money than increasing fees?

I believe so..

Of course than they would have to whittle down who is actually eligible for health care.. Not sure I agree that someone that did 2 years in the service, came away unscathed, should be allowed to use the VA when they get the sniffles either...

They did? I'm still paying the same thing for Tricare Prime.

Yes they did. For folks that retired on or after October 1, 2011 pay a higher premium for the same coverage as those who retired prior to that.

Yes they did. For folks that retired on or after October 1, 2011 pay a higher premium for the same coverage as those who retired prior to that.

What did their premium go up to?

Yes they did. For folks that retired on or after October 1, 2011 pay a higher premium for the same coverage as those who retired prior to that.

John McCain's proposal?

What did their premium go up to?

From what I read from $460 a year per family to $520.00 per year per family.

Fellow retiree and I agree that in order for the standards of service to exceed what we have come to expect, we need to pay increases along the way; however, the rates just increased in October 2011. I don't believe the current administration should increase the Tricare fees again just because their leader can't balance a check book.

You sound like you’re a politician. You do realize there was a promise to retirees that health insurance would be fully covered by the government in which we served. My mom worked for the state of MD for 23 years. She earned her full benefits and pays nothing into her health insurance. Why is this different for the military? I’ll tell you why, because it’s what our government does to the easiest target to jack up costs for. For those do the most in our society get paid the least.

Bottom line… WE – retirees – many of us – paid dearly in service to our country. We shouldn’t have to pay ANYTHING in addition to what we have already paid. Our government should stand by its promises and stop screwing our retirees.

And I’ll say another thing… We have men and women coming back maimed and dead. We have to have charities like “The Wounded Warrior’s Project” to supplement what the government FAILS to provide. The people losing arms, legs, eyes, mental capabilities, etc… are virtually left to fend for themselves. We should NEVER have to rely on charities to get them through their struggles. Every one of them for their priceless sacrifice should be put up in mansions with every available accommodation known to man to help in their daily lives. Instead our government abandons them. Some of them live in decrepit conditions, some even homeless. They should not have to work another day of their lives unless they want to. When our members of congress merit themselves pensions and lifetime health insurance, even from serving just one term, virtually doing nothing but cause more problems in society, yet they leave our true heroes stranded and broken.

The whole thing should make every American sick as to how our veterans are treated.

As usual, the ones that sacrifice the most are expected to sacrifice even more.

You know, there are a lot of folks in the military that voted for Obama and these liberals that have so little regard for our military. I wonder what they'll do this time around. I just can't believe they'd keep voting for the people that aim to destroy all that was promised them.


I might be misreading you but here goes anyway .....lots of folks in the MILITARY that voted for Obama and are liberals have little regard for the MILITARY?

No offense but there are a lot of reasons we liberals have served and will probably continue to serve but I never heard anyone say - they serve because they have little regard for the military and double double no offense but raising TRICARE premiums is not a new idea that started with Obama. Bush brought it up three times and it was rejected three times.

You sound like you’re a politician. You do realize there was a promise to retirees that health insurance would be fully covered by the government in which we served. My mom worked for the state of MD for 23 years. She earned her full benefits and pays nothing into her health insurance. Why is this different for the military? I’ll tell you why, because it’s what our government does to the easiest target to jack up costs for. For those do the most in our society get paid the least.

Bottom line… WE – retirees – many of us – paid dearly in service to our country. We shouldn’t have to pay ANYTHING in addition to what we have already paid. Our government should stand by its promises and stop screwing our retirees.

And I’ll say another thing… We have men and women coming back maimed and dead. We have to have charities like “The Wounded Warrior’s Project” to supplement what the government FAILS to provide. The people losing arms, legs, eyes, mental capabilities, etc… are virtually left to fend for themselves. We should NEVER have to rely on charities to get them through their struggles. Every one of them for their priceless sacrifice should be put up in mansions with every available accommodation known to man to help in their daily lives. Instead our government abandons them. Some of them live in decrepit conditions, some even homeless. They should not have to work another day of their lives unless they want to. When our members of congress merit themselves pensions and lifetime health insurance, even from serving just one term, virtually doing nothing but cause more problems in society, yet they leave our true heroes stranded and broken.

The whole thing should make every American sick as to how our veterans are treated.

Politician...No, I am not. I am probably to young, but I don't remember the promise of full medical benefits made (with no premium) to folks after they retire (under normal conditions) from the military? A few folks I served with, that were medically retired due to combat related injuries, don't pay at all for any of their medical services, and that is the way it should be; however, I retired with zero disability (lucky) and in my opinion, should pay a premium to continue my Tricare medical coverage.

I certainly agree with you and the way our government is treating our wounded veterans, and programs like the WWP are indeed needed and do a fantastic job representing our guys/gals that require assistance.

As far as your Mom's situation (state vs federal govt)...years ago, benefits were different. I work with folks that don't have Social Security taken out of their paychecks, because back when they started, you could opt out and just never submit a claim. Things are different now...retirement plans have changed and unless you were in before and got "grandfathered" you fall under the new system.

Veterans deserve our utmost respect and admiration. Disabled veterans should be cared for their entire lives and like you stated, should never have to work again, unless they choose.

I might be misreading you but here goes anyway .....lots of folks in the MILITARY that voted for Obama and are liberals have little regard for the MILITARY?

No offense but there are a lot of reasons we liberals have served and will probably continue to serve but I never heard anyone say - they serve because they have little regard for the military and double double no offense but raising TRICARE premiums is not a new idea that started with Obama. Bush brought it up three times and it was rejected three times.

I apparently worded that very poorly.

With an extreme few exceptions our military do not fall into that category simply because they voted for Obama. I was talking about our politicians.

This isn’t strictly about TriCare. Progressive liberals traditionally have been outspoken in their loathing of the military. They are the ones who you see protesting our wars and spitting on our vets. They’re the ones that will sue you for flying your flag in your yard. They are the ones you see burning our flag. They are the ones that you see asking “All this just for a flag (http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/robbins-report/2011/sep/13/michelle-obama-all-just-flag/#.T-2gTYNPatY.facebook)?”

And perhaps I should be more clear… I would encourage our military folks and vets to vote out anyone – D or R – that perpetuates the growing plight of our military and their dwindling benefits. Currently we have a very liberal president that seems bent on further eroding our military’s rightfully earned benefits.

Never once do I ever want to even infer that any of our military – liberal or conservative – serve with less honor and duty simply because of who they voted for. As a retiree I served under Reagan, HW, Clinton, and W and I didn’t serve with any less seriousness under any president over the other. I am now a military contractor and do my job with all seriousness regardless of who is in that WH. Regadless of whether I disagree with their politics, that president derserves my aboslute dedication to helping our DoD protect this country. My politics never interfered in my service. And I believe this is the case with all of our members.

But, if you have politicians bent on eroding our benefits while protecting their own, then they have to go.

BTW… no offense taken.

I apparently worded that very poorly.

With an extreme few exceptions our military do not fall into that category simply because they voted for Obama. I was talking about our politicians.

This isn’t strictly about TriCare. Progressive liberals traditionally have been outspoken in their loathing of the military. They are the ones who you see protesting our wars and spitting on our vets. They’re the ones that will sue you for flying your flag in your yard. They are the ones you see burning our flag. They are the ones that you see asking “All this just for a flag (http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/robbins-report/2011/sep/13/michelle-obama-all-just-flag/#.T-2gTYNPatY.facebook)?”

And perhaps I should be more clear… I would encourage our military folks and vets to vote out anyone – D or R – that perpetuates the growing plight of our military and their dwindling benefits. Currently we have a very liberal president that seems bent on further eroding our military’s rightfully earned benefits.

Never once do I ever want to even infer that any of our military – liberal or conservative – serve with less honor and duty simply because of who they voted for. As a retiree I served under Reagan, HW, Clinton, and W and I didn’t serve with any less seriousness under any president over the other. I am now a military contractor and do my job with all seriousness regardless of who is in that WH. Regadless of whether I disagree with their politics, that president derserves my aboslute dedication to helping our DoD protect this country. My politics never interfered in my service. And I believe this is the case with all of our members.

But, if you have politicians bent on eroding our benefits while protecting their own, then they have to go.

BTW… no offense taken.

Thanks for clarifying!

Politician...No, I am not. I am probably to young, but I don't remember the promise of full medical benefits made (with no premium) to folks after they retire (under normal conditions) from the military? A few folks I served with, that were medically retired due to combat related injuries, don't pay at all for any of their medical services, and that is the way it should be; however, I retired with zero disability (lucky) and in my opinion, should pay a premium to continue my Tricare medical coverage.

I certainly agree with you and the way our government is treating our wounded veterans, and programs like the WWP are indeed needed and do a fantastic job representing our guys/gals that require assistance.

As far as your Mom's situation (state vs federal govt)...years ago, benefits were different. I work with folks that don't have Social Security taken out of their paychecks, because back when they started, you could opt out and just never submit a claim. Things are different now...retirement plans have changed and unless you were in before and got "grandfathered" you fall under the new system.

Veterans deserve our utmost respect and admiration. Disabled veterans should be cared for their entire lives and like you stated, should never have to work again, unless they choose.

There are members that, when they retired, were getting full government-provided healthcare. Now they have to pay. There were those that joined when it was government-provided and told (promised) that one of the benefits of retiring would be ‘free’ medical care. That turned out not to be. It sounds like you fall under the second category.

I’m not going to try to convince you that we shouldn’t have to pay. Our premiums are quite low comparatively, and I have no complaints about the service I get with TriCare. But the bigger concern is how, as is with the way our government does thing in small pieces as if not to be noticeable, a lot of us can see our benefits slowly eroding. Raising premiums, when we were promised ‘free’ care. Dental is gone. Talks about doing away with the retirement pension and going to a 401k system.

They are destroying any incentive for career military :shrug:

Yes they did. For folks that retired on or after October 1, 2011 pay a higher premium for the same coverage as those who retired prior to that.

Or choose the Tri-Care option that doesn't cost a thing until you use it..

Or choose the Tri-Care option that doesn't cost a thing until you use it..

Not aware of this coverage. I thought there were only two choices...Prime and Standard, until you hit 65. Both have an annual fee. Tell me more please.

Not aware of this coverage. I thought there were only two choices...Prime and Standard, until you hit 65. Both have an annual fee. Tell me more please.

Standard does not. If you don't use it, it doesn't cost a thing.

Standard does not. If you don't use it, it doesn't cost a thing.

:yeahthat:

Then you get a supplemental plan that covers most, if not all, any other costs..

I BELIEVE with Prime, even with the monthly fees there is still a deductible, in patient fees, and portions you have to pay out of pocket?

:yeahthat:

Then you get a supplemental plan that covers most, if not all, any other costs..

I BELIEVE with Prime, even with the monthly fees there is still a deductible, in patient fees, and portions you have to pay out of pocket?

See this is the thing that I do not understand. For years they have been trying to up the fees and co-pays on Tricare plans because "It is too expensive" and it is eating up the DoD budget. Then they turn around and want to cover everyone else. Isn't that going to cost even more?

About 5 years ago the government took the extreme step of OUTLAWING Tricare supplements offered as a benefit by an employer. YES ladies and gentlemen, the government......the same government that wants to insure EVERYONE made illegal a health care offering. The reason was to force Tricare recipients to move to private insurance. This made the private insurance the first payer and Tricare the secondary.

I am like the other guy in this thread and think that as an American first and a retired service member second, I have to sacrifice some too and understand the need to pony up more for the awesome insurance I have. What chaps me is that for years they say those who signed up and served cost them too much, yet it is cost effective to cover all those who did not?

About 5 years ago the government took the extreme step of OUTLAWING Tricare supplements offered as a benefit by an employer. YES ladies and gentlemen, the government......the same government that wants to insure EVERYONE made illegal a health care offering. The reason was to force Tricare recipients to move to private insurance. This made the private insurance the first payer and Tricare the secondary.



All true, but they reversed (kind of) the law..

GOV'T employees can no longer be offered Supplemental insurance for Tri-Care through gov't insurance options, but everyone elses employers can..

All true, but they reversed (kind of) the law..

GOV'T employees can no longer be offered Supplemental insurance for Tri-Care through gov't insurance options, but everyone elses employers can..

Really? I believe all employers are forbidden from offering Tracare Supplements. you can pay for them off the open market but no employer can subsidize the policy.

Really? I believe all employers are forbidden from offering Tracare Supplements. you can pay for them off the open market but no employer can subsidize the policy.

We got ours last year through SAIC..

It was offered as part of their benefits.

I said it before and I want to say it again ,Thank You to All that have served and are serving now ,Thank You for your sacrifice.
I have 2 son-In/laws both in the military...one a Marine the other Army and both Sergeants ....and I will tell you it's not that they love Obama....it's just that the GOP has nothing to offer and they ...and like it or not many of their friends are going with Obama.:patriot::patriot::patriot:

:yeahthat:

Then you get a supplemental plan that covers most, if not all, any other costs..

I BELIEVE with Prime, even with the monthly fees there is still a deductible, in patient fees, and portions you have to pay out of pocket?

That is true...we pay $12.00 for office visits and $30.00 for ER with Prime...along with prescriptions if we fill them at Rite Aid.

What is the cost of a good supplemental plan versus going with Prime?

I said it before and I want to say it again ,Thank You to All that have served and are serving now ,Thank You for your sacrifice.
I have 2 son-In/laws both in the military...one a Marine the other Army and both sargents....and I will tell you it's not that they love Obama....it's just that the GOP has nothing to offer and they ...and like it or not many of their friends are going with Obama.:patriot::patriot::patriot:

I am certain they would want you to spell it Sergeant.

I am certain they would want you to spell it Sergeant.

Hey, the US educational system. Since when does spelling count when so many in power, media included, still cannot comprehend that words do have meanings, including the current SCOTUS?

If the Constitution, and its words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs as constructed, mean nothing to those who are to interpret the law only, what does it matter how it is spelled?

Amerika r us! And most of us be high school grads!

Lock 'n load, Amerika!

I am certain they would want you to spell it Sergeant.




You are right sometimes I write to fast.

You are right sometimes I write to fast.

TOO............... TOO :cds:

That is true...we pay $12.00 for office visits and $30.00 for ER with Prime...along with prescriptions if we fill them at Rite Aid.

What is the cost of a good supplemental plan versus going with Prime?

Going through her employer it was $170 a month, it's closer to $100 if you go straight to the provider..

I don't think we've paid more than $20 (total accrued) out of pocket since getting it. Hospital stays 100%, prescriptions100% (but the pharmacies for some reason have issues processing claims).

Had BCBS but as mentioned before you gain NOTHING by having it.. Tri-Care pays 75%, if your primary pays 75% Tri-Care pays nothing. Your out of pocket stays the same even though you're paying >$300 a month for additional insurance.

They did? I'm still paying the same thing for Tricare Prime.

Have you purchased any prescriptions on the economy lately?

:huggy:TOO............... TOO :cds:


.......no wonder you need Tri care.:huggy:.

You are right sometimes I write to fast.


U R write sometimes I right 2 fast, better?:howdy::sarcasm:

Have you purchased any prescriptions on the economy lately?

I get my prescriptions from the pharmacy on base but what does that have to do with Tricare going up last year?

Going through her employer it was $170 a month, it's closer to $100 if you go straight to the provider..

I don't think we've paid more than $20 (total accrued) out of pocket since getting it. Hospital stays 100%, prescriptions100% (but the pharmacies for some reason have issues processing claims).

Had BCBS but as mentioned before you gain NOTHING by having it.. Tri-Care pays 75%, if your primary pays 75% Tri-Care pays nothing. Your out of pocket stays the same even though you're paying >$300 a month for additional insurance.

WOW...that is a ton. I will be staying with Prime. Thanks for the info.

WOW...that is a ton. I will be staying with Prime. Thanks for the info.

Well, I guess the other question would be what are the costs of Prime AFTER you pay your annual fees?

Is there a deductible? Office visit costs? How much inpatient costs are covered etc.. etc..

Without the supplemental Tricare Standard covers quite a bit (not 100% how accurate I am here) but there is a family deductible of $300 or individual deductible of $150 every year before Tri-Care starts to pay.. I think it's $5 or $10 for prescriptions (that I don't have to wait 3 hours for).

I'm not familiar with Prime as I was using Tri-Care Standard/ Champus even when I was on active duty stationed away from a military base.

Well, I guess the other question would be what are the costs of Prime AFTER you pay your annual fees?

Is there a deductible? Office visit costs? How much inpatient costs are covered etc.. etc..

Without the supplemental Tricare Standard covers quite a bit (not 100% how accurate I am here) but there is a family deductible of $300 or individual deductible of $150 every year before Tri-Care starts to pay.. I think it's $5 or $10 for prescriptions (that I don't have to wait 3 hours for).

I'm not familiar with Prime as I was using Tri-Care Standard/ Champus even when I was on active duty stationed away from a military base.

This is correct, $300 annual deductable, prescriptions are $5, or $10, and 20% of allowed charges for everything else. Allowed charges mean if they take Tricare they can say the cost of an MRI is $5,000 but Tricare only allows $1200, Tricare pays $960 you pay $240 up to the catastrophic cap of $3,000.

I got a fish hook stuck in my thumb last year. After my drunk friends tried 4 or 5 times to yank it out and the EMT at the fire house tried twice to twist it out I ended up going to the Emergency room where they shot my thumb up and yanked it out. Cost charged by the various people was about $5,000. Tricare paid a total of $1,200. Both numbers to me are retarded. Charging $5,000 is laughable and paying $1,200 is stupid. THAT is why there needs to be reform. When I am king, health insurance will only be policies that cover when you reach $5,000. Everything below $5,000 will be a cash business. No insurance, no grifting, no trumped up bills and if you get caught doing fraud you get a finger cut off with pruning shears. That will bring your day to day health costs down and still allow coverage for catastrophic illness/injury. Basically what you have now is a stupid game of cat and mouse between doctors, hospitals and insurance companies. Obamacare did NOTHING to fix the situation, all it did was force the ####ty situation and costs onto a wider group.

Well, I guess the other question would be what are the costs of Prime AFTER you pay your annual fees?

Is there a deductible? Office visit costs? How much inpatient costs are covered etc.. etc..

Without the supplemental Tricare Standard covers quite a bit (not 100% how accurate I am here) but there is a family deductible of $300 or individual deductible of $150 every year before Tri-Care starts to pay.. I think it's $5 or $10 for prescriptions (that I don't have to wait 3 hours for).

I'm not familiar with Prime as I was using Tri-Care Standard/ Champus even when I was on active duty stationed away from a military base.

Costs are a small fraction of what I would pay with Standard and a supplemental. Deductible is zero, Office visits are $12.00, ER is $30.00, Hospitalization is $11.00 a day...the list goes on and on.

Thanks for the info!

Costs are a small fraction of what I would pay with Standard and a supplemental. Deductible is zero, Office visits are $12.00, ER is $30.00, Hospitalization is $11.00 a day...the list goes on and on.

Thanks for the info!

True, and you're welcome.

Going through her employer it was $170 a month, it's closer to $100 if you go straight to the provider..

I don't think we've paid more than $20 (total accrued) out of pocket since getting it. Hospital stays 100%, prescriptions100% (but the pharmacies for some reason have issues processing claims).

Had BCBS but as mentioned before you gain NOTHING by having it.. Tri-Care pays 75%, if your primary pays 75% Tri-Care pays nothing. Your out of pocket stays the same even though you're paying >$300 a month for additional insurance.

Just a question for you, itsbob: I'm retired Navy Reserve that cannot draw retirement until I turn 60 (June 2014). I'm also retired CSRS and have a health plan through CSRS for retirees. Would it benefit me at all to take both TriCare, when I am eligible for it, and my CSRS health plan? Or just one or the other?

Reading all these posts is pretty confusing on which is the best of both worlds.

Just a question for you, itsbob: I'm retired Navy Reserve that cannot draw retirement until I turn 60 (June 2014). I'm also retired CSRS and have a health plan through CSRS for retirees. Would it benefit me at all to take both TriCare, when I am eligible for it, and my CSRS health plan? Or just one or the other?

Reading all these posts is pretty confusing on which is the best of both worlds.

Not familiar with CSRS but congratulations..

I've been told that CSRS beats FERS hands down.. but know nothing about CSRS.

Not familiar with CSRS but congratulations..

I've been told that CSRS beats FERS hands down.. but know nothing about CSRS.

I believe CSRS and FERS both have the same plans to choose from upon retirement. My basic question was how does TRICARE fit into the equation - as a primary or secondary insurance?

Just a question for you, itsbob: I'm retired Navy Reserve that cannot draw retirement until I turn 60 (June 2014). I'm also retired CSRS and have a health plan through CSRS for retirees. Would it benefit me at all to take both TriCare, when I am eligible for it, and my CSRS health plan? Or just one or the other?

Reading all these posts is pretty confusing on which is the best of both worlds.

I'm not Bob but remember Tricare, or any federal health care offering must, by law be the secondary payer IF you have any other heal care insurance. If you have Blue Cross it is the first payer and then Tricare.

To me it makes no sense at all to care another full health care policy if you are eligible for Tricare. Even with Standard you are capped at $3K out of pocket. Would th ecost of the other policy be more than $3K?

I'm not Bob but remember Tricare, or any federal health care offering must, by law be the secondary payer IF you have any other heal care insurance. If you have Blue Cross it is the first payer and then Tricare.

To me it makes no sense at all to care another full health care policy if you are eligible for Tricare. Even with Standard you are capped at $3K out of pocket. Would th ecost of the other policy be more than $3K?

Yes, my current insurance - NALC - (Cigna) does cost more than $three grand per year. I will have to look into that.

Thanks, Pete-bob.