Thanks for the info, guys. My hub has talked to a couple recruiters today and it would be possible for us to have health benefits if we buy into the program. Even then, the cost would be a fraction of what we're paying now (for both coverage and meds). You're right, he could be deployed. But, because of his specific job and the state he'd be in, it looks unlikely.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
anyone here in the airforce?
- Thread starter bono40
- Start date
Hi, retired AF wife here. Same as the others though, no info on reserves. I wanted to say that active duty would be best. But want to add, trying not to put a downer on the whole idea of joining at the same time, don't count on the notion of "not likely" being deployed because of job or state. I as well as my husband grew up military. You move around alot. If you are "lucky" not to have to move often then you will be counted in a small group. I say "lucky" because we enjoyed our moves. My husband retired from the AF after 26yrs of service. My girls have been to 7 different CF centers and one in the Netherlands. We never had a problem with going to the doctor because it wasn't covered or getting meds because they cost too much. We knew there would be no other insurance better than what Tricare was offering. We decided to enroll in Tricare Prime so that we could keep our insurance as close as possible to what we had as A/D. Any of you out there that are A/D and contemplating getting out, stay till retirement. The civilian world is a whole other planet. They only look out for themselves. We have gone through all the medical programs the military has had so far, CHAMPUS, another one that took over from there in some states, and then Tricare. Tricare is so far the best they've done. We know that we would be in really bad shape if it weren't for Tricare.
If your thinking about it, think full time and long term.
If your thinking about it, think full time and long term.
Hi, retired AF wife here. Same as the others though, no info on reserves. I wanted to say that active duty would be best. But want to add, trying not to put a downer on the whole idea of joining at the same time, don't count on the notion of "not likely" being deployed because of job or state. I as well as my husband grew up military. You move around alot. If you are "lucky" not to have to move often then you will be counted in a small group. I say "lucky" because we enjoyed our moves. My husband retired from the AF after 26yrs of service. My girls have been to 7 different CF centers and one in the Netherlands. We never had a problem with going to the doctor because it wasn't covered or getting meds because they cost too much. We knew there would be no other insurance better than what Tricare was offering. We decided to enroll in Tricare Prime so that we could keep our insurance as close as possible to what we had as A/D. Any of you out there that are A/D and contemplating getting out, stay till retirement. The civilian world is a whole other planet. They only look out for themselves. We have gone through all the medical programs the military has had so far, CHAMPUS, another one that took over from there in some states, and then Tricare. Tricare is so far the best they've done. We know that we would be in really bad shape if it weren't for Tricare.
If your thinking about it, think full time and long term.
If your thinking about it, think full time and long term.
Hi, retired AF wife here. Same as the others though, no info on reserves. I wanted to say that active duty would be best. But want to add, trying not to put a downer on the whole idea of joining at the same time, don't count on the notion of "not likely" being deployed because of job or state. I as well as my husband grew up military. You move around alot. If you are "lucky" not to have to move often then you will be counted in a small group. I say "lucky" because we enjoyed our moves. My husband retired from the AF after 26yrs of service. My girls have been to 7 different CF centers and one in the Netherlands. We never had a problem with going to the doctor because it wasn't covered or getting meds because they cost too much. We knew there would be no other insurance better than what Tricare was offering. We decided to enroll in Tricare Prime so that we could keep our insurance as close as possible to what we had as A/D. Any of you out there that are A/D and contemplating getting out, stay till retirement. The civilian world is a whole other planet. They only look out for themselves. We have gone through all the medical programs the military has had so far, CHAMPUS, another one that took over from there in some states, and then Tricare. Tricare is so far the best they've done. We know that we would be in really bad shape if it weren't for Tricare.
If your thinking about it, think full time and long term.
If your thinking about it, think full time and long term.
Thanks, guys. You have to understand I am completely CLUELESS when it comes to military/AF - - that's why I'm asking you! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> So, I appreciate your suggestions/warnings. Going copletely active is not an option right now, nor will it ever be (long story). I guess I should have explained our situation a little better - will do so a little later - fussy kid right now. Just wanted to say thanks & be patient with me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Thanks, guys. You have to understand I am completely CLUELESS when it comes to military/AF - - that's why I'm asking you! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> So, I appreciate your suggestions/warnings. Going copletely active is not an option right now, nor will it ever be (long story). I guess I should have explained our situation a little better - will do so a little later - fussy kid right now. Just wanted to say thanks & be patient with me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Thanks, guys. You have to understand I am completely CLUELESS when it comes to military/AF - - that's why I'm asking you! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> So, I appreciate your suggestions/warnings. Going copletely active is not an option right now, nor will it ever be (long story). I guess I should have explained our situation a little better - will do so a little later - fussy kid right now. Just wanted to say thanks & be patient with me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
thefrogprincess
New member
My hubby is active duty Navy. I have TriCare, but I also have insurance through my company which is primary because I'm the subscriber. I elected to keep my insurance even after we got married because I can go just about anywhere I want (Brian wants to switch which specialist he sees but they won't let him, we are trying to fight it right now). I also do not pay for my medical and dental through my job so why not have double coverage. I have not seen a military doctor, but with what Brian went through with his surgery last year, I am not impressed and I would rather have the final word in who I go to.
thefrogprincess
New member
My hubby is active duty Navy. I have TriCare, but I also have insurance through my company which is primary because I'm the subscriber. I elected to keep my insurance even after we got married because I can go just about anywhere I want (Brian wants to switch which specialist he sees but they won't let him, we are trying to fight it right now). I also do not pay for my medical and dental through my job so why not have double coverage. I have not seen a military doctor, but with what Brian went through with his surgery last year, I am not impressed and I would rather have the final word in who I go to.
thefrogprincess
New member
My hubby is active duty Navy. I have TriCare, but I also have insurance through my company which is primary because I'm the subscriber. I elected to keep my insurance even after we got married because I can go just about anywhere I want (Brian wants to switch which specialist he sees but they won't let him, we are trying to fight it right now). I also do not pay for my medical and dental through my job so why not have double coverage. I have not seen a military doctor, but with what Brian went through with his surgery last year, I am not impressed and I would rather have the final word in who I go to.
I'm sorry to hear that your husband had a bad surgery experience and hope that he has recovered. In defense of our military providers, most are great. Like civilian doctors, not all are perfect nor are the facilities. From Army to AF to the Navy. You have thousands of doctors and hundreds of facilities. There will be those you come across that don't deliver. After a lifetime of military doctors (both my husband and I were born into the military), I've only come across a handful that I didn't prefer to have as my doctor, only one because he didn't seem to listen to me. I never had a problem changing to a different doctor.
I'm sorry to hear that your husband had a bad surgery experience and hope that he has recovered. In defense of our military providers, most are great. Like civilian doctors, not all are perfect nor are the facilities. From Army to AF to the Navy. You have thousands of doctors and hundreds of facilities. There will be those you come across that don't deliver. After a lifetime of military doctors (both my husband and I were born into the military), I've only come across a handful that I didn't prefer to have as my doctor, only one because he didn't seem to listen to me. I never had a problem changing to a different doctor.
I'm sorry to hear that your husband had a bad surgery experience and hope that he has recovered. In defense of our military providers, most are great. Like civilian doctors, not all are perfect nor are the facilities. From Army to AF to the Navy. You have thousands of doctors and hundreds of facilities. There will be those you come across that don't deliver. After a lifetime of military doctors (both my husband and I were born into the military), I've only come across a handful that I didn't prefer to have as my doctor, only one because he didn't seem to listen to me. I never had a problem changing to a different doctor.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>bono40</b></i>
Thanks for the info, guys. My hub has talked to a couple recruiters today and it would be possible for us to have health benefits if we buy into the program. Even then, the cost would be a fraction of what we're paying now (for both coverage and meds). You're right, he could be deployed. But, because of his specific job and the state he'd be in, it looks unlikely.</end quote></div>
Carey,
Be really careful about relying on info only from the recruiters. If I were you, I would call the Reserve station your husband would be attached to & ask about medical benefits from someone that will be in your same situation (not full-time active duty, but reserve). I was in the AF & my husband is still in. There are WONDERFUL recruiters out there, but there are also ones who just worry about the numbers. Do your research & don't take what one person says as gold. If he is activated & gets TRICARE prime, it is pretty easy to get referrals once you kind of learn the system or you have a good primary care manager. Good luck & you can email me anytime. My husband is in personnel career field & maybe he can look into what the recruiter is telling you. Our email is seanandkaron@comcast.net.
Thanks for the info, guys. My hub has talked to a couple recruiters today and it would be possible for us to have health benefits if we buy into the program. Even then, the cost would be a fraction of what we're paying now (for both coverage and meds). You're right, he could be deployed. But, because of his specific job and the state he'd be in, it looks unlikely.</end quote></div>
Carey,
Be really careful about relying on info only from the recruiters. If I were you, I would call the Reserve station your husband would be attached to & ask about medical benefits from someone that will be in your same situation (not full-time active duty, but reserve). I was in the AF & my husband is still in. There are WONDERFUL recruiters out there, but there are also ones who just worry about the numbers. Do your research & don't take what one person says as gold. If he is activated & gets TRICARE prime, it is pretty easy to get referrals once you kind of learn the system or you have a good primary care manager. Good luck & you can email me anytime. My husband is in personnel career field & maybe he can look into what the recruiter is telling you. Our email is seanandkaron@comcast.net.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>bono40</b></i>
Thanks for the info, guys. My hub has talked to a couple recruiters today and it would be possible for us to have health benefits if we buy into the program. Even then, the cost would be a fraction of what we're paying now (for both coverage and meds). You're right, he could be deployed. But, because of his specific job and the state he'd be in, it looks unlikely.</end quote></div>
Carey,
Be really careful about relying on info only from the recruiters. If I were you, I would call the Reserve station your husband would be attached to & ask about medical benefits from someone that will be in your same situation (not full-time active duty, but reserve). I was in the AF & my husband is still in. There are WONDERFUL recruiters out there, but there are also ones who just worry about the numbers. Do your research & don't take what one person says as gold. If he is activated & gets TRICARE prime, it is pretty easy to get referrals once you kind of learn the system or you have a good primary care manager. Good luck & you can email me anytime. My husband is in personnel career field & maybe he can look into what the recruiter is telling you. Our email is seanandkaron@comcast.net.
Thanks for the info, guys. My hub has talked to a couple recruiters today and it would be possible for us to have health benefits if we buy into the program. Even then, the cost would be a fraction of what we're paying now (for both coverage and meds). You're right, he could be deployed. But, because of his specific job and the state he'd be in, it looks unlikely.</end quote></div>
Carey,
Be really careful about relying on info only from the recruiters. If I were you, I would call the Reserve station your husband would be attached to & ask about medical benefits from someone that will be in your same situation (not full-time active duty, but reserve). I was in the AF & my husband is still in. There are WONDERFUL recruiters out there, but there are also ones who just worry about the numbers. Do your research & don't take what one person says as gold. If he is activated & gets TRICARE prime, it is pretty easy to get referrals once you kind of learn the system or you have a good primary care manager. Good luck & you can email me anytime. My husband is in personnel career field & maybe he can look into what the recruiter is telling you. Our email is seanandkaron@comcast.net.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>bono40</b></i>
Thanks for the info, guys. My hub has talked to a couple recruiters today and it would be possible for us to have health benefits if we buy into the program. Even then, the cost would be a fraction of what we're paying now (for both coverage and meds). You're right, he could be deployed. But, because of his specific job and the state he'd be in, it looks unlikely.</end quote></div>
Carey,
Be really careful about relying on info only from the recruiters. If I were you, I would call the Reserve station your husband would be attached to & ask about medical benefits from someone that will be in your same situation (not full-time active duty, but reserve). I was in the AF & my husband is still in. There are WONDERFUL recruiters out there, but there are also ones who just worry about the numbers. Do your research & don't take what one person says as gold. If he is activated & gets TRICARE prime, it is pretty easy to get referrals once you kind of learn the system or you have a good primary care manager. Good luck & you can email me anytime. My husband is in personnel career field & maybe he can look into what the recruiter is telling you. Our email is seanandkaron@comcast.net.
Thanks for the info, guys. My hub has talked to a couple recruiters today and it would be possible for us to have health benefits if we buy into the program. Even then, the cost would be a fraction of what we're paying now (for both coverage and meds). You're right, he could be deployed. But, because of his specific job and the state he'd be in, it looks unlikely.</end quote></div>
Carey,
Be really careful about relying on info only from the recruiters. If I were you, I would call the Reserve station your husband would be attached to & ask about medical benefits from someone that will be in your same situation (not full-time active duty, but reserve). I was in the AF & my husband is still in. There are WONDERFUL recruiters out there, but there are also ones who just worry about the numbers. Do your research & don't take what one person says as gold. If he is activated & gets TRICARE prime, it is pretty easy to get referrals once you kind of learn the system or you have a good primary care manager. Good luck & you can email me anytime. My husband is in personnel career field & maybe he can look into what the recruiter is telling you. Our email is seanandkaron@comcast.net.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Nicole</b></i>
My husband is active duty, so I cannot tell you how Tricare works (or does not work) in the reserves. Like Julie, we have Tricare Prime and we don't have any copays as long as we receive care at the MTF (military treatment facility). For our son's CF care we do not get care from military docs so we have to get a referral to see a civilian provider. We don't have any co-pays for those visits as long as we have the referral. As far as meds, if you fill the rx at the MTF, again no co-pays. We get Pulmozyme form there. We chose to use a regular pharmacy for most of his other meds though, just because it has been such a hassle to get them at the MTF (long story). We have a $3 co-pay for gererics and $9 for brand name. If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I can try and find out some more info for you.</end quote></div>
Nicole,
We are also active duty AF. Have you tried the Tricare Express Scripts? My biggest hassle was getting all of Erin's meds from the MTF. I was going in all the time for her enzymes, then the ADEKS aren't covered, etc. We had quite the time getting TOBI at first. Anyway, I finally tried the Express Scripts & LOVE IT!!! You refill by phone & they mail it all to you, even Pulmozyme. My co-pays are the same as yours & they automatically charge it to my debit/credit card when I call in. It has really helped me out a lot. Also, does your son get pediasure? At first, it was a rx, but then they denied it. Now, I get it through his pcm as durable medical equipment. Don't know if this applies to you, but maybe it can help. Also, I had a hard time getting a year long referral for her CF appointments, but talked personally with a case manager & they gave me one referral number lasting for one year w/up to 12 visits. It only took a couple of minutes & I don't have to get new referral every 3 months. Again, don't know if this helps, but wanted to share my mini triumphs with another military member.
My husband is active duty, so I cannot tell you how Tricare works (or does not work) in the reserves. Like Julie, we have Tricare Prime and we don't have any copays as long as we receive care at the MTF (military treatment facility). For our son's CF care we do not get care from military docs so we have to get a referral to see a civilian provider. We don't have any co-pays for those visits as long as we have the referral. As far as meds, if you fill the rx at the MTF, again no co-pays. We get Pulmozyme form there. We chose to use a regular pharmacy for most of his other meds though, just because it has been such a hassle to get them at the MTF (long story). We have a $3 co-pay for gererics and $9 for brand name. If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I can try and find out some more info for you.</end quote></div>
Nicole,
We are also active duty AF. Have you tried the Tricare Express Scripts? My biggest hassle was getting all of Erin's meds from the MTF. I was going in all the time for her enzymes, then the ADEKS aren't covered, etc. We had quite the time getting TOBI at first. Anyway, I finally tried the Express Scripts & LOVE IT!!! You refill by phone & they mail it all to you, even Pulmozyme. My co-pays are the same as yours & they automatically charge it to my debit/credit card when I call in. It has really helped me out a lot. Also, does your son get pediasure? At first, it was a rx, but then they denied it. Now, I get it through his pcm as durable medical equipment. Don't know if this applies to you, but maybe it can help. Also, I had a hard time getting a year long referral for her CF appointments, but talked personally with a case manager & they gave me one referral number lasting for one year w/up to 12 visits. It only took a couple of minutes & I don't have to get new referral every 3 months. Again, don't know if this helps, but wanted to share my mini triumphs with another military member.