Tricare after DOS

Davo Trusted Contributor VT

Can I keep Tricare medical insurance after I separate from the Air Force (6 years of service)? If so, how long and how much does it cost? Also, I am getting married on the 23rd of Aug. and we are trying to decide if it is worth switching her insurance to Tricare since I get out in January '10. Can I keep her coverage when I get out as well and what would be the cost for her coverage? Thank you for any responses.

Radium Epic Member SoCal Tracon

I have no idea, but in a tricare related sidenote: You do keep it for a little while... I cut my leg on recycling glass (last time I ever try to save the earth), went to the ER, gave em my MiL ID (AF) and was good to go apparently (havnt got a bill in 5mnths for it). This was approx 1mnth after my DOS.

Ofc a few months later I got the swine flu (I think), and didnt go to the hospital because I wasnt sure I'd be covered... worst 3 weeks of my life... last time I ever go to California!

Davo Trusted Contributor VT

You get to keep your CAC card after you get out? That could be useful.

I just talked to a DEERs rep and he said after I separate I would have to pay $340 per person to keep my benefits...My fiancee's insurance is only about $100 per month right now. We are both healthy. $340 is ridiculous haha. No wonder we need health care reform. I guess right now health care isn't an issue for me but will be soon! Right after he told me about the $340 he said I could still go to a VA doctor for the rest of my life for free but I would not have emergency care.

Radium Epic Member SoCal Tracon

My old CAC card gets me into strip clubs ALL the time for free. Its awesome. I tihnk I was supposed to get another one, but havnt been back to my base since I got out.

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

samesies. i never want to go back to that place.

borkofae Newcomer

You can however it is very expensive. You are better off buying a cheap plan with another company. When I got out of the Air Force i got a plan for $70 a month....or if you really want to be a cheap ass, you can always go to the VA and get enrolled in their system. It is pretty much free as long as you don't make more than $85,000 a year...however I must warn you it is horrible shithole place. Nothing like socialized medicine!!! When I got out I went to the VA hospital because i am cheap and was disgusted with the place. I then went home a got a health insurance plan that day that I paid for. Best of luck man.

NYcGaNgStEr Senior Member Brooklyn, NY

Someone else asked this in another thread ... yes there is something called "Continuing health care benefits" you have to pay for it but you can have health care for up to 6 months after getting out of the service.

Knowlton Junior Member Dallas/Fort Worth

Thats better than me... when I first got out I was told TRICARE was going to cover me up to 6 months after I seperated so I thought I had time till my son had to go to the hospital and be told we are not covered.... Lesson learned... when leaving the military get EVERYTHING in writting