The biggest health insurance perks from military coverage
SUMMARY
As a new military spouse, one of the biggest changes is your new coverage in health insurance. Whether your spouse's status is active duty, retired, or with the reserves, you'll have access to health insurance options that are envied by the rest of the population.
In fact, many cite military health insurance as one of the biggest work perks as a soldier. Considering its span, there's no wonder, either. Last year, Tricare, the company that's assigned to military spouses and dependents, covered more than 9 million beneficiaries, accounting for more than $50 billion. Now that's some serious healthcare coverage!
The power of government pull
If covered services are billed to an in-network civilian provider, Tricare has a final say in how much is charged … and in many cases, they take care of it entirely. Of course, this is completely dependent on the type of coverage, service, and if the beneficiary has a deductible. But if it's covered, they mean covered!
Oftentimes smaller companies leave the patient with much of the bill, which can be staggering without a big name to cap costs.
(It is worth noting that much of this could change, pending proposed medical billing transparency laws.)
No need for an additional insurance card
How many of you have stood searching for an insurance card that was inevitably buried in the bottom of a wallet? With Tricare coverage, your military ID serves as your insurance card. This might sound minute, but there's much to be said about not having to dig for an additional proof of insurance.
Patient advocacy and customer service
If you're stuck with an unpaid bill, are mistreated, need a service that's not covered, etc., your pool of resources is deep. Talk to Tricare and get instant movement on your issue, or stop in person for a meeting with patient advocates. You are not even close to being alone in this!
In rare cases, you can even look toward the chain of command to tip the scales in your favor, should logistics hit a stand-still. Look toward available services and divide and conquer until your medical needs have been met.
187FW Medical Airmen Provide No-Cost Healthcare in Training Mission.
Entire hospitals and customer service
Yes, as a military spouse, you're entitled to be seen at military healthcare facilities. This means additional choices in patient care (and pharmacy pick up), with a quick dose of military history.
Check out stories of soldiers past while you walk the halls of your dedicated spot. This is a unique way of incorporating military-based themes into healthcare, while providing multiple options of qualified services for dependents.
Brandon Clinic provides medical care close to home.
Little paperwork and logistics required of the beneficiaries
In most cases, the paperwork is handled on the back-end, meaning you, the dependant, don't have to worry about filing this or faxing that. The paperwork is handled on your behalf. There are, of course, exceptions to everything, but in comparison with civilian providers, you have a reliable resource to help keep bookwork in check.
As a current or upcoming beneficiary of military healthcare benefits, there's much to be thankful for. What are some of your favorite perks of Tricare coverage?
SHARE