I see a few people here talking about using Tricare Prime while on the road full time. I just talked to a Tricare Rep and she told me if we were out of our area more than 30 days that we have to transfer our Tricare to that area and if it is not a Tricare Prime area we have to revert to standard. How do we get around this? We are now in New Mexico and I need an injection for my cancer treatment and we will need perscriptions renewed soon.
Roy & Sabine
1 Spoiled Chihuahua Dog
1 Spoiled Cat
1998 Winnebago Itasca 35' Class A with Banks Powerpack
I got the same advice about Prime so I just switched to Standard before hitting the road and haven't had any problems. If you need recurring treatments, it does require more work on your part.
At one point I was married and DW needed monthly infusions so we had to make sure an infusion center was available wherever we traveled and coordinate BEFORE committing to an area.
Other than that, I've been very happy that I don't need a referral to see a specialist. Just finished some orthopedic surgery and didn't need to waste a trip to a GP first to confirm that I had a torn meniscus again.
I think any fulltimers who keep Prime probably make frequent visits back to their PCM. I'd rather not be tied down to one doctor.
Joe and Dakota, the wacko cat
2006 Dodge 3500 QC CTD SRW Jacobs Exhaust brake
2006 Heartland Bighorn 3600RL, MorRyde suspension, TrailAir pinbox http://happykayakers.com/blogger/
We've used standard for years and never had a problem. You can call the region your in and they will give you a list of doctors and hospitals. We're been on the mail express script system for a couple of years and just give them a new mail address as needed. You can also go to Walmarts, Rite Aid, CVS or Walgreens to fill a prescription. We use CVS for controled items.
We have been on the road for over eight years with standard and no problems. We get to a location, check the internet, look under Tricare homepage, make a call and get done what needs done.
Tis another fine day to serve in and for the glory of the Corps. Every day is a holiday and every meal a feast.
08 Camelot
07 Ranger Toad
One Golden Retriever at the Rainbow Bridge and a new one traveling with us.
Answer from a long-time TRICARE user - correct, best bet is to use Standard. It becomes truly a hassle when you 're not in your prime area, and even if you go directly into a TRICARE office out of your area, they have no information, and can't or won't even talk to you.
When you have Standard, you have co-pays up to a certain amount, but then it's 100% paid. But, you have no annual fees either, and you need no referal. Just pick a clinic, or a doctor that takes it. WE'd never go back to prime even if we stopped camping.
AND: Once you're Medicare eligible, it becomes TFL, and a secondary for Medicare. Have several ER visits and numerous doctor visits since Medicare and TFL, and never one penny co-pays.
We have kept out tricare prime because we are are back in florida once a year to do our medical checkups.If on the road and you need emergency care that is covered.I had a kidney stone last year while in arizona and all was covered no problem.Just requires that you inform you primary care provider asap after your ER visit.Just remember you are "vacationing" away from home.
Retired Navy http://www.gofundme.com/carebear
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab 6.7 cummins,6 speed auto,exhaust brake.
2007 Open Road 378SA4S-5,equa-flex and morryde X factor,wet bolt kit,michelin ltx M/S 2 tires
I have always had Tricare Standard and never understood why anyone would choose to pay for Tricare Prime??
John & Doris Doris and Robbies Blogs 2007 Tiffin Phaeton QDH 40 w/Cat 7 350
2004 Liberty Renegade 4x4 Toad
Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar
Air Force One toad braking system
FMCA F380583, PA, Good Sams
We use Tricare Prime, but are still working and next to a great Military Hospital. However, my concern when we hit the road with STANDARD is that hospitalization with Network Provider is $250 per day or 25% of billed charges for institutional services, whichever is less, plus 20% cost-share for separately billed services.
2 days in the hosptital is almost a years premium for PRIME.
Is the referral process really a PITA for Prime ?
George and Ann
2012 Dodge 3500, SLT Big Horn,CC,DRW,Cummins HO,4x4,3:73, Dual Cam Hitch
2008 Keystone Springdale 291RK Retired Army, but still working....until 2015
If you are near a major military installation, visit the medical facility for your Rx and injection. I just checked on this at Ft Sam in San Antonio and they will do everything for a retiree, except schedule a Dr appointment. Lab work, X-rays, injections, Rx are all available to retirees. They did say that if I wanted a Dr appointment, to go to the emergency room at BAMC and they could set up appointments there, so it can be done. We get a lot of our medical services when home, at Mountain Home AFB.
Bob & Betsy(FishNFanatic) - USN Aviation Ret'd '78 & LEO Ret'd '03 & "Oath Keeper Forever" '05 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, 400 Cummins-Pulling our '11 Silverado LT, Ex Cab 6.2L NHT 4x4, w/2010 Rzr or 01 V Star in back. Where the wheels are stopped today
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