Military Families Can Choose Tricare Standard Insurance

Signing into a military branch can be a great career move for you and your family. The promise of health care coverage and benefits will most likely weigh into consideration for this career path. I know insurance was a high priority when we were planning our family. We wanted to be confident that our family was protected for all our health needs.

After being in the system for a period of time, you may discover that you don't like the medical coverage you are provided. Which is understandable, after all you didn't select the care you received, it was issued. Most military are issued Tricare Prime insurance. This coverage will cover a range of active duty and their dependents in a military facility or the select members who are referred out for special care services. You won't be granted a referral unless you have a rare situation.

What isn't routinely shared is that you can change your dependents insurance coverage from Tricare Prime to Tricare Standard. The difference is that you can pick a civilian physician for your dependents. You will have a small co pay, but it might be worth that peace of mind by selecting your own trusted physician. Unfortunately active duty doesn't have this option at this time, nor do I hear a future plan of this.

Just because you have Tricare Standard doesn't mean you are totally cut off from the care of the military. You can still utilize most services in the military hospital. The emergency room is still available if you wish to check-in there. Prescriptions can continue to be filled in the military hospital at no charge to you. There are many other areas of the hospital that will provide service to you. I am only aware that primary care physicians are no longer an option after the switch of coverage.

Before switching your coverage, make sure the provider will accept Tricare Standard. I haven't had any problems here in Hawaii, but I have read that other areas are experiencing problems with this coverage in the civilian medical centers. Tricare will often cover far less the amount expected, in result Tricare patients are being dropped from their providers. So please keep that in mind, you don't want to be without medical care because once you switch, you can't retain Tricare Prime again for two years.

You do have a choice when it comes to your dependents health care. Explore your options prior to your transfer. You might ask your sponsor how he/she likes the care at the local military hospital. Check out the other local medical centers online and do your own investigating. The information you find might be crucial in your decision for your family's health care. These steps will help put your mind at ease and give you a remarkable start to your next transfer.