marspec wrote:
obgraham wrote:
Rondeb:
Snip
Most distressing to me is that TriCare, which is what most Vets (those we owe the MOST to!) is such a lousy outfit for the docs to deal with, so many don't take it.
If you are eligible, Tricare for Life is free (for now anyway). Doctors, hospitals, etc that accept Medicare have no problem as there is no extra paperwork. Medicare forwards claim to Tricare after processing and Tricare pays the 20 percent. You just have to make sure the provider realizes it is Tricare for Life. We haven't had a problem in the eight years we've been using it.
I also have TCFL and as you correctly stated TCFL is basically a free Medicare Supplemental insurance with the only requirement is that you have to be signed up for Medicare Part B. As I understand it any of the commercial supplemental plans require you to carry all the Medicare parts anyway and then pay their premium. From all I have read if you are Tricare eligible then going the TCFL option is the most cost effective and best option for any supplemental Medicare insurance.
Even with my Tricare Prime I didn't find any issues with coverage or doctor availablity in the 20+ years I used it before becoming TCFL and Medicare eligible.
Larry
