I hear many people complaining about healthcare in the military. Though, I'm truly baffled as to what they are complaining about. Before my husband joined the military, he had single coverage through his employer and I had single coverage through my employer because it was cheaper than doing a family plan through one employer or the other.
My insurance was about $100/month in premiums alone. A doctor's visit was a co-pay of $25 with a separate co-pay if lab work was required. I had a $300 deductible to meet every year and had to pay 20% for any type of procedure. Still, this was considered a fairly decent policy for the civilian world.
So when we transitioned to Tricare Prime and had to pay nothing out of pocket, I was thrilled! I only had to pay a co-pay if I went to see a specialist and only had to pay $3 for my prescriptions if I chose to have them filled at a civilian pharmacy instead of on-post. I had a major surgery and paid $0 for it.
Since he was medically retired, we were able to continue Tricare Prime. We pay roughly $40 a month for the premium and it is well worth it. Last April, I had to go to Texas (we live in Georgia) to a cancer center for extensive testing to rule out inflammatory breast cancer during my pregnancy. My total cost? $24. In August, I had an induction followed by a c-section, not to mention nine months of pre-natal care and two hospital visits to be monitored for high blood pressure. My cost? $0.
I agree it can be a pain to have to go to my primary care manager every time I need to get a referral to another doctor. But the fact that I then only have to pay $12 to go to that specialist? What exactly do I have to complain about? Someone fill me in on what all the fuss is about because frankly, I just don't get it!
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