FWIW, I just flew a trip with a retired AF guy, he has been on the Regular Plan with Tricare as backup for many years. His only regret is not doing it sooner. I’ve flown with many just like him.
I’m a civ guy that just switched over to the RP, first paycheck of the year and I already saved a premium payment. I’ve tried hard to find “the catch,” but just couldn’t....