DWC CAP10 USAF

I searched but didn't find a thread dedicated to this topic.

Seeing I will have an active duty retirement with Tricare and maybe even some VA disability rating, what do other military retirees do regarding the Delta offered Medical, Dental, and Vision plans?

I'm trying to do some research before I start Indoc next month.

Thanks!

Sputnik

I and most folks I know use Tricare. Most use standard but a few use prime. Then pick up Delta vision and dental as Tricare is next to worthless there (otherwise pretty great).

I had someone tell me that Delta's vision is so bad they think it's cheaper to bypass it and pay expenses out of pocket. I haven't done the math yet. Anyone else have thoughts there?

Congrats

Aggie94

I use Tricare for medical. There's no comparison cost wise. As long as you're OK giving up some flexibility on who you see. We live near a base and it's been working out pretty well so far.

For dental I use both Delta's plan and Tricare. I had a 6 month gap from retirement until I started with Delta, so I had signed up for the Tricare dental. I tried to cancel it when I started with Delta but you have to keep the plan for 12 months. It worked out though because I used both plans for my second child's braces. I only ended up paying about $350 out of pocket. My oldest got all four wisdom teeth pulled and that was only $110 out of pocket using both plans. I sat down and did the math and it is worth it (for me at least) to keep both plans for a little while until all three of my kids get done with braces, etc. You just have to sit down and look at how the premiums vice out of pocket expenses compare for your situation.

For vision I use Delta's plan. It's not a very good plan but with a family of five, all of whom need some level of glasses, it works out. The savings on annual visits and some coverage for glasses and contacts outweigh the monthly premiums. Again, you do give up on flexibility. Most vision places, as I found out, don't take Davis Vision, which is the plan for Delta.

Hope that helps.

Hossharris

Tricare standard is equivalent (approx) to the delta gold plan but is free.

Dental is about the same coverage, but through delta is half as much $$

VA is free, but can be inconvenient depending on geopgraphy and your rating.

motof16

Hoss,

Tricare standard seems to be working well. Pay a small deductible upfront when the fam sees a doc then a small co-pay. I prefer it to traveling to Ft Benning to have an Army Doctor tell me why I can't just go to a specialist. Trick is to start with the Tricare site to see which Doc to go to.

Delta Dental (oddly the same company the AF uses) is Met Life. Use caution, there's a difference between accepting insurance and being a network provider - ask me how I know. They cover about half of the cost of orthodontia ... ugh.

Davis Vision (no relation) seems "Meh" at this point. "Free" pair of glasses and lenses every 12 months for the entire fam. Still had to reach into pocket if I wanted something other than the cheapest lenses. 5 for 5 wearing glasses now so this may be close to break even.

Why don't you ask your mentor this stuff?

DWC CAP10 USAF

I don't have a mentor yet...start Indoc in Sept so trying to get smart before hand.

Thanks to everyone for the replies!

motof16

DWC,
Sorry brother! Thought I knew you and your mentor. I'm not a smart man.

Welcome to Delta and keep the questions coming!

Hossharris

Moto...DWC is an inbound buddy of mine trying to get ahead of the game.

Tricare standard is awesome after 20 years of prime. Go where/when you want. $3k max out of pocket for the family. No referrals. No permission.

Falcon20

Tricare standard is the Best deal going. And use the FSA if you can predict your out of pocket costs a little for all medical dental and vision. This will help with the tax man. The reimbursement process is a pain but better than nothing.

Hoser

Not free, YOU earned it. But I know what ya meant.

Ret USAF