TriCare For Life Going Up
#12
I agree with BGERJMN. As a Reservist I think TRS was great and I consider the Tricare plans very competitive even with increased costs. Much more affordable than even the federal employee plans (FEHB) for equivalent coverage.
As for people leaving money on the table to pursue military work. Pff. Not even pilots can say that. ATC and medical AFSC/MOSs aside, the majority of the enlisted corps enter service under a de facto economic draft construct. If I had a quarter for every dual E-5/6 household living it up well-to-do officer suburbia style (and stretched thin) with no hope of affording the same feat on their education or even their military skills on the outside, I'd be able to fund my own retirement by now...That demographic ain't going anywhere.
As for people leaving money on the table to pursue military work. Pff. Not even pilots can say that. ATC and medical AFSC/MOSs aside, the majority of the enlisted corps enter service under a de facto economic draft construct. If I had a quarter for every dual E-5/6 household living it up well-to-do officer suburbia style (and stretched thin) with no hope of affording the same feat on their education or even their military skills on the outside, I'd be able to fund my own retirement by now...That demographic ain't going anywhere.
#13
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: Retired
Posts: 404
Maybe I take a different stance on this one. As a drilling reservist (nearly 11 yrs AD/5 RC) I support increased costs to members for all forms of Tricare and here's why: The current model isnt sustainable when balanced with the cost of keeping end strength and force structure. I wont turn this into a political discussion at all but suffice it to say times have changed and history has clearly shown us that DoD budgets have fallen off measurably after armed conflict. This period is no different.
I for one do not subscribe to the fact that because I signed up and volunteered for the defense of my country that I am entitled to anything more or less than anyone else. Perhap's I'm in the minority, but if I have to pay a bit more in insurance premiums whether I'm on AD/Reserves or a Retiree, so be it, its the cost of doing busines IMHO.
I for one do not subscribe to the fact that because I signed up and volunteered for the defense of my country that I am entitled to anything more or less than anyone else. Perhap's I'm in the minority, but if I have to pay a bit more in insurance premiums whether I'm on AD/Reserves or a Retiree, so be it, its the cost of doing busines IMHO.
I guess I could have left at 8 or 9 years, got that airline job and served in a reserve unit and been way better off than I am today. But I decided to stay for 23 years of active service. That was my choice. And one of the deciding factors was the healthcare issue. That was a huge factor.
Again, I have no problem with being forced to pay for something that was promised to me as a "free" benefit. Things change. But when we can spend 6.2 billion dollars on cellphones for people who performed no service and made no sacrifice and then not keep our promise to our vets, I get a little hot under the collar.
There, I feel better now!!
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: Retired
Posts: 404
TriCare For Life also picks up my pharmacy expenses; but the copays are going up on these as well. I did not take a Part D Pharmacy Benefit because I thought TriCare For Life would be all I would need for pharmacy. So far so good, but who knows what will happen in the future.
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