Flyinhigh

Just read that the administration is looking at increasing the copays for all TriCare Pharmacy users; both Mail Order and Retail. Only one not going up is the base pharmacy, still free, if they stock your medication. In addition, in order to receive the "free" medical care that we were promised when I joined up in 1969 (now called TriCare For Life), you must enroll in MediCare Part B. MediCare Part B is going up 5% in 2013, which is great news when you find out that your COLA is 1.7%. Also, MediCare Part B has surcharges that are indexed based on your income that can range from $40 to $200 per month. The more you have saved for your retirement, the more the program will cost.

L'il J.Seinfeld

So if you had spent the money for vacations instead of saving it your copays would be lower!?

Flyinhigh

If you had spent the money on anything (crack cocaine, booze, women) you would be better off. A typical government program. You have no choice but to play and they will stick it to you for trying to do the right thing. I guess you could blow off the whole thing and buy insurance on the open market. Your income has no bearing on the cost, only your health and your age. Of course, that would take care of the "free" health care you were promised.

Grumble

Welcome to what is only the beginning. Tricare prime for us on AD is being turned off in some locations completely effective Jan 1.

Winged Wheeler

I Am Altering The Deal - YouTube

BDGERJMN

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.

Moby Dick

Financial and medical security in retirement was the biggest selling point to a military career.

Now we're going to screw the people who sacrificed their potential for larger career earnings/better retirements to serve us? We really are a bunch of losers as a society.

BDGERJMN

Moby, interesting bc financial security and retirement were nary a factor for me joining the Navy and certainly weren't a factor in getting out. I left AD at arguably the worst time (August 2008) from an economic standpoint.

I wanted to serve my country and fly airplanes in the process. That said, I have always said if I am relying on uncle Sam's "promise" of retirement and free healthcare, I am mistaken. No one promised you anything when you signed up and if they did they were vetting a promise on what the existing law/policy was at the time. I didnt learn much in college but I learned enough to know that laws and policy change and in this fiscal environment if we want to continue to operate, its got to be paid for.

I liken it to this...a beat cop doesnt get the luxory of the salary or benefits we get yet every time he/she responds to a domestic or makes a traffic stop he/she doesnt know whats on the other end. I'd say thats pretty dangerous work depending on where that is...I dont equate my service as more or less than anyone else therefore I dont feel I'm entitled to anything extra. Again just one man's opinion, who says I'm right or wrong ya know?

Fly safe!

USMCFLYR

Police and fire have good benefits and retirement in many places.
Remember the story of the police officer in NY state that is getting a 6-figure retirement? At the time - it was authorized to use ALL income to calculate their 'top-3' salary - - - to include salary from outside overtime contract work!

Yes - finanacial times are changing. Gov't promises are *suppose* to be solid Moreso than those greedy private/corporate promises!

In any case - many stay in the military based on these *expectations*.
Am I sad that TriCare (of any flavor) is going up? Of course.
Do I still think it is a pretty good deal for my years of service? Yes I do and I'm still thankful that I don't have to pay costs that I hear others of my peers are paying for healthcare and insurance.

I knew that the TriCare Prime would change to another program at a later stage - I'm assuming that it is this TriCare ofr Life that Flyinhigh mentions with supplimental MediCare B (or doesn't it revery 100% to Medicade or MediCare?)

USMCFLYR

Grumble

Just about anyone can be a cop though. If it took 4 years of college, and 3 more of training to be a cop, they'd get paid a lot better. You're selling yourself short. Although I agree with your premise that no one promised me anything and putting your own security in one basket is fundamentally flawed.