What are your guys thoughts on health care? I'm previously Military, so I am new to having to worry about all the options. I'm interested to hear all opinions, but the decision I'm specifically faced with is:

1. The new 1 Oct version of Tricare Reserve Select for Guard/Reserve
2. DAL pilot plan.
3. The new 2008 DAL savings account options (3 main options here).

Thoughts?

Another option is using your DSA, Health Savings Accont, to pay for the TRS tax-free if TRS is better. I am not sure about the Delta health plan versus the TRS standard.

In the end if you work out all the math the monthly cost comes to within a few dollars of each other for the DAL standard and the TRS(your mileage may vary based on your family makeup). The big difference comes in the deductibles and cost share. DAL Pilot plan is WAY more expensive than TRS for almost the same benefits. Big difference between the DAL standard and TRS while they cost the same monthly is that DAL is a $1500 deductible with an 80/20 cost share, and TRS is a $300 deductible and an 85/15 cost share. Also there are some significant differences for pharmacy/med costs, but this may not be a factor for you.

As a military reservist
I went with:
TRS for Med
DAL for Dental/Vision
SGLI/SGLI family for all my life insurance

Est cost breakdown:

TRS $253/mo for family - $300 ded - 85/15 cost share - set 3 tier prescription copay of $9/12/22

DAL Standard $191/mo for family - $1500 ded - 80/20 cost share - 4 tier prescription based on 25% of med cost minim of $50

Foggy memory on this plan:
DAL Pilot $450/mo for family - $350 ded - 90/10 cost share - slightly better prescription than Standard but not as cheap as TRS

TRS should be $253/mo for family coverage. Still a great deal. I think as reservists we're still eligible for United Concordia dental - very good coverage for very cheap - I think $9.

Can any of you guys explain the TRS plan? I'm still on active duty and don't know anything about it. I have a CAL interview next week and if that goes well, I will be in need of insurance. I will be joining a reserve unit when I leave active duty so TRS sounds like a good option possibly.

That dental is fine for the normal family, however if othordontists are in your future (my son already) then the delta plan covers about $1000 more than the UC plan. That was my basis for taking the DAL dental over the UC.

-SS

Here's a link to TRS stuff:

http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/hom.../ReserveSelect

I'm also trying to figure this whole thing out!

Good stuff. Thanks for the words...