[Troy8432]

My wife (59) and I (54) are making preparations to move to the Villages in spring/summer 2020. We were there in October on a lifestyle visit and are returning in February to gather more information. We really enjoyed our visit and have pretty much made the decision to move from our current location in Northern Virginia. Among all the many items that need careful consideration, healthcare is pretty darn important. Especially, since we are starting to notice an increase in annoying minor medical issues that need attention. I am retired USAF and 60% VA disabled and she spent a few years in the Army many years ago herself. Admittedly, and rather ashamedly, I have never given much thought to healthcare insurance because there was always something else that was more important to be concerned about. When I was Active Duty we used military medical and since I retired in 2004, we've used Tricare Prime. Although it hasn't exactly been free like the recruiter promised me back in 1984 ("give us 20 years and you'll never pay a dime"), getting an ear infection or sore throat fixed by my doctor around the corner has been pretty simple.

During my feeble attempts to do health insurance research near The Villages, I've discovered that either I am an idiot or just overwhelmed by the difficulty in getting accurate non-conflicting information. It really is rather humbling because although I can solve extremely complex network communications engineering puzzles, I can't seem to figure out what to do regarding our future healthcare insurance. As such, I am reaching out the kind and knowledgeable folks in the Villages for advice, recommendations, points of contacts, useful information websites, personal experiences, etc...

So here is what I know. Tricare Prime is not available around The Villages, but Tricare Standard is. There is also something called Tricare extra. Don't know what that is, but it might be something to consider if I could find information about it. I also think there might be Tricare supplements to other insurance packages that are available. I just don't understand them. Although free, Tricare standard can be tricky, because you need to compare what Tricare will cover against what a doctor charges before you get care or you risk paying significantly out of pocket. I also know that I can get 100% care at the VA Clinic, but my wife cannot and I don't know how busy the VA Clinic at The Villages can be. I've considered simply walking into The Villages medical center while I am there in February and just talking to an administrator, but I really would like to hear from some of my future Villager neighbors. Any information would be useful, thank you in advance.