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Originally Posted by NavyVet
I'm no expert, but here are my experiences.
DH is retired military (1992). I am 100% disabled Veteran since 2001. We always stuck with Tricare Standard (has a cost-share, not a co-pay so no payment out of pocket up front.) When I got SS disability, Medicare became my primary with Tricare For Life as secondary. Every provider I went to said I had the 'holy grail' of insurance coverage. Always ask up front to be sure provider accepts. The only place that was a problem is the Villages Health system. When DH turned 65, his Tricare Standard became Medicare with Tricare for Life and Villages Health kicked him out because he didn't switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan. Who on Earth would give up Tricare benefits? We earned them! Do NOT switch from Tricare; those Advantage plans are HMOs and only to THEIR advantage, not YOURS. They are fine if you are healthy, but if you start having expensive issues ... not so much. There are plenty of providers outside The Villages system. We have no problems finding them and don't need preauthorization for specialists.
Also, the VA Outpatient Clinic is a large facility on the Northern end of TV. It is very good. Yes, they are busy. Get enrolled there as soon as you move here.
We have PCPs with both the VA and on the 'outside' so between them we are fully covered for any health need. If you have an acute problem and can't get a same day appointment with your doctor, there are numerous Urgent Care centers. We have had very good experiences with Paramount on 466.
I have no experience with the details of Tricare Prime, so can't help you there. Hope this has helped a little. As with many things, insurance can be complicated. Clear as mud as they say! Best of luck.
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Hi I am sorry but am a bit confused. As I am approaching 65 as a retired Navy I get the fun of shifting from Tricare Prime to Tricare for Life and Medicare. I had heard several comments that "to use the Villages Health Care" clinic chain I would have to shift my TRICARE for Life to a MEDICARE Advantage i.e. Medicare part C plan, but Medicare Advantage is a Medicare change, not a TRICARE change. When I called TRICARE I was told that it made no difference to TRICARE For Life if I used Medicare A and B (i.e.traditional Medicare) or if I used Medicare C i.e. Advantage. TRICARE for Life will remain my secondary insurance.. With one condition that I should not chose a Medicare Advantage plan the included Drug coverage because that would impact my TRICARE for Life drug coverage. So was I miss informed by TRICARE ? I tried to get it in writing but TRICARE has yet to respond to my e-mail question.