This doesn't address quality of service as that varies from provider to provider, whether you are "in" or "out" of the military support system.
IMHO, having Medicare (A and B) and Tricare For Life is a great deal. Almost every medical facility in and around TV takes Medicare. You need never mention TFL as Medicare will automatically send the claims on to them and they will cover whatever Medicare doesn't.
The VA here is great for routine and recurring "stuff" - not so hot for emergencies and sudden illnesses. I recommend you get into the VA system as soon as you can and use them for all routine things like annual physicals, eye exams, hearing tests, etc. They are very good at that. If you need something they don't offer here at the VA Clinic in TV, the local DAV provides a free van ride to the VA Hospital in Gainesville weekdays. The DAV Scheduler/Dispatcher works out of the VA Clinic in TV and the riders meet at 0645 hours at the Spanish Springs Transportation Center for the ride to Gainesville. The only drawback - it goes up and comes back once a day. If you ride it and have an early (and short) appointment, you may have several hours to kill in Gainesville waiting for other riders to finish their appointments. Development a relationship with a local doctor to handle short term "stuff" like the flu, bigger boo-boo's that happen sometimes, etc.
Currently under construction in TV is a humongous (I think over 90,000 square feet) VA Clinic. It is on the north edge of TV, just off of CR 42 and near the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center. Scheduled opening for that is late 2010 or early 2011, I believe. It will offer lots more services that the current clinic near Laurel Manor offers but there will still be some needs to go to Gainesville.
For your meds, the TFL service through Express Scripts works extremely well for me. I highly recommend it. No need for Medicare Part D if you use TFL.
In summary, get into the VA system and use them for routine stuff. Using your Medicare and TFL, have a private doctor for non-routine stuff. Use TFL/Express Scripts for meds. You should be well setup and have no problems getting service - quality of service I won't address as it varies so widely.
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