[PolarEagle]

I am a 20 year Air Force Vet and plan to make my final move to TV this summer, (lots of visits so far). Until recently I had BlueCross coverage through work and haven't used TriCare, how does it work? How do I use it down there, (I currently live in Alaska) ??

[F16 1UB]

Once you get here check with the local physicians to see if they are in the network and accept Tricare. When we arrived our Tricare Mgr said we had to go to Leesburg. I told them there's a doc located in LSL 2 miles from my home that takes Tricare. Duh....change made.

Make sure you contact contact Tricare about your change of residency with an appx start date. We moved from north to south and you'd think Tricare is the same. Typical health network BS. Ya gotta tell em before you go to a doctor or you can expect to pay the bill. Of course if it's an emergency......

[batman911]

PolarEagle,

When you attain age 65, you will be required to shift to Medicare and TriCare will become your secondary provider.

[kb8tpw]

True what batman says. We are both over 65 and Medicare became our prime with Tri-Care for Life taking the secondary role. That is a very good combination (at least at the present time). No need to purchase any other supplemental or something like that. It worked fine in Ohio for a couple of years and the move here has been pretty much transparent. We have not been 100% satisfied with the overall medical staffing, but we continue to work those issues as they arise. Speciality treatment (opthamology and endocrinology) have been superior. Express scripts from tri-care proved to be not the way to go, so we continue to work with the lack luster local pharmacies in the area (being able to run out to the base for medicines ruined us). In short, you'll be well taken care of with the combination. Tri-Care for Life (Delta Dental of CA) for dental care is readily accepted around here, though it is a bit expensive, comparatively speaking - evenso I've kept it as I've always used them.

[golfnut]

nice to hear our servicemen are being taken care of....gn

[LELANDJANE]

Having taken care of my mom for the last few years of her life, I can tell you that the combination of Medicare/Tricare was great! I only wish I could qualify for it. I think you'll be very happy with it.

[barb1191]

We also have Medicare and Tricare4Life and Express Scripts.....terrific plans and very pleased with them all.

Information about Tricare can be easily searched for more information about the military plans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRICARE


....barb & bill

[villages3412]

DOD Notice
Walgreens to Leave TRICARE Pharmacy Network
Beginning January 1, 2012 Walgreens drug stores will no longer be part of the network used by the TRICARE Pharmacy plan known as Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), which is a Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) company that processes TRICARE pharmacy claims. TRICARE beneficiaries filling a prescription at Walgreens after December 31, 2011, will pay 100 percent of the cost up-front and than file a paper claim for non-network benefit reimbursement, that will dramatically increase out of pocket costs.
Other retail pharmacy options include CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and Safeway stores and some smaller local pharmacies. In addition, this is a good time to consider TRICARE Home Delivery.

[Cliff]

I can't imagine anyone bad-mouthing Express Scripts. With an on-line account it is a snap to get prescriptions filled. If a prescription is needed immediately we just go to Publix and have a one month supply filled there. I have been retired from the Navy since 74, now have Medicare and Tricare for Life, with Express Scripts, and am very happy (unless Congress decides to take away another entitlement). It now costs a fortune in gas to drive to NAS Jax or to MacDill so Express Scripts is now my pharmacy of choice. Chief Cliff

[Bryan]

I agree with Cliff - Express Scripts has been great and easy to use, especially if you order refills online. I agree with most that Medicare and TFL are a great combination - never been happier with health insurance. An overlooked option for vets, we have a great VA Clinic in TV also. Get in, get registered, and start using their system for routine stuff (annual physicals, eye and hearing exams, etc.) BUT you will still need a local Primary Care Doctor for short-notice (i.e. maybe even emergency) stuff and so you will have a doctor to call if you even end up in the Emergency Room.

I disagree about Delta Dental with kb8tpw. It is hard to find a dentist that accepts it as payment. However, most local dentists will bill Delta for your treatment - you just have to pay up front for treatment, let the dentist send a bill to Delta for you, and let Delta send you a check for their portion.

[logdog]

Originally Posted by Bryan

I disagree about Delta Dental with kb8tpw. It is hard to find a dentist that accepts it as payment. However, most local dentists will bill Delta for your treatment - you just have to pay up front for treatment, let the dentist send a bill to Delta for you, and let Delta send you a check for their portion.

We use Southern Trace Dental. They bill Delta direct and I pay nothing for routine exams and cleaning. When I do have a co-pay, I only pay the amount Delta won't cover. They are golf cart accessible.

[villages3412]

Walgreen has dropped tricare: Here is the arroved list. please pass it along


SWEETBAY SUPERMARKET #1937

View Map820 OLD CAMP RD
THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

(352) 753-7124



THE MEDICINE CHEST

View Map910 OLD CAMP RD BLDG 170
THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

(352) 753-1877



CVS #08381

View Map5208 E COUNTY ROAD 466
THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

(352) 751-4700



PUBLIX #0004

View Map8780 SE 165TH MULBERRY LN
THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

(352) 751-0304



WAL-MART #4262

View Map4085 WEDGEWOOD LN
THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

(352) 259-2844



PREMIER PHARMACY

View Map1580 SANTA BARBARA BLVD
THE VILLAGES, FL 32159

(352) 259-2159



PUBLIX #1155

View Map327 COLONY BLVD
THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

(352) 391-1808



PUBLIX #1080

View Map3475 WEDGEWOOD LN
THE VILLAGES, FL 32162

(352) 751-6302



PUBLIX #1334

View Map1566 BELLA CRUZ DR
LADY LAKE, FL 32159

(352) 750-9863



PUBLIX #0447

View Map1120 BICHARA BLVD
LADY LAKE, FL 32159

(352) 750-2424



TARGET PHARMACY #2058

View Map716 N US HIGHWAY 441
THE VILLAGES, FL 32159

(352) 205-8943



WINN-DIXIE PHARMACY #2337

View Map944 BICHARA BLVD
LADY LAKE, FL 32159

(352) 753-6115



SAM'S CLUB #4998

View Map755 N US HIGHWAY 27
LADY LAKE, FL 32159

(352) 751-5989



CVS #05120

View Map860 AVENIDA CENTRAL
LADY LAKE, FL 32159

(352) 750-1118



RXCARE PHARMACY

View Map13733 N US HIGHWAY 441
LADY LAKE, FL 32159

(352) 391-5533



VINTAGE PHARMACY

View Map725 HIGHWAY 466
LADY LAKE, FL 32159

(352) 751-6895



WAL-MART #2843

View Map17861 S US HIGHWAY 441
SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491

(352) 307-4410



CVS #05226

View Map17817 SE 109TH AVE
SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491

(352) 347-6616





Note: A maximum of 20 pharmacies are shown. Other participating