question about insurance ...

Well, I was approved by Tricare for a breast reduction. But my husband is getting out of the military Sept 18th and they can't do it before then. Since I was approved while he was still in and it's good until Feb, can I still have it done once he gets out and have them pay for it? I'm going to call and ask the dr and tricare, but looking for some opinions. TIA

Call your insurance company to be sure but I fear not.  You'll have to have the procedure done while he is still in and has coverage.  Sorry.......
Maybe the Dr can move up the date to help you out....?

I don't think the approval date matters when it comes to insurance coverage.  I know that my policy would stop paying for any care, effective the date the insurance coverage ends.  I don't know about military folks, but is COBRA an option?

Thanks. I don't think they will cover it either, but a couple of people told me they would. I don't know why they would say that. But it can't hurt to ask anyway. The dr only does surgery the second and fourth Mondays of the months. The earliest they said they had was the 28th and the lady I spoke with didn't seem like she even wanted to try and help me. She was just like, oh well. We can get I think 18 months of coverage when we get out for a fairly cheap price for the family. But I don't know how much out of pocket I would have to pay. I guess I will just have to wait until we get settled, on our feet and save up. I want a tummy tuck too, so I will wait. We thought we were going to have until Feb, but it didn't work out that way. I'll live. It will just give me more time to try and get to where I want to be (if I can get over this stall). If not, I'm happy where I am and will have the surgery when I get the money. Thanks for the input.

I know that our approval letters state that covereage is contingent upon the member's eligibility at the time services are rendered... So unless you pick up their cobra coverage (at least though the end of the month of your surgery) I'm afraid the answer will probably be no. To know for sure, your best bet is to a) read the letter and see what it states about eligibility and or b) contact the carrier to clarify for sure.

Another suggestion would be to contact your surgeon to see if they can fit you in before the 18th. You never know, they may be able to work with you when they understand your cir****tances.

Good Luck !!!

Find a different surgeon - one who can get you in before the deadline.  Travel if you have to.

Red