Question:
Any military dependants with TRI CARE PRIME?

I know that TRI CARE will cover WLS, but I'm curious how much if any cost is not covered for military dependants?    — JessieL (posted on June 8, 2003)

June 8, 2003
I'm a military wife/dependent with TriCare Prime. My surgery was in January of this year and all of the bills have since been dispersed. As of today, there are no outstanding balances and I did not have to pay anything. Because the military's "waiting list" was over a year out I was able to get my primary doctor to put in a referral for a civilian surgeon. This process was MUCH faster. If you want more information I've got additional notes in the "PreOp" portion of my profile. Good luck to you on your WLS!! : )
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 8, 2003
Hey there!! I have Tricare Prime too, and they have been GREAT so far. I called them to be sure as long as your sponsor is under active duty status you will NOT have to pay a dime!! Everything was covered~ nothing out of pocket on my part since I have started this. I have a surgery date for June 26th and Tricare took about a week to get back to my doc. on my approval. Let me know how you come out. GOOD LUCK!! : )
   — Jackie T.

June 8, 2003
Tricare does not pay 100%, that is a popular misconception, however, you cannot be billed the balance. My hospital bill alone was almost 21k and they paid about $4500. The rest is written off. Tricare was giving me troubles with my post surgical blood work, but I called them on it, and they allowed it. Don't let them try to pull any fast ones. So far I have not paid a dime to have my surgery done civilian.
   — TraciB

June 8, 2003
Another TC-P person here. So far they've been great. Only had one problem with a lab bill that was coded wrong. Got that fixed and its all been covered. I did make extra sure to use only in-network providers though. Good luck on your journey.
   — Anne R.

June 8, 2003
I have Tricare Prime and my dh is active duty. So far, they have paid for everything. I received approval in 24 hours and had surgery by a civilian doc on May 19th. Before surgery I saw a pshychologist that was out of network and the doc had me pay a $25 co-pay and I just got a check in the mail from Tricare reimbursing me that money. So, they have been great! I am very thankful to the Army for this! I have not been the happiest dependent but because I was able to have this surgery completely free, I am very greatful! Good luck to you!
   — Tami H.

June 9, 2003
Thank you all for taking the time to answer=) Now I'll have to look into wether or not the cover the re-constructive surgerys lol.
   — JessieL