Len44

Nope, not in my case, with the unique Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan (a "specialized" form of Tricare). Many providers out of the our primary service area (Maryland) get this backwards, even though I hand them the extra card Hopkins provides that carefully explains they are Primary, and Medicare Secondary. Some have fiddled around long enough with their error that they have lost out on payment. I am also always careful to point this situation out to each provider.

SheDrivesIt

Well..... I wouldn't say that it is "free", you just pay for it in a different way.

SheDrivesIt

Emil, how do non-citizen Canadians handle health care? Same system?

Emil St-Hilaire

Conedodger

I just renamed the "Mortgage" column in my budget to "Healthcare."

Starting in October, I'll be personally funding mine for several years. One of the reasons I opted for two hip replacements this year.

dlq04

CitadelBlue

Len44 ... post 17...... don't think so. Medicare pays first then tricare for life. Premium for Medicare part b is $400+ per quarter. Tricare for life is free but both have deductables.

CitadelBlue

Posting in the boonies with poor reception stinks...... Len44, the whole Johis Hopkun things is an entire different sprogram.......

Len44

If you are talking the Tricare most have, then yes, that would be correct. However, when speaking very specifically about the Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan -- "A Tricare Prime Designated Provider" as it says on my insurance card...then no. The card they provide to members, which I hand over to each specialist I see, states:

"Important Notice: Do Not Bill Medicare for Services covered by the US Family Health Plan" The card actually states this in Red.

The card further states, "...The US Family Health Plan is primary and must be billed first."

It is a bit confusing if one is not familiar with the Johne Hopkins US Family Health Plan, which in only available in a few states / geographical areas. It is unique in the way it interfaces with Medicare for those who retired from the military.

cdubea

Wow, lots of great stuff to think about. Thanks to all who comes it!