Military insurance coverage starts when?

[Travelbugg]

My Husband leaves for bootcamp in December...I read online that one of the "prep" things to do before bootcamp is to "cancel insurance coverage." My husband is currently covered under my work insurance, but our open enrolment is in November, so if I remove him from the policy for 2012 I need to do it within the next 2 weeks...does anyone know when the Navy starts medical coverage for recruits? would it be in December when he starts? or in February when he's done with Basic?  and once he passes, when is coverage available for the families?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Kathy (AOMom)]

Open enrollment for civilian companies is for newbies to get on the insurance, if you are already on you dont need to worry about the November date,stay on until you get coverage from the USN. Health insurance can be cancelled at any time, dont need to wait for open enrollment.

[BR549]

Coverage does not start until he is a Sailor that means after graduating from Bootcamp. 

[Travelbugg]

OK--thanks. @BR549 thats what I needed to know. @Kathy--- my concern was that the "life event" that allows changes would start in December and the company only gives me 30 days after a life event to make alterations in coverage...but I checked w my HR and they said "change in insurance eligibility" would also be considered a life event so I can drop him in February without any lapse in his coverage. I am currently pregnant so I want to keep my current insurance for myself and am not switching to Tricare until after the baby is born, that way I dont have to worry about changing doctors or anything like that. (if we were going to drop it altogether I would agree with you--I was more concerned that I was switching from employee+spouse to just employee and THAT (I think) needs to happen at open enrolment.)

But thank you both!!! :)

[Angie]

What happens if he doesn't make it through bootcamp and you took him off your insurance and cancled your own?  Not everyone makes it through.  Recommend you wait to cancel anything until AFTER he finishes bootcamp

[Craig]

BR549 - I disagree.  

Technically from the day he swears into active duty his and his family medical benefit starts.  The family member will get Tri-Care standard, which will convert to Tri-Care prime once they apply for it.   However he will have to go through the process with the necessary paperwork to enroll his familiy into DEERS and to obtain an ID card for them.  From the time he leaves MEPS for boot camp, until they enter they enter them into DEERS they are covered under Tri-Care Standard. 

 

btw:  Some people leave their recruit on their policy just in case they are dropped from the Navy.  If they are dropped, then they would be considered have a "Pre-existing condition" which would really be hard getting insurance.  However, per this ladies statement, why pay for something if she knows her husband will pass BC?  

 

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

All service members and their family members must be enrolled in DEERS to receive medical benefits. This system is what allows the military to verify that only authorized people are treated in its facilities. It is up to your spouse to enroll you. He or she can do that at the uniformed services personnel office. To find the office nearest you, go tohttp://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil. To enroll, you will need certain documentation, such as a copy of your marriage license and the birth certificates or Social Security cards of all family members, including children. More information about DEERS is available on the TRICARE site at http://www.tricare.mil/deers/

 

http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmartfiles/Prod_829/TRICARE_Eligibili...

[Debbie]

Life changing events can be added or taken off an insurance policy at anytime.  I put my hubby on my insurance n June and was told if he got a job with benifets he can come off at any time.

[BR549]

I knew if they get dropped they don't have insurance.  I guess that's what I was referring to.  If I had to do it again I would NOT drop his insurance until he graduated BC. That's just me

[Anti M]

If you can afford to keep him on until he it through boot camp, then do so.  If you can afford your insurance until after the baby arrives, then do.  But here's the trick ... You'll have Tricare TOO!  I've never done the dual insurance thing, but go to Tricare and look it up... I think your insurance covers a share, then Tricare picks up a share.  Also, ask your current providers if they accept Tricare. You might not have to switch doctors after all. Compare co-pays and so on.  You'll be amazed.

 

You'll be on Tricare Standard at first, and can choose Prime if it suits your needs better.

[Craig]

BR549 -  I hear you sister....  I've seen recruits get dropped and then they have nothing.  For the 2 months extra, it's worth having the extra insurance.  But in today's economy, if your hard of for money, then this is probably the #1 place to make the cut if you know your recruit will make in past boot camp.  (ie knowing they are totally healthy)

 

Anti M - The only thing with having Tri-Care is you are required to file with your other insurance 1st.  Tri-Care will pick up the remainder.  Tri-Care is always in second place since it government funded.

[Anti M]

Yep, which is why I specified Tricare as the second payee.

[Travelbugg]

Great points...thank you. I dont want to be a jinx <knocking on wood right now> But I am pretty confident he will pass....he works out like a crazy person 7 times a week, and has gone though field training w the airforce previously and passed no problem... but you're right...you never know. Question about the duel coverage if anyone has done that before--- seeing as we're having a baby soon, I know our current plan covers 80% of hospital bills...are you saying that Tricare may cover some of the remaining 20% ? (that would be awesome!!!) Anyone know how I could find out? Or would I just need to wait until February... I am a "planner" when it comes to these things, and I just know that since my Husband is going to be fairly unreachable, (and very much preoccupied) during this time, I am trying to get as much info I can. Thanks in advance!

[Craig]

Travelbugg - The people on this website can only give you great advise.  To get the real information, you need to call Tri-Care and get the word from the horses mouth.  You will feel sooo much more comfortable hearing it from them, than anyone anyone else here.  Yes, alot of us deal with Tri-Care all the time, but we don't have the last minute rules and regulations.  

 

So, just give the a call...

 http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmartfiles/Prod_829/TRICARE_Eligibili...

 

When your done, post the answer to the 20% question.  It will give us something to kick around here.