3 Things to Know About TRICARE When You PCS
If you’re like many military families, you may have PCS’d somewhere in the world this summer. Stress, extreme organization, and wondering what could possibly go wrong often go along with the process, but do you know what else a PCS means? The option to change up your TRICARE insurance coverage. Here are three things you should know about TRICARE when you PCS:
1. Moving counts as a major event.
TRICARE permits you to change your type (Prime, Standard, Select, TFL) outside of the enrollment period if it coincides with a move, baby, etc., also known as a Qualifying Life Event.
While we were at Fort Drum, Select was a no-brainer for me. I had a slew of specialists I needed to see and quickly. The co-pays were minimal. It was essential for our family readiness.
But, the various plans do not give the same experience at every duty station. Research providers and facilities when you have orders for your next duty station.
Duty station Facebook groups for spouses are a great way to do this quickly and to get a consensus. Remember that these responses should supplement your own research, not replace it. Other families’ situations may be different from yours. Take this into account when you look into providers and facilities.
2. Make decisions early.
If you reassign to a new region with a move, and you decide a few weeks later that you want to change the plan (from Prime to Select, for example), then you have to wait. Your insurance can only be changed once with a major life event.
I switched my son’s and my care from Select to Prime about four days after arriving in Texas. After an experience with a provider I had no desire to repeat, one that meant a long wait for care, I tried to switch back to Select.
No such luck. I have to wait until the fall enrollment period to switch to Select.
If you know ahead of time that you need to switch regions and you want to try a different plan, you can make both changes at once.
3. Know who can see your records.
If you have Prime and are keeping it when you move, your new providers can access your records. If you’re switching to or from Select, your provider cannot access them.
You will have two options:
1. Obtain copies of your records from your providers to hand carry with you to your new doctors.
2. When you have your initial appointment with a provider, fill out a release of information, granting your previous doctor permission to send your records.
I highly recommend having your records with you. It can (and often will) save time and prevent a headache.
For more information, be sure to check out TRICARE’s website for all your insurance information.
Are there any TRICARE tips you would add to this list? Please share in the comments!
On point! TRICARE is sometimes challenging to navigate when things are “calm,” but a PCS adds a whole new layer. Thanks so much for sharing your personal experience/tips with us, Amanda.