Why can't retired Military reserve purchase Tricare medical before age 60 (Army, reserves)

[High Springs Gator]

You would think retired Military reservist would be allowed to purchase Tricare Medical insurance before age 60 sinse we can't draw retirement pay until then. How much extra would it cost. Geez.

[flu189]

Bills to allow just this have been proposed and shot down along with lots of other benefits for reservists/guard who have served and reached their "20". Yup, it's about money and the fact that by expending funds to those over twenty and retired does not return on the investment. Doesn't sound pretty, but it's the truth. Just remember that members of congress and the senate will on Thursday be getting a $4700 raise. Also, it was just recently that non deployed reservists could even get the option to purchase Tricare health and dental which was also very long overdue which in the present economic climate can become a valuable benefit for those who are losing their civilian jobs.

[ashwill]

You got to remember that the government is a business too and they are trying to save as much money as possible.

[bound2TN]

Originally Posted by High Springs Gator

You would think retired Military reservist would be allowed to purchase Tricare Medical insurance before age 60 sinse we can't draw retirement pay until then. How much extra would it cost. Geez.

As if this isn't bad enough, once you go past 65 and become eligible for Medicare, you go on Tricare For Life (and pay Medicare Part B.) There is(are) presently proposals to eliminate/severely reduce the benefits under TFL.

[Redraven]

I have TFL. It isn't all that great anyway. Tricare considers EVERY insurance plan to be primary to them, so they only pay a portion of what the other plans didn't pay, IF your deductibles have been met.
It is somewhat better than nothing, I guess.
Actually, I have three plans at the moment.
Medicare is primary.
Then, Blue Cross/Blue Shield pays a portion of what Medicare didn't pay.
Then, Tricare pays a portion of what is left.
Then, I get to pay the remainder.
THIS is how the "free medical care for life" promise the government made to me in 1959 is being kept.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

First, the government is in no way, shape, or form a business. If it were, IMO over half of the congress would be serving long prison terms.

We are under 65 and on Tricare only. For the money, it's an incredible deal. Our annual premium is what many would pay monthly. If there's a base nearby, many medications can be obtained there at no cost.

My best advice: don't get hurt, don't get sick, stay in shape.

[dmarie123]

Guess you'll have to ask your congressional candidates in the next election before deciding who to vote for.

[Foxmeister1957]

Any individual serving in the Reserves is eligible to purchase Tricare Standard, but a Retired Reservist is not. This is absurd. I just retired from the Army Reserve after 25 years with 3 deployments, the last three years on active duty, and 10 years active duty time total. I think Retired Reservists should be eligible to purchase what they were eligible to purchase before they retired.