RE: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,181737,00.html

TriCare is over rated. C plus or B- is a reach. I'm sure most health care has it's problems however most military and retirees have a high threshold for this system's failings. Try to survey the civilian population and see what grade they would recieve.

I filled out this form when it was sent to me. It's a little strange how, in the article it states that, "... The steady shift of patients away from military direct care is worrisome, Granger said, “because the backbone of our medical readiness is what we do within our military health care system and [by] sending our providers and nurses to the civilian sector to get training..." This is really contradictory of what has been stated and said many times. I have been told, as well as fellow dependents, spouses, soldiers, that military health care was originally and primarily set up for care of soldiers. It was never meant to oversee the care of civilians. And the migration from MTF's to civilan for non-military is what is as expected. In addition, with so many MTF's closing down, limiting services, where one has to 'go off base' to receive care. We live in Maryland, where there is John's Hopkins. We were offered this choice due to the Brac, the overall amount of people from ALL services stationed here, and that Kimbrough is basically an ambulatory care facility. ALthough Hopkins is quite a bit better in getting appointments, you still have to deal with the paperwork, and wondering whether or not procedures are covered and if we are responsible for paying them. Basically, it's one HMO replacing another. Long lines, lots of paperwork, and numerous phonecalls trying to ensure that basic health care is covered. There have been several times where we personally and others with whom I have spoken to, have had to pay out of pocket for health care related costs, when in reality, the care/procedure should have been covered. Sadly though, I think this is a problem that many Americans, not just military and their dependents face everyday.

I couldn't agree with you more. I grew up with military healthcare then married a sailor (let's say it wasn't for the healthcare). I had a small glimmer of civilian providers when we lived in an area where there was not a military facility. What a luxury! It was hard sometimes to know what was covered and what was not. I have a chronic condition that really needs to be followed by one doctor and not whoever the person who answers at the appt line decides to send me to. I very rarely see the same doctor and so far at this duty station have yet to meet my PCM. Tricare's stated goal with assigning us PCMs is "continuity of care." As it is, I have to repeat my entire health history every time I go to the doctor. I am actually looking for new employment right now with healthcare options specifically in mind. I would give Tricare a solid "D."

Tricare Prime SUCKS, no other words can describe TRICARE PRIME. It is a well known fact that TRIPLER kills people, especially infants. Check Honoluluadvertiser.com to check my facts!
I can't understand why enlisted and officers' spouses use PRIME instead of standard, it's a no brainer. YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET! And, if you have a child or 2 why do you have PRIME, again this is unacceptable. We live in the great land of the USA and we don't need socialized medicine!!

fort carson takes good care of me and my wife