I'd like to hear from people that use, or are eligible for or don't use, both Tricare and VA. Do you see VA only for service-connected conditions and the Try-to-care doctor for everything else? If you see the VA for non-service connected issues, can you use Tricare - and if you do, do you pay the VA $18 co-pay or the Tricare $12 co-pay? Any other advice or opinions? If you are eligible for both but use only one, what factors were involved in that decision?

Ray, if you come up here Friday look me up... I'm in the supply dept.

Wray...

I use Tricare for everything, and only see the VA for yearly physical, CPAP monitoring, and a few meds. We have Tricare Standard. So there is a cost share, not co-pay.

I figure since I have other options I'll leave the VA time to those that don't. Also I have had the same Doctors for several years following me. Don't think that would happen with the VA.

quote:

Originally posted by Wray:
Ray, if you come up here Friday look me up... I'm in the supply dept.

Wray...

I have the main number, what's your extension?

30199

Rescheduled for Wed 10/21.

I am 80% disabled so I can use the VA but I prefer to use TRICARE Prime. I'm in a remote location according to TRICARE; for specialty referrals that are network providers I don't have to go through the referral game; my local health care provider calls and gets an appointment and I go...with a $12 copay.

VA Detroit is a big, ugly feel to the place. It is also over an hour's drive; I only go there if I have to because of a disability issue.

As a Priority 1 I went to the local VA clinic and signed up as a VA patient. Talked to my Doctor who basically said to keep using my TRI CARE benifits.

quote:

Originally posted by Nobodyaskedmebut:
VA Detroit is a big, ugly feel to the place. It is also over an hour's drive; I only go there if I have to because of a disability issue.

I've been very fortunate (knock on wood) to be here in San Diego. I only use Tricare as a back up. So far I would rather deal with the VA anyday compared to Tricare.

Turbo-G

quote:

I've been very fortunate (knock on wood) to be here in San Diego. I only use Tricare as a back up. So far I would rather deal with the VA anyday compared to Tricare.

Same for me here in Daytona Beach. I haven't seen my Tricare doctor in years...

Wray...

When I was working I used my comapny insurance. When I quit working I shifted to Tricare. Same doctors.....I spent 1 full year in a gov't thospital with a total of two years required to recover from my motorcycle accident.

I've seen all the gov't docs I want to see.

quote:

Originally posted by Wray:
30199

Wray I'm going to the VA tomorrow, I'll give you a call between appointments.
Ray