Re: Turning 65 in 2012. Need advice on medical.

No Dennis you will not need a referral under TFL. Let me tell you a little story as I will turn 65 in Dec. and started collecting my Social Security at 62. I knew I would have to pay for Medicare Part B and expected what my husband had been paying plus the small increase that was approved for 2012. Well what a fool I was to think that would happen. I got a letter a few days ago advising me Medicare Part B would be over $15.00 more than what I had expected. I called and was told since I was new paying Part B I was not ruled by the COLA increase that they use to increase Part A and Part B. I was told they can charge me whatever they think is fair for my income.

AS for TFL and Medicare they are the best that is available, no question about it. Hubby on TFL and Medicare the last 10 years as he is 100% disabled and no matter what he has to be treated for or operated on he has not paid a dime. If you or your wife want to do some research get a copy of the 2012 Social Security book that was just published and in the back of the book it shows companies you can use as a supplemental, what they cover, how much it costs and how they are rated in the industry.

You DO NOT need Medicare supplements. I did an exhaustive review before selecting Tricare to accompany Medicare. There are no better options. One caution. Military budget cuts could change the picture. Time will tell. At any rate you can always pick up a part D supplement policy in the future if circumstances change.
Oh - don't forget to get your meds through Tricare Express Scripts mail order program. They are very inexpensive.

Sizzors wrote: You DO NOT need Medicare supplements. I did an exhaustive review before selecting Tricare to accompany Medicare. There are no better options. One caution. Military budget cuts could change the picture. Time will tell. At any rate you can always pick up a part D supplement policy in the future if circumstances change.
Oh - don't forget to get your meds through Tricare Express Scripts mail order program. They are very inexpensive.

Same here,there is no reason to pay for a Medicare Supplement policy.
Unless you have money to throw away.And in that case there are many places that will be only too happy to oblige.
Many civilians would love to have the TriCare with their MediCare !

Unless there's been a change since I worked for TRICARE (2008) be sure to get your DEERS/ID card data updated showing you are eligible/have Medicare Part A and B. Call one of the base ID offices or a TRICARE contractor to get more info regarding ID card update requirements. Recommend doing this NLT about three months from your 65th birthday.

For more information
about DEERS call 1-800-538-9552, or visit
tricare.mil/DEERS.

By now u have moved fwd with the confirmations that TFL is it!

Retired army msc, health admin here.....confirming also. The combo you listed it!

Don't leave home without it!

Gboy1 (rray)

OK, I signed up for Medicare this week. Boy, what a milestone that is.

Now for another question.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist under TFL?

Thanks
Dennis