Here is what I was talking about in the past about my medical experiences with the army med staff. Because I am turning 65 on the first of August, I received my packages in the mail from the SS office informing me I had to choose a plan with Medicare and if I did not, they would automatically enroll me in parts A, and B. OK I let them choose. Next, I get a package from RACH (Reynolds Army Community Hospital) which I had to use after retiring from the military because it was cheaper for TRICARE for me to use. Now that I am eligible for Medicare, they say I have to use a doctor off post (gladly). In their packet they give me a timeline for preparing to change my status for the move. First, I must get a copy of my medical records for my new doctor so, I go there today and ask for a copy. The receptionist says: "Fill out this form and leave us a phone number and address where we can send them to you when we have them ready". I ask: "Can't I just pick them up here? I don't want them sent through the mail". She says: "You would have to pick them up the day we called" I said: "I am not going anywhere so, OK."
Next, I go to the records section of Ft. Sill (as instructed) and wait in line to see one of the records clerks and when they see me, they want two forms of ID even though they know me personally (by name) because I used to work in the same building and talk with them every day for years. After that they tell me that I now have an appointment to see a clerk on Monday the 13th to change my DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) from Tricare Prime to Tricare for Life. That generally is free unless you have other people under 65 in the house who are on Tricare. Both wife and daughter are so, payments won't change (what's the point). Now for me, Tricare becomes secondary and Medicare primary. When that appointment is finished, they will make me another appointment to come back and make a new ID card to reflect my new status at the very same station.
Won't go into the other things I need do; it would take too long.
Gubament efficiency on display.
Next, I go to the records section of Ft. Sill (as instructed) and wait in line to see one of the records clerks and when they see me, they want two forms of ID even though they know me personally (by name) because I used to work in the same building and talk with them every day for years. After that they tell me that I now have an appointment to see a clerk on Monday the 13th to change my DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) from Tricare Prime to Tricare for Life. That generally is free unless you have other people under 65 in the house who are on Tricare. Both wife and daughter are so, payments won't change (what's the point). Now for me, Tricare becomes secondary and Medicare primary. When that appointment is finished, they will make me another appointment to come back and make a new ID card to reflect my new status at the very same station.
Won't go into the other things I need do; it would take too long.
Gubament efficiency on display.
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