Have any of you used USFHP for your health insurance?

[RGinNJ]

I retired from the Navy in 1999 and have always used TriCare Prime, but I recently moved away from a close base. It looks like USFHP may be a good alternative but would like some feedback. Thanks in advance.

[pinboy3niner]

1. Doesn't Tricare cover care by civilian providers?

I'm not clear on why living near a base or not would be a factor.

[RGinNJ]

2. Yes but only by referral. I need a primary care doc.

Also no doctors in my area accept TriCare but they will take USFHP.

[pinboy3niner]

3. You need a military referral?

I'm not up on Tricare, haven't used it in decades. My wife used it (even when we were separated and I signed papers to ensure her continuing coverage). Pardon my ignorance, my brain is still in the old CHAMPUS system. Am I old or what?

[RGinNJ]

5. Not always from the military but TriCare pays so little most civilian docs won't take it.

[diddlysquat]

4. Yes

My 91 year old mother has this insurance and I have gotten to know it intimately. The only drawback to it that I can see is that you are limited to certain doctors who are spread all over our area (Seattle). There is only ONE orthopedic doctor for all the people on this plan in the Seattle area. That alone amazed me. However, she pays almost nothing and gets a lot from it. Their hospice program is amazing. Just be prepared to drive to many different places to access their limited doctors.

[RGinNJ]

6. I suffer from Cluster Headaches, I live on the NJ shore and my neurologist is in Philadelphia

so I am used to the road. However under USFPS my new Primary Doc is at the end of my street, so that would be nice.