Benefits

[MKDW]

Just throwing out a question (for my wife). I read that medical benefits begin 30 days into the academy for the new cadet. What are the coverages for the families? Is it at the same time frame. What is the typical coverage? Is it like TRICARE or a typical HMO? Thanks!

[dw]

I believe benefits actually begin the 1st of the month following your appointment. So if you start November 30, benefits [should] start December 1. If you start at the beginning of the month, you have to wait 30 days. Coverages for your family will start the same time as yours.

You'll have a choice of several HMOs, Kaiser, etc... Many go with the CAHP Blue Cross plan, it's a HMO/PPO combination. I don't know a lot about different medical packages, but I think the Blue Cross is pretty good. I end up paying a bit more for visits because I go to "my own" facility that charges more than the allowed amounts. If you go to a Blue Cross provider, they cover a good chunk.

The only thing that sucks is you can not get the Blue Cross dental until two years employment with the State.

[Your Mentor]

Medical packages offer benefits depending on the area you work. Kaiser is only worth it if you work near a Kaiser hospital. I've always used the Blue Cross because it works throughout the state and usually offers the best coverage. Plus it's backed by our association which means officers are campaigning to get us the best the package has to offer. Plus it doesn't matter where you're assigned.

[Ray1]

I have a similar question out there that was last asked in the previous post. For all you former military vets out there that are now officers, is there a medical package that closely resembles that of Tricare-Prime? And,the whole dental package, does that also apply to your dependents? Do they have to wait to be covered as well or is that just for yourself? I am just curious to know, if and when I attend the academy, do your dependants have their medical cards sent to them or are you given them at the academy and send them home yourself? I guess thats the youngster in me since I joined the Navy at 18 and they pretty much handle all this for you. Thanks for all the responses and it is much appreciated. Ray

[makakona]

we had tricare prime and switched to the blue cross cahp plan. nothing can ever touch tricare prime, as you well know! but the cahp plan isn't a bad substitute...

[Ray1]

Tricare Prime,you gotta love it, but thanks for that great info about the benefits. Ray