I got a call from my TRICARE case manager the day before yesterday, while Jayden was in speech therapy. Is it seriously this difficult for my son to get care? Awhile back, I had asked to have Jayden’s therapy switched from Fayetteville to Goldsboro. Apparently, since he’s in TRICARE Standard now, they didn’t want to. I got everything worked out, explained how I have Medicaid for Jayden (which they already knew, but ok). During the conversation, I learned that I will no longer need authorizations for specialty services, since I’m in TRICARE Standard, as opposed to prime. Now, providers can just bill TRICARE Standard, then bill Medicaid to pick up the rest of the tab. Sounds easier right? Wrong.
The part about authorizations IS easier. Under TRICARE Standard, I can just ask providers for stuff, and I don’t have to get a ‘script from Jayden’s primary care manager or get lost in the labyrinth that is medical insurance. So, that part’s nice. What’s not nice? Jayden is no longer entitled to care on base. Now, I was never a fan of the 90 minute drive to Fort Bragg, NC, but I AM a fan of the continuity of care he was receiving there. His dietitian and developmental pediatrician have followed him for about three years now. I knew after I was dropped out of TRICARE completely that I wouldn’t be able to take him to Bragg, but I didn’t know that he had to stop going there NOW. The loose ends that I wanted to tie up before I got him started here in Goldsboro are just going to have to remain loose, I suppose. Do I agree with those rules? NOT EVEN. I spent 12 years in the Army, eight of which I was a parent, and my son can’t get care from them for six more months? Dislike. This is just one more example of how medical insurance needs to be fixed, in so many ways.
I’m not a socialist. I don’t think everyone should have an equal amount of everything. I do however, think that everyone should receive medical care, WITHOUT the red tape, and WITHOUT getting hopelessly lost in the labyrinth of rules. Whether I’m in TRICARE Standard, or TRICARE Prime, companies and providers need to recognize a need, and provide for it. So, what’s the fix? Post your ideas, or share your stories in my comment spot 
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He must have overheard my conversation about TRICARE Standard