So, do we start a campaign to make Medicare available worldwide same as Tricare.

 

You would think that given the fact that healthcare generally is so much cheaper than in the US it would be a plus, which apparently it is for Tricare

Never going to happen.

2 hours ago, connda said:

Never going to happen.

Well I didn't say it was happening tomorrow

 

But why should non vet's be treated so bad?

 

We paid into Medicare our whole lives

 

There are military vets who never saw anything more than a desk cubicle, yet they are entitled to worldwide tricare

19 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

Well I didn't say it was happening tomorrow

 

But why should non vet's be treated so bad?

 

We paid into Medicare our whole lives

 

There are military vets who never saw anything more than a desk cubicle, yet they are entitled to worldwide tricare

The fact is these vets were subject to be called to front line duty at anytime.  They were also subject to the same discipline and rules.  

On 8/13/2025 at 5:39 PM, GinBoy2 said:

Well I didn't say it was happening tomorrow

 

But why should non vet's be treated so bad?

 

We paid into Medicare our whole lives

 

There are military vets who never saw anything more than a desk cubicle, yet they are entitled to worldwide tricare

The vets paid their dues, meaning they put up with the BS for 20-30 yrs. I stayed with a job I didn't really like to get that Gov pension which includes international BC/BS

First 5 years we lived in Thailand, there was no Tricare for Life.  Then, boom, 2001.  Given the current state of affairs in the US, I can't imagine the same thing happening today.

TRICARE for Life (TFL) was created by Congress in 2001 through the Fiscal 2001 National Defense Authorization Act. 

While a collaborative effort across various branches of government was involved in enacting the program, key individuals played instrumental roles:

• Senator John Warner (R-Va.): As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he was a central figure in the legislative process.
• Representative Steve Buyer (R-Ind.): As Chairman of the House Armed Services military personnel subcommittee, he also played a key role in the creation of TFL. 

Their efforts, combined with strong bipartisan support and pressure from military associations, ultimately led to the creation of TFL as a mandatory entitlement, ensuring lifetime healthcare for Medicare-eligible military retirees. 

 

 

I am on medicare now for two years.  used it once.  It was OK . I was traveling and out of state and went to an ER in Baton Rouge.  Service was great.  For some reason I still got a 128 dollar bill from the hospital despite my advantage plans but that's fine.  One can disenroll from medicare part B at anytime.  Of course if you re enroll you are charged 10 % more for the premiums for each 12 month period you did not pay.  

 

What would be fair would be to not have to pay Medicare premiums when overseas for say some three month period or more since you can't use it overseas.  That would be a fair compromise between just stopping and starting it at ones convenience.  Now, even though you can't use it when overseas, nothing is technically stopping you from getting back to the USA and then use it.  

 

As for Tricare versus Medicare.  I would also add VA general medical benefits that are not available to so many veterans now that are separated but not full retired.  heck they have like 8 groups of eligibility now and I can not even apply.

On 8/14/2025 at 7:39 AM, GinBoy2 said:

But why should non vet's be treated so bad?

Well, "Thank you for your non service." Even those who served, then got out -- but stayed in the Reserves or Guard -- are now reaping the rewards of a military pension, and Tricare -- as a Reserve/Guard retiree age 60. Yes, thank you non service folks for your tax dollars, allowing us military retired types to live a comfortable life in Thailand. OORAH!