A Veteran's Medical Benefits

A Veteran’s Medical Benefits

         What Medical Benefits does a retired Veteran receive? My wife realized the benefits of being married to one recently. Let me explain.

         She was born and raised in Illinois. As such, she had never interacted with Veterans much. Especially an odd Submarine Veteran like me. When we first met, she would ask me what it was like being in the Navy, being on Submarines. I rarely provided details, just a word or two. But she persisted and slowly drew memories from me.

         Then, the time was right and we took the big step of marriage. One of the benefits she learned to appreciate is the Medical Benefits. It took us a month or so to get things straightened out for her, get her registered with D.E.E.R.S. (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System). At first she wanted to keep the insurance she had by being a State Farm Retiree. It took a while, but I finally convinced her that she needed to use Tricare For Life, the insurance I have from my Navy Service. I don’t think it really sank in though until we drove to the Naval Hospital at Great Lakes Naval Training Center to get her Trulicity prescription filled. She had been paying about $250 a month for Trulicity, sometimes close to $400, depending on a ‘hole’ in her Medicare coverage. Here are the details of that visit to the Naval Hospital.

         We arrived at the hospital, her prescription for Trulicity in hand. Of course we had to grab a number and wait to be called. Our time finally arrived and we approached the window. This was her first time using her Military ID and she was uncertain about what to do. I said, “Just show him your ID when asked honey, he’ll guide you and tell you what to do.”

         She was still unsure, but did follow directions After reviewing her prescription and verifying her ID, the Pharmacy Technician had us sit down again and wait while the prescription was filled. After a short wait we were called again. The Tech took the time to explain how to use the injector, provided an insulated bag with Dry Ice for the medication (It has to be kept chilled), then sent us on our way with her package.

         As we were walking away she said, “Wait a minute, did we just get a month’s supply of Trulicity for free? No one is looking for us to pay?”

         I said, “It wasn’t free honey, my 20-year career paid for it.”

         She looked at me in wonder and finally said, “Now I understand. Thank YOU for your service!”

         We have gotten that same prescription filled several times, except now we get a 3-month supply each time. She’s done the math and realized we’re saving at least $3000 a year by refilling Trulicity at the Naval Hospital. Being a Senior Citizen now, the Medical Benefits make that 20 year career all the more worth it now.

Jim Dorrell
2/13/25