FAQ / Newbies, read this - updated

Remember, no one has the same experience.  Things vary from location to location. Sometimes TriCare covers something, other times it doesn't. It's a horrid answer but the truth really is; it depends. 

 

Q: I'm pregnant! They won't see me until almost 10 weeks on base, is that normal?

A: Congrats! Yes that is normal. Most OBs, whether civilian or military don't normally see your for first appointment until 8-12 weeks. Most providers will bring you in to confirm pregnancy and give you a prescription for prenatal vitamins; typically the appointment is with a nurse practitioner. 

Q: I have heard nothing but horror stories about the base hospital/OBGYN on post. I don't want to go there! What can I do?

A: Remember that most people are bound to tell you the bad stories and not as many people spread the good experiences. Give your base hospital/OB a chance. If after a few appointments you still aren't comfortable you can talk to a patient advocate. Most installations have one and they can be very helpful.  You can switch to another OB on base if your base has more than one. If not, they should be able to point you in the right direction to proceed with switching to TriCare Standard. 

Q: Does TriCare cover a home birth?
A: The honest answer is it depends. Often times it depends on how things are coded and your location. Talk to your local TriCare office.

The volunteer doulas are through Operation Special Delivery, found here.

Q: What is the difference between TriCare Standard/TriCare Prime/TriCare Prime Remote/TriCare Reserve Select?
A: Short, easy, answer. TriCare Prime is what you use when you're on post and your fees are covered. TriCare Prime Remote is used in remote locations when there aren't military resources available, you must enroll in this option and it is not available in all areas. TriCare Standard is typically when you are seen off post even though there are other options available, there can be some out of pocket costs but you typically get the doctor of your choice.  TriCare Reserve Select is used for reservists who are drilling status(one weekend a month). It's fairly inexpensive but does involve some cost share and out of pocket expenses.  However it can be an affordable option for families who don't get insurance from their civilian employers.

Q: Does TriCare cover a breast pump?
A: Ask your base hospital or closest resource. There are several options to get them covered, some hospitals even let you borrow/have them. The textbook answer is that they cover them for babies who require a NICU stay and are separated from their mother for extended periods of time. 

Q: I read that TriCare only covers one ultrasound? Is that true? That doesn't seem like a lot.
A: Technically, yes. If you know the date of conception(or round about) then TriCare would only cover your anatomy scan around 20 weeks. No, they do not cover a selective ultrasound to try and find out the sex of your baby; that is typically done at the 20 week anatomy scan.  Most often you will receive a dating ultrasound at your first OB appt between 8-12 weeks and then your anatomy scan. Other ultrasounds can be covered if billed properly, speak to your OB about it ahead of time and be forewarned that TriCare is denying more and more claims due to people abusing ultrasounds.

Q: What does TriCare cover for IF?
A: It depends. If the military treatment facility(MTF) near you has an RE or IF specialist, most of your care should be covered. If you're seen out in town it will depend on whether you're on prime, prime remote, standard etc. The general rule is that they will cover work ups, medications, etc. but again, it depends. Here's a post with a lot of useful information.

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/64656527.aspx

Q: My husband/spouse/significant other is deploying soon, I'm pregnant. Has anyone delivered with their SO gone?
A: Yes. More than you would like to know. Talk to the hospital you'll be delivering at about the possibility of using skype during your labor.  Make sure to take lots of pictures during your pregnancy and ask for copies of your ultrasounds to share with your loved one.  Also, make sure to get a Power of Attorney(POA) to register your LO in DEERS once they arrive. You also should get one to replace your own ID card if it were to be lost of expire while your SO is deployed.

Q: We have a newborn/infant/toddler and my SO is deploying soon. How can we make it easier with the transition and missing them?
A: Military One Source has several ideas and resources that you can use. You can also talk to your FRG/Key Spouse/Obudsman for more resources.  Look up things like Elmo's deployment video, daddy dolls, recordable books from Hallmark. There are tons of resources out there, don't be afraid to use them. Take lots pictures, use Skype when possible, find fun ways to countdown(or up whichever) that you can involve the kids in.  Make sure to take time for yourself away from your kiddos. There is nothing wrong with a little alone time.

Q: I need a sitter but I'm far from family and don't really know anyone. My SO is deployed. What can I do?
A: Talk to you Childcare Center on post(CDC) they will let you know their drop in rules and how full they are. They should also have a list of local reputable day cares, sitters, etc. Some places also offer some free babysitting for spouses of deployed servicemembers.
www.sittercity.com
https://www.childcare.gov/xhtml/links/g_1/t_21.html

Q: My SO is deployed. Is it true they can come home for the birth?

A: It depends. The Red Cross will send a message but only after you have delivered. If your SO is able to schedule their mid-tour leave around your delivery date and it is approved by command then there is a chance but keep in mind, it is not set in stone.

Q: I'm an emotional wreck. I'm not sure if it's just stress or PPD. What can I do?

A: Military One Source offers free counseling to service members and their families so you are entitled to those sessions as well. Call them and ask to speak to someone who specializes in PPD. Your OBGYN might also have good recommendations for counselors who work in PPD. Whatever you do, don't wallow and just ignore it. Take care of yourself! 

Q: What about paternity leave? I heard he gets 10 days for free!

A: Not necessarily. Yes, his command CAN give him up to 10 days, consecutive, within the first year of YCs life if they so choose. There is nothing that says they have to give it to him. 

Q: We just got orders to PCS overseas. Help!
First, breathe. It is totally doable and thousands of military families have PCSed over seas. Talk to your housing office/TMO on base, they should be able to give you resources to start the process. You'll need to start the medical screening process. You'll want to start looking for flights and quarantine procedures for your pets(if you have them) as well as getting their up to date vet records.  The military will only pay to ship one vehicle over seas so if you have more than one, decide if it is going or not. More info here
https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/65025617.aspx
https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/65025707.aspx

Resources:

The Military board on the Nest has created a FAQ page full of info here.

AHRN.com A DOD sponsored site for housing at duty stations Air Force 101 -- A Handbook for Air Force Spouses (PDF file)
Air Force Aid Society -- Overview, list of locations, and details about applying for education and personal assistance.
Air Force Cross Roads --  the official Air Force community web site
Air Force Times -- Air Force Newspaper
Army -- official site of the US Army
Army vFRG -- ArmyFRG is your direct connection to Command information for your unit.
Army Housing -- Army Housing OneStop is the official Army website for soldiers who need information about Military Family Housing (MFH), Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) and/or Community (Off-Post) Housing.
Automated Housing Referral Network -- The Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN.com) is sponsored by the Department of Defense and is designed to improve the process of securing available housing for relocating military members and their families.
BAH Rates -- Housing Rates
Bank Of America Military
Basic etiquette for civilian spouses -- This is taken from milspouse.com, which is actually a very helpful and informative source of information.  It's kind of like thenest, but entirely for MNers.
Cell Phones for Soldiers -- Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas in 2008.
CinChouse -- a message board catering to spouses and SO's
Coast Guard -- official site of the USCG
Deployment tips -- Courtesy of the American Red Cross
Donut of Misery -- opens in Excel, a count down tool.

My Army Benefits -- one stop for up-to-date Army benefits
My Base Guide
National Guard -- official site of the National Guard
Navy -- official Site of the Navy
Navy Federal -- Credit Union, serving All US Department of Defense
Nest, the -- message board for military spouses
Operation Homefront -- Online site for Operation Home Front
Operation Love ReUnited -- Operation: Love ReUnited Photography sessions are for deploying, deployed, and returning military families.
PCS Checklist  -- a great checklist to keep all information in one place while on PCS -- from: The Displaced Dutchian
PCSing your pets? -- This website covers updating immunizations, looking in to quarantine, etc.
Plan My Move -- Plan My Move provides you with access to information about your entitlements and benefits, to points of contact, checklists, planning tools, and information on education and employment.
Red Cross--The website for the American Red Cross, including Emergency Notification Services
Regional Passport Agencies -- For passport questions, travel emergencies, or to make an appointment at one of our Regional Passport Agencies
Smooth Move Checklist -- This website has step-by-step checklists that mirror the exact briefing the Legal Office gives the AD members prior to moving.
Support Your Vet -- A veteran's experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan are unimaginable, and returning home isn't always easy. As a family member or friend of a veteran, you have the power to help, but knowing where to start can be difficult.
Tricare -- insurance
Metlife -- dental insurance
USAA -- military banking